Drip Chamber Type Patents (Class 99/306)
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Patent number: 6810789Abstract: An automatic tea maker device with buoyancy structure including a teacup, a percolator cup, and a cap, wherein two tube members are configured within a receptacle of the percolator cup, and lower portions of the two tube members are interconnected with a passage there between. A float is configured within one of the tube members to actuate a limit flow rod penetrated within a through hole. A plug end of the limit flow rod seals a tea outlet of a filter seat. A pull rod having a plunger head is disposed within the other tube member. Tea within the percolator cup slowly seeps into one of the tube members through an interstice between the limit flow rod and the through hole, thereby causing the float to float upwards, thus opening the tea outlet allowing the ready steeped tea to flow into the teacup, thereby achieving objective of time setting.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Far East CollegeInventors: Ming-Chi Chung, Chin-Jen Lin
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Patent number: 6805042Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for brewing a beverage. The apparatus has a brew funnel with an elevation device that enables the end user to brew beverage, hot or cold, with a filter and loose beverage precursor and with beverage precursor packaged within a filter pack.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Unilever Bestfoods, North America, division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Mauro Dominick Mordini, Michael Charles Cirigliano, Joseph Vaitkus
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Patent number: 6805040Abstract: An tea maker is constructed to include an infusion cup, the infusion cup having a skirt for supporting on any of a variety of cups, a stopper mounted in the bottom through hole of the infusion cup, a resilient member secured between a base of the stopper and the bottom wall of the infusion cup to hold the stopper in the closed position to seal the bottom through hole of the infusion cup against leakage, a link, and a rocker arm fastened pivotally with the infusion cup and coupled between the stopper and the link and adapted to lift the stopper from the bottom through hole upon downward movement of the link by the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Inventors: Richard Chang, Mario Bernardo Accumanno, Michael William Crowley
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Patent number: 6802246Abstract: A timer tea maker is constructed to include an infusion cup carrying a timer, and a link mechanism provided at one side face of the infusion cup and controlled by the timer to raise a stopper from a bottom through hole of the infusion cup for enabling prepared tea to discharge out of the through hole to a tea cup below the infusion cup when the set time has expired.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventors: Richard Chang, Mario Bernardo Accumanno, Michael William Crowley
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Patent number: 6766729Abstract: An infusion machine includes a base receiving a collecting tray formed with a bottom and a side wall and provided with a cover forming a support for an infusion receptacle, as well as a device for producing infusion having a head for an infusion outlet, overlying the support by a distance. The support is movably mounted as to height relative to the tray by an adjustment device to cause the distance to vary. The adjustment device includes nesting members adjustable in height by sliding and distributed over at least two opposite regions of the sidewall of the well and of the periphery of the support.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventor: Jacky Rolland
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Patent number: 6742442Abstract: A coffee maker structure is disclosed. The coffee maker comprises a base seat, a water container and a siphoning tube container. The ends provided on the base seat connect electricity to the heating base seat and a sensing switch to boil water. The siphoning tube container is with a powder isolation pad and contains coffee powder. The siphoning tube passes through to the water container. Steam is passed through the siphoning tube to the siphoning tube container to the coffee powder. The heating base seat generates heat and switches on the sensing switch to cut off the electric power of the base seat. The temperature of the water container is lowered and water is recycled to the water container.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Chang Yue Industrial Corp.Inventor: Yung Sen Su
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Patent number: 6727484Abstract: A system for preparing and cooking edible components in a microwave including different cells or compartments containing different components of the desired consumable product. Under pressure of the microwaves on the components, pressure of one or more components acts to break seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages such as espresso and cappuccino in a microwave oven. One of the ingredients can be a dairy product such as milk and the other can be water. One or more of the compartments may be made of a material to contract or expand under heat. This aids in creating or decreasing pressure on the components being processed for cooking. The system contains a substantially non-shrinkable and selectively at least partly opaque member about at least the one component.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Nini Policappelli
