Infusing Receptacles Patents (Class 99/323)
  • Patent number: 7775154
    Abstract: A pivot assembly for use in an electric fryer that rotates heating elements out of a frypot, and a pivot housing that prevents the passage of outside contaminants from entering the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a tube that has mounting position for heating elements, and the elements can be lowered and raised into the frypot. The pivot housing comprises a hood that fits over the pivot assembly and forms a seal around the assembly, preventing the passage of oil therethrough. The tube of the pivot assembly can comprise one or more heating elements, and the heating elements can be lowered or raised independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: The Frymaster Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Milton Hutchinson, Joseph Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7775152
    Abstract: A portafilter system for use with a rigid pod. The portafilter may include a handle and a cup connected to the handle. The cup may include an aperture for positioning the rigid pod therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Kirschner, Neil Saunders
  • Patent number: 7770512
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a beverage brewing machine includes a filter pack containing an amount of grinds to brew approximately only a single serving of brewed beverage, a single serving disposable brew basket including a body defining a brewing reservoir. The body is formed with a disposable rigid construction. The body has an opening therethrough to permit a brewed beverage to flow from the brewing reservoir of the disposable brew basket into a beverage container. The body extends upwardly from a bottom of the brewing reservoir to an open top that is configured to receive heated water from the brewing machine. The heated water flows through the open top during a brewing operation. The brewing reservoir has a size dimensioned appropriate to make approximately only a single serving of beverage during a single brewing operation. The brewing area is sufficiently large to hold the filter pack and the heated water while brewing without a level of the heated water rising above and overflowing the open top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Courtesy Products, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas A. Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20100162900
    Abstract: A coffee maker (1) has a pad holder (30) for receiving and supporting at least one coffee pad (10), which holder can be connected to a brew chamber top portion (40) of the coffee maker via a bayonet connection. Both the pad holder (30) and the brew chamber top portion (40) are provided with bayonet ridges (50, 60), contacting surfaces (51, 61) of the bayonet ridges (50, 60) comprising at least two portions (52, 53, 62, 63, 64) having an inclined orientation with respect to each other. In establishing a coupling of the pad holder to the brew chamber top portion or detaching such a coupling, the pad holder is rotated with respect to the brew chamber top portion, during which a portion (53) of the contacting surface (51) of the bayonet ridges (50) of the pad holder plays an important role in guiding the pad holder such that a height level of the pad holder with respect to the brew chamber top portion is varied automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Thewis M. Westra
  • Patent number: 7743696
    Abstract: A pot (40) shown having a well formed by a side wall connecting a base wall aperture (43) and internal aperture (44). A mesh (42) is provided to retain liquid transferring material. The invention provides a liquid transfer means for transferring liquid between growth medium and a local environment external to the pot and adjacent the base wall, the liquid transfer means transferring liquid to in or from an internal zone in the chamber wherein the internal zone is spaced from the bottom wall. Alternative embodiments provide a solid liquid permeable plug (20) which may be inserted in a tight nesting fitting through a bottom wall aperture (21) or through a well (36). Alternatively, a wick arrangement (56) may be provided to insert through a well or a side wall aperture (65) and extending into the internal zones. The conduit may be formed as a slot (52). A cap (54) may be optionally be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Anova Solutions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Malcolm Nigel Hunter
  • Patent number: 7735414
    Abstract: A container receiving unit for use in an apparatus for preparing a beverage includes a receiving space for receiving a container arranged for holding a beverage base material, a reservoir for containing beverage, and a distribution system which has an inlet connected to the reservoir, at least two outlets for dispensing beverage, and a liquid flow path extending from the inlet to the outlets. The liquid flow path has a device for reducing the speed of beverage flowing from the reservoir to the outlets during operation. The relatively high speed that is generated at an earlier stage of operation in the apparatus is diminished in the distribution system to a level at which the beverage can be distributed evenly over the outlets. In this manner all cups will be provided with an even amount of beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Willem Medema
