Movable Or Adjustable Patents (Class 99/318)
  • Patent number: 11484146
    Abstract: A beverage extraction apparatus of the present invention, comprises: a bottle portion capable of holding a liquid therein, which is supplied from an opening portion located at a top side thereof; a lid for covering the opening portion of the bottle portion; a base portion for allowing the bottle portion to be installed thereon and rotatably holding a base magnet therein; a motor for rotating the base magnet; an infuser for allowing an infuser magnet to be disposed therein and reversing itself upside down within the bottle portion along with rotation of the base magnet; and a controller for controlling a magnetic pole of the base magnet in order to allow or block inflow and outflow of the liquid with regard to an internal portion of the infuser and the bottle portion therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Load & Road Inc.
    Inventor: Kazunori Kawanobe
  • Patent number: 9254950
    Abstract: A device is described to encapsulate solid flavoring substances, particularly tea or coffee, added to a liquid, particularly water, with a wing-shaped rotary slider supported rotational about a rotary axis between an initial position and an end position, which in its end position limits a space accepting the solid flavoring substances, with the device being embodied for the installation in a container with its top showing an opening to fill in or discharge the liquid, which can be closed by a lid, which for closing and opening the container opening is subjected to a rotary motion, characterized in that the rotary slider comprises at least one engagement means by which the rotary slider can be made to engage the lid at least during the rotary motion in order to close the container opening and can be rotated into its end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: RIENSCH & HELD GMBH & CO.
    Inventors: Christian Justus, Sebastian Mends-Cole, Eric Pfromm
  • Patent number: 9021939
    Abstract: A tea maker provides a simple structural configuration, stable and rigid structure, and low manufacturing cost, and is adapted to effectively separate the tea leaves from the brewed tea for adjustably controlling the concentration of the brewed tea. The tea maker includes a supporting frame, a tea infusing container with a container lid, a tea basket disposed in the tea infusing container, and a control circuit. A sliding arrangement includes a vertical support, a sliding frame slidably coupled at the vertical support, and a resilient element. The sliding frame includes a hanger, an actuator, and a first permanent magnet. The hanger is supported above and aligned with an electromagnet. A second permanent magnet is provided at the outer side of the surrounding wall of the tea basket and is magnetically attracted with the first permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Crastal Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bei Zhang, Huajin Chen
  • Patent number: 8978542
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system comprising a base station (1) comprising a (e.g. removable) water reservoir of large capacity (12), an autonomous beverage preparation module (2) comprising an extraction head (4) and being removably connectable to the base station (1) from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode, wherein the autonomous module (2) comprises a water inlet connection means (27, 27a), wherein the autonomous module (2) and the base station (1) respectively comprise matching positioning means (5a, 5b) which engage when the beverage preparation module (2) is connected to the base station (1) in the docked position, and wherein it comprises alternative water supply means (11, 29, 36) and water outlet connection means (28, 32, 36a) adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection means (27) of the module (2) for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Talon, Jean-Luc Denisart
  • Patent number: 8931398
    Abstract: A modular infuser includes a back plate assembly containing drive mechanisms and supporting a belt assembly, and infusing and mixing chambers. The belt assembly includes rollers rotating a continuous filter belt in either direction, an annular seal, and a funnel directing liquid to a removable, rotatable spout. The infusing chamber moves between having the bottom clamped to the seal through the filter belt and being spaced apart from the filter belt to allow waste removal by rotation of the filter belt. The mixing chamber receives and mixes ingredient and water, passing the mixture into the infusing chamber below. Replacement of the filter belt with different mesh sizes and of the removable spout with different inner diameters allows the mechanism to be easily adapted for different beverages, such as coffee or tea. Multiple instances of the modular infuser may be mounted in a single vending machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel Overton, Ian Binder
  • Patent number: 8895095
    Abstract: A beverage maker is disclosed with a removable filter carrier, a receiver for the removable filter carrier, and a locking mechanism to selectively secure and seal the carrier to the beverage maker by way of lifting the carrier to engage a sealing surface. In use, the filter carrier is linearly inserted into the receiver via a front face of the beverage maker. The receiver may also include the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a lever that is actuated to operate the locking mechanism. Actuation of the lever is translated to lift and clamp the filter carrier against the seal surface. In the ‘sealed’ position, the lever is selectively fixed in place until the user actuates the lever so as to release the filter carrier. In the ‘released’ position, the filter carrier is still supported by the locking mechanism but it may be selectively removed from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Star, Mark K. Romandy