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Patent number: 6722265Abstract: A method and apparatus for brewing tea is shown which utilizes heated water from a boiler 7 of an espresso machine 10. A porta-filter 20 having a brewing chamber 40 therein is attachable to a group head 12 of the espresso machine 10 such that heated water is directed out of the espresso machine 10 and into the brewing chamber 40. A drain 38 from the brewing chamber 40 leads to an outlet tube 100 which has a lower end 110 discharging a brewed beverage V, such as tea, therefrom. An outlet valve 120 restricts outflow from the brewing chamber to a rate less than inflow of heated water from the boiler 7 so that the heated water is provided with residence time within the brewing chamber 40. This residence time facilitates infusion of the heated water with soluble flavor particles from a brewable substance such as tea leaves T before the heated water is discharged from the brewing chamber 40 in the form of a brewed beverage V.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Affinitea Brewing Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Anthony P. Priley
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Patent number: 6708598Abstract: A beverage dispenser (20) with a top assembly (26) having a pivotally mounted closure cover (50) with an inlet access opening (56) and a stopper (54) of contrasting color pivotally mounted to the underside of the closure cover (50) for movement between a closed position (FIGS. 2, 5) in which the stopper (54) extends through the inlet access opening (56) to block the access opening (56) and to prevent movement of the dispenser (20) beneath a brew basket (58) of an associated brewer (60) for receipt of beverage, and an open position (FIG. 2) in which the stopper (54) held against the underside of the cover closure (50) and spaced from the access opening (56). The closure cover is pivotally mounted to a cover base (62) and is limited in movement by a carry handle (52) when in a lowered position, and is removable for cleaning and removal of a funnel assembly (70) to enable access to the interior through a funnel mounting hole (66) for cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
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Publication number: 20040025705Abstract: A coffee hot and cold flush device comprises an upper receiving frame, a lower receiving frame, a hopper type earthen bowl, and a liquid collector. At least three support rods are connected the two receiving frame. The upper receiving frame, lower receiving frame and support rods are formed with a space having a size sufficient to receive the liquid collector. A center of the lower receiving frame has a receiving groove for placing the liquid collector. A center of the upper receiving frame is formed with an engaging hole for positioning the hopper type earthen bowl steadily. The hopper type earthen bowl has a bowl groove which is formed with a liquid guide incline. The liquid guide incline is inclined toward a middle liquid outlet. An isolating layer enclosed by filtering cloth is placed upon the liquid guide incline.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Yuan-Hong Li
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Patent number: 6668704Abstract: A brewing system (30) with a brew basket support (358) with apparatus for mounting the brew basket (180) for movement between a first position (FIG. 10A) in which the brew basket (180) is aligned with the brewer (30) for receipt of water and a second position (FIG. 10B) in which the brew basket is removed from proper alignment to facilitate removal of the brew basket from the brew basket support (180). A filter support basket is supported within the brew basket (184) but spaced inwardly from a closed wall of the brew basket to provide a perimital gap (172) between the filter support basket (184) and the wall for passage of bypass water through the brew basket without passing through the filter support basket (184). The basket (184) includes an annular trough (172) for receipt of water above the gap (180) with a plurality of drain holes (344) for draining by-pass water through the perimital gap (172).Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, IncInventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
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Patent number: 6662955Abstract: A beverage ingredient filter (10) having a relatively inwardly located, filtering, inner section (12) of the beverage ingredient filter (10) made of water permeable filter paper (11) and a relatively outwardly located, water impervious and nonfiltering outer section (14) of the beverage ingredient filter continuously joined to and surrounding the inner filtering section (12) of beverage ingredient filter.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1998Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company Inc.Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
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Patent number: 6658989Abstract: For use in a single serve beverage brewer in which a measured charge of a dry beverage medium is infused with a metered amount of heated liquid to produce a beverage medium, a reusable beverage filter cartridge is provided for containing the beverage medium and for accommodating an inflow of the heated liquid and an outflow of the beverage medium. The cartridge comprises a cup-shaped housing having a top opening and a closed bottom with an outlet port. A filter internally subdivides the housing into a first chamber accessible via the top opening and configured and dimensioned to contain the beverage medium, and a second chamber communicating with the outlet port. A lid is removably secured to the housing in a position closing the top opening, and an inlet port in the lid serves to admit heated liquid into the first chamber for infusion with the beverage medium contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Keurig, IncorporatedInventors: Richard P. Sweeney, Nicholas G. Lazaris, Roderick H. Beaulieu