  • Patent number: 7726233
    Abstract: A brewing receptacle for an apparatus for brewing a beverage such as coffee. The receptacle has a brewing chamber (13; 63; 113) having an entry passage and an exit passage for displacing water through the chamber (13; 63; 113) for brewing the beverage, a bottom (14; 64; 114) for supporting the particles (18; 118, 118?) (18), and a discharge 5 opening (19; 69; 119) in the bottom (14; 64; 114) for discharging beverage liquid through the bottom (14; 64; 114). At least the bottom (14; 64; 114) is invertible between a first and a second operative position. The brewing chamber (13; 63; 113) has a first volume and a first shape when the bottom (14; 64; 114) is in said first position and at least a second volume or a second shape of the brewing chamber in said second position is different from the first volume or shape, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hans Kodden, Ben Arlett, Christopher James Smith, James Neave, David Stuart Harris
  • Publication number: 20100112164
    Abstract: A portable kit for brewing beverages has a brace the rests atop a drinking cup, a tubular riser that rests atop the brace, a bottom ring with a folding handle, one or more reuseable or disposable filters, one of which is secured to the bottom ring by a top ring, and a sprinkler with a hemispherical reservoir that is penetrated by tubes that evenly distribute fluid from the reservoir into the filter. When beverage material is placed in the filter, fluids poured into the sprinkler pass through the beverage material and the filter and collect in the drinking cup. Alternately, the bottom ring may rest directly on the drinking cup with the filter extending into the drinking cup so that a steeped beverage may be brewed. The components may be disassembled and carried in a small pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100104715
    Abstract: The invention is a beverage container that provides a flavor delivery system capable of delivering a burst of flavor when a drinker places her mouth to portions of the beverage container. The flavor delivery system can provide visual and fragrance cues to indicate the type of flavor to be expected from a flavored beverage resident within the beverage container or from flavor components included within the flavor delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Joseph T. Norris, Mark Payne, Jared Richardson, Jonathan Crawford-Phillips, Rony Zibara
  • Publication number: 20100080886
    Abstract: The instant application describes a programmable apparatus for making coffee that includes a hopper for holding coffee beans; a grinding element for receiving the coffee beans and grinding them to produce ground coffee; and a brewing chamber for receiving programmable quantities of ground coffee and combining the ground coffee with quantities of hot, pressurized water. The programmable apparatus for making coffee also includes a piston for compressing the ground coffee, the piston being arranged to enter the brewing chamber at an open end thereof; an o-ring fitted to the outside of the piston so as to maintain a pressure-tight seal against the wall of the brewing chamber; and a programming element for selectively determining a quantity C of ground coffee to be combined with a quantity W of water in the brewing chamber, the brewing chamber being capable of accommodating more than 14 grams of ground coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard HOURIZADEH
  • Patent number: 7685931
    Abstract: A compact and lightweight personal pod making system is provided. The pod making system has a base for receiving a pod packaging material and a sealing tool pivotably connected to the base. The system can be used at home, in the office and even outdoors. A pod package assembly that can be used in conjunction with the personal pod making system is also provided. The pod package assembly can include a cup-like holder that is hingedly connected to a cover so that it is relatively easy for users to align the cover when sealing the pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Patent number: 7681492
    Abstract: A cartridge for extracting a beverage from an edible substance contained therein by means of a liquid under pressure, the cartridge comprising a main body having a cup portion and a lid portion. The base of said cup portion comprises a cup port defining a passage for the extracted beverage and protruding from the base outwardly with respect to the internal volume of the cartridge. Valve means are fixedly mounted on the internal surface of the cup port and are resiliently openable under pressure of the extracted beverage during a beverage extraction phase. The diameter of the open end of said cup port that is opposite to said cup base is sized so as to allow insertion of the valve means within the cup port. A safety cap is mounted on the external surface of the cup port and partially closes the external open end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Illycaffe' S.p.A.