  • Publication number: 20140261003
    Abstract: Provided is a portion container system having improved operability and user-friendliness. The system includes a receiving portion, for stowing a container on a system main body, and a rotatable handle. The container includes a peeling induction portion. The container, stowed in the receiving portion, is allowed to be compressed by swinging a handle. The container can be squeezed with the handle using the leverage, thus improving a convenience and allowing the system to be formed compact compared to a rotary apparatus. Since the container is obliquely placed in the receiving portion, the content ejected hardly splashes. Since the receiving portion is located below the rotation center shaft of the handle, the container is pressed with the handle having the rotation center shaft located above the receiving portion, thereby causing the container to be pressed with the force pushing down the handle, thus allowing for easy application of force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Thermos K.K.
    Inventors: Takahiro Maruyama, Shin Matsuyama
  • 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: 8695485
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a pressed coffee maker is provided. The coffee maker can comprise a tank for storing coffee solution; a screen disposed in the tank for pressing coffee grounds in the tank; and a squeegee to clean the tank. A removable bottom can be used to both add new coffee grounds and remove used coffee grounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Julie D. Spitzley, David M. Dreffer, Carole A. Dreffer
  • Publication number: 20140083303
    Abstract: Preparation device for a beverage (8), in particular for iced tea, with a lower container (1) for receiving the beverage (8). A starting material (15) for preparing the beverage (8) is received in a receiving structure (3), while a retaining structure (2) secures the receiving structure (3) in the lower container (1). The receiving and retaining structures are moveable relative to each other between a first relative position, in which a liquid (16) residing in the receiving structure (3) cannot exit into the lower container (1), into a second relative position, in which the liquid (16) residing in the receiving structure (3) is allowed to exit into the lower container (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BLOMUS GMBH
    Inventors: Holm Giessler, Frederik Dully
  • Patent number: 8613402
    Abstract: An improved portable essence extractor in combination with a liquid container for the direct blending of freshly extracted edible and aromatic oils and such is provided. A portable essence extractor and liquid container combination is provided in which an essence extraction assembly may be removably connected to, and in fluid communication with, a liquid dispensing container. The container is operatively connected to the essence extraction assembly such that it is removably connects to the liquid dispensing container, as well as in fluid communication with the liquid volume. Placement of the essence extraction assembly at the top, bottom, middle, or any specific orientation or configuration should be equivalent, given the fluid communication between the comminuted foodstuff and the liquid volume such that the extraction of edible and aromatic oils can directly blend with any liquid contents of the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Zing Anything, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua A. Lefkovitz
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8424448
    Abstract: A beverage apparatus has a portable liquid container having a ledge detail within a top open end; a removable infuser with an annular support flange; and a gasket about the infuser below the annular support flange, where in use the gasket forms a seal with the container ledge detail and the infuser body, and further spaces the infuser annular support flange from the container ledge detail to define a liquid access gap. At least one vertical channel is defined through the gasket to communicate liquid through the gasket between the liquid container and the liquid access gap. A support base has an opening to receive and hold a bottom end of the portable liquid container and a heating element to heat liquid within the portable container when the container bottom end is inserted within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ram Industrial Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Englert, M. Bianca Leigh, Carlos A. Suarez
  • Publication number: 20130042764
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an herbal tea machine having a reservoir for receiving herbal tea leaves and water mixture. Said reservoir is associated with an opening for introducing water and herbal ingredients. Said herbal tea machine comprises a heating arrangement for effecting boiling. To prevent overflowing due to frothing, heat transferred to the reservoir is reduced in the beginning of boiling and boiling occurs under reduced heat. The present invention further comprises means for lowering herbal ingredients into the water to improve infusion effect thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: EKSEN MAKINE SANAYI VE TICARET A.S.