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Publication number: 20030209151Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for brewing a beverage. The apparatus has a brew funnel with an elevation device that enables the end user to brew beverage, hot or cold, with a filter and loose beverage precursor and with beverage precursor packaged within a filter pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: Unilever Bestfoods N.A.Inventors: Mauro Dominick Mordini, Michael Charles Cirigliano, Joseph Vaitkus
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Publication number: 20030192434Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for brewing a beverage. A brewing liquid, generally water, and in some cases brewing ingredients, are placed in a container having a bottom with openings that, due to surface tension of the liquid, do not allow the liquid to pass through the openings until the liquid approaches or reaches its boiling point. The liquid is heated to approach its boiling point by placing the apparatus in a microwave oven or by the use of an electrical resistance heater associated with the container. The brewed beverage is captured in a second, temporary container from which it may be consumed or served.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Evan E. Koslow
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Patent number: 6622614Abstract: The present invention is a convenient, aesthetically pleasing, multi-purpose container/beverage infuser that allows a user to store and brew beverages such as tea. The device includes a base container for storing the loose tea leaves prior to brewing. A lid is provided to seal the container so that the tea leaves may be preserved during storage. An infuser is removably attached to the base container. The infuser is shaped so that that it may be inverted over a drinking container and receive a predetermined amount of fresh tea leaves to be steeped. Clips are coupled to the infuser so that the infuser may be retained in the inverted position over the drinking container during the brewing process. A cap is placed on top of the infuser when assembled and may be invertedly placed on a stable surface to hold the infuser after use to prevent excess dripping.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Tazo Tea CompanyInventor: Steven D. Smith
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Patent number: 6575081Abstract: A coffee maker is provided in which remaining water can be taken out easily, hot water is delivered intermittently to brew nice coffee. A hot water reservoir in the coffee maker has a tube provided on a bottom thereof for delivering the hot water to a coffee brewing chamber and a cap arranged with a space from the tube by a distance which is not greater than the maximum inner diameter of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Kanba, Terumi Torigai, Koji Kawai, Shigeru Yamaguchi, Masashi Kanbara, Hisashi Wada
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Patent number: 6571685Abstract: A tea maker (54) is provided with a control system (116) that enables the tea to be intermittently drained of water to allow contact of the tea (52,26) with atmospheric oxygen several times during each brew cycle to enhance flavor and to eliminate the problems associated with seeping of the tea.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Food Equipment Technologies Company, Inc.Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
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Patent number: 6571686Abstract: A brew basket is provided that is dimensioned to be received within the brew basket support member of an associated brewing machine such as a coffee maker. The brew basket includes an anti-drip valve mounted within a lower cavity and to the lower surface of the bottom wall. The brew basket is provided with an overflow return for diverting brewing water from the brew basket to the brewing machine carafe or other beverage receptacle if the brewing water reaches a level presenting potential overflow from the brew basket.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: Darren Riley, Alan Burton, Jeffrey T. Stout, Peter A. Pickett, II
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Patent number: 6564697Abstract: A machine for brewing tea. The machine has a housing, a vessel for receiving leaf tea and a hot water supply that supplies hot water to that vessel. The leaf tea is physically agitated within the vessel to maximise the rate and extent of infusion and the resulting infusion is siphoned out of the vessel before it is dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Lipton, division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Adrian John Maxwell, Charanjit Singh Nandra, Miles Pennington, Anthony Edward Quinn
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Patent number: 6550370Abstract: An apparatus for preparing beverages, with a filter carrier (5) or filter for retaining a substance to be brought into contact with water. The filter carrier or filter is provided with a filter inlet (51) and a filter outlet (52). At least a lower portion of the filter carrier (5) or the filter is arranged in a filter casing (8) so as to be free from the filter casing (8). The filter casing (8) is provided with a beverage passage (81) which is in communication with the filter outlet (52). A weighing structure (6) carries the filter carrier (5) or the filter and is adapted for providing an indication as to the weight of the filter carrier or the filter and of the substance retained therein. For storing the prepared beverage, a beverage receptacle (9) is provided which has a with an inlet opening (91) communicating with the filter outlet (52) and located downstream thereof when in the operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Peter Dam, Martin Pieter Van Oeveren
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Patent number: 6550371Abstract: A brewing bag includes liquid-permeable filter material for use in a filter coffee brewing apparatus and has an essentially cylindrical or prismatic shape with a bottom part, a jacket and a cover part. The wall of jacket is reinformed near the cover part and has a collar which protrudes over the cover part. An optimal brewing effect is achieved through forming the brewing bag in this special way.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: A. Kuster Sirocco-Kaffee AGInventors: Franco Del Bon, Ralph Grueniger
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Patent number: 6513419Abstract: Described is a coffee machine (1) comprising a brewing member (5, 5′), a support surface (15) for ground coffee and a member (3, 6, 7) for applying water to the ground coffee, in which it is possible to level off the ground coffee positioned on the support surface (15) in a constructionally simple and generally applicable manner to obtain a layer having a substantially uniform thickness. To this end there is provided a member (22, 24, 25, 122, 222, 322) which guides water in a purposefully non-uniform manner over the ground coffee such that the ground coffee is distributed over the support surface (15) in a layer having a substantially uniform thickness.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1999Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik AGInventors: Siegfried Huber, Günther Nagel
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Patent number: 6497818Abstract: A liquid shield and a funnel in combination with the liquid shield is disclosed. The funnel includes at least one side wall defining a cavity within the funnel and it has a drain opening generally on the bottom surface of the funnel. A rim along the upper edge of the side wall defines a mouth of the funnel. A handle is provided on the funnel. Spaced apart receptacles are positioned on the side wall in relation to the handle. The liquid shield includes a body portion which extends over at least a portion of the cavity of the funnel and is positioned adjacent the handle. The shield includes attachment portions extending from the body which are engageable with the receptacles for removably retaining the shield on the funnel. A flange extends from a portion of the shield and abuts an inside surface of the side wall of the funnel generally blocking passage of material between the shield and the funnel.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Bunn O. Matic Corp.Inventor: Arthur H. Bunn
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Patent number: 6494128Abstract: An infusing container including a main body, a cover and an automatically unblocking unit. The automatically unblocking unit includes a barrel body disposed in the main body. The bottom of the barrel body is formed with a draining hole accommodated in the outlet of the main body. A movable shaft is passed through the interior of the barrel body. The bottom end of the shaft is provided with a water sealing valve positioned in a water sealing section of the barrel body for blocking the draining hole. A circumference of the water sealing section is formed with orifices. The water sealing valve is formed with notches corresponding to the orifice and communicating with the interior of the barrel body. A floating body is fitted around the shaft. An upper section of the shaft is formed with an enlarged projecting section for stopping the floating body. After a liquid flows through the orifices and the notches into the barrel body, the floating body is ascended to lift the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Inventor: Hong Chao Yu
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Patent number: 6487961Abstract: A wire or other brewing basket adapted to receive a brewing filter and be received by a brewing funnel. The basket comprises a body defining a cavity for receiving the brewing filter and a shield positioned above the body and extending over a portion of the cavity for reducing spillage of brewing material from the funnel. The shield desirably is substantially flat. The basket further includes including mounting structure mounting the shield to the body. Desirably, the mounting structure is in the form of a plurality of stems mounted to a top rim of the body and the shield and extending generally upwardly from the body. The shield in accordance with a preferred embodiment has a generally arcuate configuration, and has an inner arcuate edge and desirably an outer arcuate edge. The radius of curvature of the inner arcuate edge is greater than the radius of curvature of the top rim and desirably the radius of curvature of the top rim.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: Arthur H. Bunn