    Inventor: Besim Tahincioglu
  • Patent number: 8205542
    Abstract: An integrated beverage infuser and lid are adapted for use with an insulated drinking vessel for brewing a consumable product, such as tea, in an insulated travel mug, tumbler, or the like. The lid includes a main body adapted for movable receipt on a drinking vessel that forms a downwardly directed, open-ended cavity. A fluid-permeable brewing basket defines an enclosable receptacle for removable receipt of the brewing consumable product. The basket is movable between a stowed position, substantially within the cavity above the liquid level of the hot water in the tumbler, and a deployed position, below and substantially outside of the cavity for submersion in the hot water contained in the drinking vessel. A lever arm forms a part of the transfer mechanism and has a portion that penetrates the main body to the outside thereof so that the transfer mechanism can be operated by an individual without removing the lid from the insulated drinking vessel, tumbler, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler Sean Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7980168
    Abstract: A process for making a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, includes placing ground coffee or tea into a filter, inserting the filter into a filter basket to support the filter with respect to a reservoir that is to receive a brewed beverage; introducing water into the filter; and repeatedly deforming the filter to alter its shape as water passes through the filter and ground coffee or tea en route to the reservoir. A device for making a hot beverage includes a drive and a filter basket. The filter basket defines a filter basket chamber for receiving an associated filter. The filter basket includes a movable component operably connected to the drive and movable for deforming the associated filter. The movable component is operable between a first operating position where the filter chamber has a first dimension and a second operating position where the filter chamber has a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Scott D. Maurer
  • Patent number: 7856919
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing an infused beverage. The device includes an infusion container for containing liquid and comprising an opening to allow liquid to flow out of the container. The device further includes a receptacle comprising a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing infusible matter. The infusion container and the receptacle are operable in relation to each other to be arranged in a position wherein the infusion container and the cavity communicate through the opening. The device further comprises an openable and closable passage communicating with the cavity to allow liquid to flow from the infusion container to the passage through the cavity. The device further includes a cleaning means for introducing a liquid and/or vapor within the infusion container and a removing means for removing the cartridge from the cavity. An operating means is arranged for operating the cleaning means and the removing means successively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cense D'Almez S.A.
    Inventor: Luc Van Belleghem
  • Patent number: 7779751
    Abstract: An integrated beverage infuser and lid are adapted for use with an insulated drinking vessel for brewing a consumable product, such as tea, in an insulated travel mug, tumbler, or the like. The lid includes a main body adapted for movable receipt on a drinking vessel that forms a downwardly directed, open-ended cavity. A fluid-permeable brewing basket defines an enclosable receptacle for removable receipt of the brewing consumable product. The basket is movable between a stowed position, substantially within the cavity above the liquid level of the hot water in the tumbler, and a deployed position, below and substantially outside of the cavity for submersion in the hot water contained in the drinking vessel. A lever arm forms a part of the transfer mechanism and has a portion that penetrates the main body to the outside thereof so that the transfer mechanism can be operated by an individual without removing the lid from the insulated drinking vessel, tumbler, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventor: Tyler Sean Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7745759
    Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Edgecraft Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Long, Daniel D. Friel, Sr., Daniel D. Friel, Jr., James M. Fitzgerald, H. William Busch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7363852
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser device that is insertable into and removable from a main housing that can be used to dispense a liquid. The types of liquids that can be dispensed from this housing are for example, coffee, tea or other types of flavored drinks. This dispenser device can comprise a housing having a plurality of chambers disposed within this housing wherein each of the plurality of chambers are separated from each other by at least one partition. This device also includes a plurality of spouts coupled to the housing. This spout is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of chambers to form a conduit for allowing a fluid to pass from each of the plurality of chambers through the plurality of spouts and out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Mangiapane