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Patent number: 6481340Abstract: A beverage brewing filter structure used to retain a brewing filter and a quantity of beverage brewing substance. The brewing filter structure is designed to create a consistent bed depth and a plurality of wicking points in order to give a more even extraction of the beverage brewing substance and a better taste profile over other standard filter structures. The brewing filter structure is generally an integral filter and includes a base and a wall, which extends from the base to a top rim and defines a generally annular mouth and lip of the funnel. In the brewing filter structure, the wall operates as a sidewall of the brewing funnel and is generally continuous, without open spaces. The base of the brewing filter structure is formed from a plurality of flanges, which generally extend radially inwardly toward a center portion of the base, the tips of which terminate and create wicking points proximate to a drain aperture.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corp.Inventor: Randy D. Pope
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Patent number: 6481339Abstract: The reservoir of an automatic coffee brewer is closed except to a siphon tube, and a vent connected to two ball valves. One ball valve closes when the water level floats the ball. The other ball valve opens when the reservoir pressure approaches an unsafe level.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Newco Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Billy J. Castleberry
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Patent number: 6481337Abstract: A controlling mechanism of beverage infusion container. The container includes a partitioning board transversely disposed therein to divide the interior of the container into a first division and a second division. Each division has an opening provided with a cover. The partitioning board is formed with a central draining hole communicating the first division with the second division. The blocking/unblocking of the draining hole is controlled by a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism includes a controlling member passed through the circumferential wall of the container. One end of the controlling member extends out of the circumferential wall and is provided with a controlling section. The other end of the controlling member is linked with a valve body positioned at the draining hole of the partitioning board. The valve body is controllable by the controlling section on outer side of the container to block or unblock the draining hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: Chuen Lan Guu
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Patent number: 6477942Abstract: A beverage infusion container including a partitioning board transversely disposed in the container to divide the interior of the container into a first division and a second division each having an opening. The partitioning board is formed with a central draining hole. The blocking/unblocking of the draining hole is controlled by a controlling mechanism. A mesh rack is disposed on one side of the partitioning board in the first division. A communicating tube is formed on the partitioning board adjacent to the circumferential wall of the container for communicating the first division with the second division. The mesh rack is formed with a ventilating tube corresponding to the draining hole of the partitioning board. The ventilating tube extends toward the opening of the first division. The communicating tube and the ventilating tube serve as two air flow ways for convection of the air between the first and second divisions.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Inventor: Chuen Lan Guu
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Publication number: 20020148358Abstract: For use in a single serve beverage brewer in which a measured charge of a dry beverage medium is infused with a metered amount of heated liquid to produce a beverage medium, a reusable beverage filter cartridge is provided for containing the beverage medium and for accommodating an inflow of the heated liquid and an outflow of the beverage medium. The cartridge comprises a cup-shaped housing having a top opening and a closed bottom with an outlet port. A filter internally subdivides the housing into a first chamber accessible via the top opening and configured and dimensioned to contain the beverage medium, and a second chamber communicating with the outlet port. A lid is removably secured to the housing in a position closing the top opening, and an inlet port in the lid serves to admit heated liquid into the first chamber for infusion with the beverage medium contained therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Richard P. Sweeney, Nicholas G. Lazaris, Roderick H. Beaulieu
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Patent number: 6425317Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter basket having a wall configured to form a basket. The wall has a drain hole formed in a lower portion thereof and a regulating member for regulating a flow of liquid flowing through the basket into the drain hole. One embodiment includes a pair of planar surfaces positioned within the basket and connected to an inner surface of the wall; the pair of planar surfaces define a longitudinal slot therebetween. The size of the slot is configured to restrict the flow of fluid through the basket to maintain a predetermined level of fluid within the basket for a predetermined dwell period of about five minutes to about seven minutes.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Objective DesignInventor: Sean Simmons
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Patent number: 6422132Abstract: A brew bowl adaptor for use in association with a beverage brew bowl of the type defining a bowl side wall and bottom wall, and a fluid opening in the bottom wall through which beverage may pass after brewing, and having a body to fit in the fluid opening substantially blocking the same, retaining device retaining the body in the opening, and a beverage drip passageway formed through the plug body, of reduced cross sectional area in regard to fluid opening in the brew bowl, the body being insertable into and removable from the fluid opening in the brew bowl.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Mother Parker's Tea & Coffee Inc.Inventor: John Patrick Devine
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Patent number: 6367370Abstract: The invention relates to an automated drip-type coffee or beverage making machine with an automatic bean grinding apparatus and an automatic cleaning apparatus. The invention also incorporates improvements and features such as a projection or boss within the device which improves the operating efficiency of the bean grinding feature, an improved blade configuration which improves grinding efficiency, including a unique blade arrangement employing a plurality of blades of different lengths, and an improved lid for the coffee or beverage container which acts as an insulator, a moving and sealing cover to prevent ground material from escaping during the grinding process, a water tank insulating compartment, a double-walled grinding basket lid to aid in insulation and spreading of hot liquid, and a damping member for reducing the vibrations associated with motor operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Inventors: John C. K. Sham, Kumkit Kunavongvorakul
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Patent number: 6343542Abstract: A Coffee-making container including a main body in which a mesh rack is disposed. The center of the bottom of the main body is formed with a draining hole which is opened and closed under control of a controlling mechanism. The main body has a handle and a cap is pivotally connected with the handle for closing the opening of the main body. The mesh rack has at least one upward extending upright section for enlarging the filtering area for the coffee. A switch member is pivotally connected with the pivot sections of the handle and the cap. The switch member is leant against a leaf spring extending from the handle and controlled by the leaf spring. When the switch member is pressed down, the switch member is engaged with and located by the leaf spring and the press rod is pressed down to open the draining hole of the main body. Therefore, the coffee can quickly filter through the mesh rack and the upright section thereof and flow out from the draining hole.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Inventor: Shun Tsung Shen
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Patent number: 6327965Abstract: A safety and drain-preventing infusing tea maker comprises a cup body, a stop, a filtering net, and a retaining plate. The stop and the filtering net are contained in the penetrating hole at the bottom of the cup body. A plurality of leg plates extend downwards from the bottom thereof and a mask is formed at the periphery thereof so that the retaining plate having through hole for being penetrated by the leg plate can be hidden in the mask to be moved therein. When the retaining plate is descended to a lowest position, it is lower then the lower rim of the mask and protrudes slightly therefrom without being lower than the lower ends of the leg plates. As a consequent, not only the retaining plate is covered by the mask for preventing an error contact, but also any container with a diameter smaller than that of the retaining plate can be used for containing the infusing tea maker.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Yu-Mei Lin Tien
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Patent number: 6298771Abstract: A disposable drip-type coffee brewing unit for making individual servings of freshly brewed coffee.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Inventor: John Perez Calvento
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Patent number: 6298770Abstract: A coffee maker has a housing having an upstanding tower, a carafe support platform extending horizontally forward from the lower end of the tower, and a fixed, tubular filter basket support extending horizontally forward from the upper end of the housing above the platform. A horizontal filter basket cover, including a water spreader, is disposed above the filter basket support and carried by the housing for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A cover pivotal about a horizontal axis is provided over a water reservoir defined by the housing. A valve mechanism is provided that operates upon pivoting of the filter basket cover to selectively permit heated water to be supplied to the water spreader, thereby preventing burns or the like from heated water when the water spreader is not located above the filter basket support. The coffee maker also includes an electronic controller having a control pad on the front surface of the housing platform.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Blankenship, Martin Brady, Derwood S. DeLong, Michael J. Morecroft, Mark K. Romandy, Dean C. Warner