  • Patent number: 7279660
    Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Edgecraft Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Long, Daniel D. Friel, Sr., Daniel D. Friel, Jr., James M. Fitzgerald, H. William Busch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7219600
    Abstract: An automatic system for removing tea from a teapot is disclosed. The present invention incorporates the use of a timing mechanism, a release mechanism and an infuser mechanism to automatically remove the tea from hot water. The timing mechanism is user set and controls the length of time the tea is steeped in hot water. The infuser mechanism comprises a filter element that holds the tea in contact with the hot water and a counterbalance that rotates the filter element out of the water when released and the release mechanism that releases the infuser mechanism when the time has expired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Tea Spot, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Haven, Brian Richardson, Daniel Blaugrund, Charles Richard Lewis, Jr., Maria Uspenski, Karen A. des Jardins
  • Patent number: 7127983
    Abstract: A brew basket of the present invention useful in drip-style beverage brewing systems comprises a brewing chamber and a filter having replaceable filter medium pivotably attached to and in fluid communication with the brewing chamber, wherein the replaceable filter medium is sealably supported on an annular flange of the filter. The brewing chamber and the filter are two separate components mated together to provide a substantially leak-proof seal. By integrating the filter in the brew basket in an open and obvious position with a replaceable filter medium disk, a user has convenient access to the filter medium for improved compliance in regularly replacing the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: KX Industries, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Huda, Shirley S. Ma, Lawrence S. Walters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6655261
    Abstract: A tea/coffee pot includes a pot body designed to be filled with a liquid, and a strainer body which is arranged therein and is pivotable by way of a handling device between a submerged position and an emerged position. The strainer body includes at least one compartment for receiving an additional substance, such as tea leaves, ground coffee. The handling device includes a pull element for pivoting the strainer body, and the pot body has a guiding device in which the pull element is displaceably guided along a predetermined path for pivoting the strainer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Emsa Werke Wulf GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Horstmann
  • Publication number: 20030029322
    Abstract: Infusion machine comprising a base (1) receiving a collecting tray (2) formed with a bottom (3) and a side wall (4) and provided with a cover (5) forming a support for an infusion receptacle, as well as a device for producing infusion having a head (7) for infusion outlet, overlying said support (5) by a distance (d), said support (5) being movably mounted as to height relative to the tray by adjustment means (11) to cause the distance (d) to vary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Jacky Rolland
  • Patent number: 6405638
    Abstract: A hot drink steeping pot includes a jug (10), a strainer (12) pivotally receivable in the jug (10), and a cover (13) mounted on the jug (10), such that the strainer (12) is enclosed. With the cover (13) removed from the jug (10), flavoring agent is stored in the strainer (12) in its lowered position. To remove the flavoring agent, the user rotates the tabs (1266) such that the strainer (12) is moved to the raised position, and excess fluid can drain from the flavoring agent into the jug (10). The combined cover (13) and strainer (12) can be removed from the jug (10) and inverted such that no dripping or falling of flavoring agent onto clothes or carpets can occur, and the flavoring agent can be conveniently discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 6324964
    Abstract: According to the invention the tea strainer and propeller of a stirrer are arranged in the tea-preparation chamber in a cooperating manner in such a way that the water flow minimizes the tea-brewing time. A tea-making machine fitted with such a tea-preparation chamber makes it possible for the first time to prepare any kind of tea automatically and very quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventors: Anton Niederberger, Roger Schelbert, Ernst Imfeld, Guido Singer
  • Patent number: 6318244
    Abstract: Proposed is a device for encasing flavoring solids (T), in particular tea material or coffee, that are put into a liquid, in particular water, with a vane (20′) movable between an initial and a final position, which vane in its final position bounds a space (8″) that holds the flavoring solids (T), the vane being designed as a rotatable vane (20′) that is supported so as to be rotatable around a rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Riensch & Held GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Christian Justus
  • Patent number: 6272974