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Patent number: 6279460Abstract: The present invention provides a novel tea brewing funnel for prolonging the steep time of a brewed beverage. The funnel has a sump in its bottom surface having a drain aperture therein. A delay mechanism is provided in the funnel and formed of a housing having top and bottom openings and an orifice near the bottom opening. A cap is fitted over the top opening and a filter assembly is fitted into the orifice. The filter assembly allows brewed beverage into the housing while excluding any brewing substance. The bottom of the housing is inserted into the drain aperture so that the filter assembly rests in the sump and the housing sits within the funnel. A tube assembly is positioned within the housing through the drain aperture and connects to the housing, connecting the delay mechanism to the funnel. When in use, brewed beverage is formed in the funnel. Brewed beverage flows through the filter assembly and rises in the housing at the same rate as does brewed beverage within the funnel.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: Randy D. Pope
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Patent number: 6276262Abstract: An automatic tea brewing system and method comprising a tea brewer with a water discharge hole at the its lower end, a mesh filter above the tea water discharge hole, and a teapot positioned to receive brewed tea discharged from the water discharge hole. The tea brewer and the water discharge hole are configured and sized to allow holding a certain amount of water flowing naturally through the water discharge hole in a predetermined amount of time, thereby automatically controlling the manner and rate of tea brewing. The mesh filter is of basket or disk shape, and is removable or non-removable. An optional lid or saucer may be added to the system as separate units, shaped and sized to fit with the tea brewer and teapot.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Jason C. S. Chen
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Publication number: 20010013275Abstract: A beverage brewing filter structure used to retain a brewing filter and a quantity of beverage brewing substance. The brewing filter structure is designed to create a consistent bed depth and a plurality of wicking points in order to give a more even extraction of the beverage brewing substance and a better taste profile over other standard filter structures. The brewing filter structure is generally an integral filter and includes a base and a wall, which extends from the base to a top rim and defines a generally annular mouth and lip of the funnel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventor: Randy D. Pope
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Patent number: 6260476Abstract: A beverage brewing substance holder for holding a beverage brewing substance, such as coffee, provided in a pouch or in a loose filter for use in brewing beverage can be attached to a beverage brewer. The holder includes an open-ended, cup-shaped body having a drain hole provided therethrough. A supporting structure is mounted within the body and the pouch or loose filter sits thereupon such that a gap is formed between the pouch or the loose filter and the drain hole. This prevents the formation of a vacuum between the pouch or loose filter and the body. A handle can be attached to one of two positions on the body. First and second pairs of opposed, elongated, horizontal flanges are formed on the body and slide along respective rails on the brewer to accommodate two different brewers.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: Randy D. Pope
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Patent number: 6250209Abstract: A beverage brewing filter structure used to retain a brewing filter and a beverage brewing substance. The structure is designed to create a consistent bed depth and a plurality of wicking points in order to give a more even extraction of the beverage brewing substance and a better taste profile over other standard filter structures. The structure is generally a frame including a base, and a wall extending from the base to a top rim, thus defining a generally annular mouth. The frame defines open spaces therein. The wall is made up of a plurality of ribs, each of which has a first angled portion that extends from the base and a second angled portion that extends from the first angled portion to the top rim. The first angled portion of the ribs defines a smaller angle relative to the base than the second angled portion. The ribs of the wall extend radially inwardly to define a base which is positioned in a plane and has a plurality of gaps therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: Randy D. Pope
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Patent number: 6229128Abstract: A system for preparing and cooking edible components in a microwave including different cells or compartments containing different components of the desired consumable product. Under pressure of the microwaves on the components, pressure of one or more components acts to break seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages such as espresso and cappuccino in a microwave oven. One of the ingredients can be a dairy product such as milk and the other can be water. One or more of the compartments may be made of a material to contract or expand under heat. This aids in creating or decreasing pressure on the components being processed for cooking.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventor: Nini Policappelli