    Abstract: A beverage brewing press is provided that includes a brewing vessel defining a chamber having an axis and that is supported by a housing. Positioned within the brewing vessel is a fixed partition and a partition that is movable about the axis relative to the fixed partition. The movable partition includes at least one porous receptacle that encloses a brewable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: L′Equip, Inc
    Inventors: James Pascotti, Samuel W. Apicelli
  • Patent number: 5957035
    Abstract: A drip coffee maker rotates the filter basket about a vertical axis, to-and-fro through an angle of about 45 degrees with a frequency of about one second. The coffee may be held in the basket until a predetermined level of hot water has been added to the basket. The basket may be driven by gears acting through an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Walter M. Richter
  • Patent number: 5927180
    Abstract: There is disclosed a beverage flow system using a vertical filter basket. The basket design allows for maximum surface area, for contact of liquid with coffee bean and/or tea leaves. A rectangular vessel offers a forward and rear position for filter placement, increasing or reducing beverage strength at time of dispensing. A three piece design simplifies operation and manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas L Russo
  • Patent number: 5924354
    Abstract: An infusion container having an interior receiving a liquid to be infused and an infusible substance. Mounted to the container is a pivotal member which cooperates with a baffle means to define a region in the container which receives the infusible substance. Both the pivotal member and baffle means are adapted to permit passage of the infusing liquid, but not of the infusible substance. In use, the pivotal member can be pivoted through the interior by moving handle, to lift the infusible substance out of the infusing liquid to halt the infusion process at the desired time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Tetley GB Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Timothy Court, Alastair Guy Linden Kingsland, Brian Douglas Smith
  • Patent number: 5453189
    Abstract: A filter insert for containers, such as tea pots, where a specific dwelling time is required for the filter pulp in the liquid held in the container, the insert consisting of a circular cylindrical filter unit, extending downwards from the top of the container at to least below the surface of the liquid in the container when being filled, and where at least one plunger shaft with a plunger sliding in a plunger guide extends axially through the upper part of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Carsten Joergensen
  • Patent number: 5027696
    Abstract: An automatic coffee maker providing means to reduce the amount of coffee required. A meshed coffee basket containing coffee grounds is lowered into a coffee pot and water stored in the coffee maker fills the pot. A heating element brings the water to a boil steeping the coffee grounds to more efficiently extract the flavorings from the coffee grounds. The coffee basket is automatically raised as directed by a timer included in the coffee maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: Michael Antonini
  • Patent number: 4995978
    Abstract: A filter device has a coffee-cartridge holder (11) constructed to receive a coffee cartridge (1) having two facing walls (2, 3) made of a filter material, one of said walls (2) being adapted to receive water (8) for making coffee. In order to prevent the foam formed during the extraction process from excessively influencing the extraction time, it is proposed to provide the coffee-cartridge holder (11) or the coffee cartridge (1) or both with means which ensure that, when the holder is in the operating position and containing the coffee cartridge, the wall (2) of a filter material to which water is supplied is inclined at an angle between 15 and 90 to the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corp.
    Inventor: Harold P. Van de Gang
  • Patent number: 4191100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion apparatus, particularly such an apparatus for brewing coffee or the like where a receptacle such as a coffee basket is mounted on a water heating apparatus and a carafe is positioned underneath the infusion chamber. The infusion chamber is made with relatively movable walls so that the cross-sectional area transverse to the direction of flow of liquid may be varied to vary the depth of infusion bed for a given quantity of coffee or the like in the chamber. Two movable walls are disclosed together with an actuating mechanism with the movable walls and the actuating mechanism being of simple construction and readily assembled so that the use of screws, rivets, and so forth is not required. The relatively movable walls are actuated by a rotatable plate connected to the walls which are positioned internally of the infusion chamber with rotation of the plate moving the walls toward and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Assignee: North American Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent G. Marotta
  • Patent number: 4108053
    Abstract: An electric drip coffee maker having a brew control device for selectively varying the coffee strength between weak and strong, while independently varying the quantity of coffee brewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Richard C. Vink