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Publication number: 20010000570Abstract: The method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption such as coffee comprises the following steps:Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2000Publication date: May 3, 2001Applicant: Sara Lee/De N.V.Inventor: Mathias Leonardus Cornelis Aarts
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Patent number: 6220147Abstract: A method and apparatus for brewing tea is disclosed which utilizes heated water from a boiler of an espresso machine. A porta-filter having a brewing chamber therein is attachable to a group head of the espresso machine such that heated water is directed out of the espresso machine and into the brewing chamber. A drain from the brewing chamber leads to an outlet tube which has a lower end discharging a brewed beverage, such as tea, therefrom. An outlet valve restricts outflow from the brewing chamber to a rate less than inflow of heated water from the boiler so that the heated water is provided with residence time within the brewing chamber. This residence time facilitates infusion of the heated water with soluble flavor particles from a brewable substance such as tea leaves before the heated water is discharged from the brewing chamber in the form of a brewed beverage.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Affinitea Brewing Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Anthony P. Priley
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Patent number: 6189438Abstract: The invention is directed to a filtering device, a filter element therefor and a method of manufacturing the filter element (28) from filter paper. The filter element (28) has a receiving cavity (76) to be filled with extractable materials such as coffee grounds or tea leaves. Following contact with hot water, the extractable materials deliver extractive substances to the water, resulting in a brewed beverage that is drained from the filter element (28). During this process, the filter element (28) is held by the filter support (1) by way of a supporting member which includes a rim (39) formed on the filter element (28) and having a bearing surface (40), and a supporting surface (24) formed on the filter support (1). The rim (39) of the filter element (28) is reinforced mechanically by providing the filter paper with exposed pleats (42, 51, 52) which cooperate with corresponding elevations (115) and recesses (79) formed on the supporting surface (24) of the filter support (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Uwe Bielfeldt, Christof Kleemann, Reinhard Stücher, Bernd Trebitz, Horst Emmerich, Dieter Friedrich, Christian Ziesch, Frank Gliemroth
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Patent number: 6164190Abstract: A tea infusing device comprises a cup body, a filtering net, a buckling disk, and a water stopping device. The water stopping device is received in the center through hole of the cup body, and is formed by a metal rolling ball and a soft water stopping pad, or a water stopping block and a rod. A filtering net is installed thereon. A circular protruding ring portion with a proper height extends downwards from the bottom of the cup body. The buckling disk has a rod at the center thereof and is movable upwards and downwards. When the tea infusing device is arranged on a plane, the buckling disk will drop down naturally so that the water stopping device will close a through hole. Thus, the tea can be soaked in the cup. However, when the tea infusing device is located at any proper container. The buckling disk will be ejected by the container to eject the water stopping device so that tea water may flow to the container successfully.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Inventor: Yu Mei Tien Lin
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Patent number: 6138551Abstract: A filter device for brewing beverages from coffee or tea grounds has a support frame comprising a first annular member and at least two radially outwardly projecting supports for placing the filter device onto a rim of a beverage container. The first annular member has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the beverage container. A disposable filter insert enclosing an amount of coffee grounds or tea leaves for brewing a beverage in the beverage container is provided. The filter insert has a seamless conical porous pocket for receiving the coffee grounds or tea leaves. The conical pocket has a cone base facing upwardly and a cone top facing downwardly. The filter insert also has a porous cover covering an opening at cone base. The pocket has finer pores than the cover. The cover sags downwardly and forms a depression.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Inventors: Jurgen Bauer, Roswitha Mekelburg
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Patent number: 6082246Abstract: A height-adjustable coffee or tea brewer is described. The invention includes a base element that may include a selectively operable warming plate. A vertical stand includes two slidably engagable components that may be vertically displaced with respect to one another. The first of these components is attached to the base element and the second is attached to a head element. The head element may be provided with a device to accept a funnel or other mechanism to hold coffee or tea. The head element may also contain a device for heating water or may simply be plumbed to a hot water source. The height-adjustable feature permits the coffee or tea brewer to fill thermally insulated and other containers of varying height.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventors: Richard P. Thorn, Barbara Mason Thorn