    Inventors: Furio Suggi Liverani, Luca Mastropasqua, Bruno Dellapietra, Sasa Smotlak, Miran Levstik
  • Publication number: 20100062127
    Abstract: Cup for the preparation of a liquid product, having a first chamber part (25) for holding a preparation substance, an inlet opening provided with a covering layer (16) with liquid-permeable perforations (17, 18, 19) for receiving a liquid suitable for the preparation substance, an outlet opening (24) for discharging the prepared beverage or dish, and a static mixer (5) which is in liquid communication with the outlet opening (24). The static mixer (5) is a multi-step mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Friesland Brands B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Margaretha Theodorus Maria Bongers, Wiebe Nicolaas Van Druten
  • Patent number: 7669517
    Abstract: Appliance for preparing a froth from a milk-based liquid which includes a tank for receiving liquid that is to be frothed, and in which liquid a rotatable stirrer is positioned, a stand associated with the tank, and a system for driving the stirrer. The stirrer drive system and the stirrer include magnetic elements allowing the stirrer to be rotationally driven magnetically in the tank. At least one disturbance member is also provided to break or prevent symmetric circulation of the liquid about the median vertical axis of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe S. Boussemart, Alfred Yoakim, Francesco Chiarella
  • Publication number: 20100047418
    Abstract: Cup for preparation of a liquid product, having a first chamber part (25) for holding a preparation substance, an inlet opening provided with a covering layer (16) with liquid-permeable perforations (17, 18, 19) for receiving a liquid suitable for the preparation substance, an outlet opening (24) for discharging the prepared beverage or dish, and a static mixer (5) which is in liquid communication with the outlet opening (24). The first chamber part (25) is of a substantially conical shape on an inner side between the inlet opening and the static mixer (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: FRIESLAND BRANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Margaretha Theodorus Maria Bongers, Wiebe Nicolaas van Druten
  • Publication number: 20100047420
    Abstract: A method of making an individual serving of an aqueous tea concentrate comprises locating at a strainer a quantity of loose particulate tea material that is sufficient to produce the individual tea concentrate serving. The quantity of tea material is directly contacted with a sufficient amount of water so as to produce the individual tea concentrate serving. The particle size of the tea material, the tea material-water contact time and the temperature of the water can each be controlled so as to minimise the extract of tannins from the tea material and into the concentrate. The aqueous tea concentrate is collected once it has passed through the strainer to thereby separate it from the particulate tea material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: TEA-CHA TEAWARE PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian Bersten
  • Patent number: 7658141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed cartridge (10), for extraction under pressure, comprising a dish (12) with a bottom (13) with a central part and a peripheral part and a side wall having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and a circular edge with a diameter greater at the bottom and a cover (15) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish and the cover is intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the said cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a means (16) guaranteeing retention of the solid substance when it is opened, in which the means guaranteeing retention of solid substance is a sheet of fabric sealed in the bottom of the dish in two zones, on the one hand in the central part (17) and on the other hand in the peripheral part (18) of the said bottom (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Petr Masek, Alain Riesterer
  • Publication number: 20100024659
    Abstract: A composite strainer pot has a base, a container mounted on the base, a connecting dish combining the base and the container, a filter assembly mounted in the container and a valve assembly mounted between the base and the container. The container that is usually filled with hot water can be made with glass to maintain the quality and the lifespan. The base that is placed on a table or the like can be made with plastic to reduce the cost and is not easily damaged. Therefore, the strainer pot is durable and has a prolonged useful life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Tung Liu
  • Patent number: 7654192
    Abstract: In a coffee automat, a vertically adjustable and lockable outflow unit (3), which comprises at least one coffee outflow tube (6) in fluid-conductive connection with a coffee brewing device is continuously height-adjustable relative to a cup base and can be locked by a locking means. In order to easily and smoothly adjust, in a coffee automat rationally to be manufactured, the outflow unit (3) with the locking means released, the outflow unit (3) is supported on housing (1) by means of a longitudinal ball bearing (12) as a first bearing element, which embraces a vertical longitudinal ball bearing shaft (13) as a second bearing element. One of the two bearing elements is connected with outflow unit (3) and the other of the two bearing elements is in solid connection with a housing (1) of the coffee automat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventor: Max Oehninger
  • Publication number: 20100018408
    Abstract: A brew basket assembly 10 with an outer protective basket made of insulating plastic (12) and an inner basket made of stainless steel (14) nestled within the outer protective basket (12) with a drain hole (30) located opposite an open outlet (20). A removable wire brew basket (32) is supported by four support members (31) at the inside surface of the inner bottom (26), and a flow valve (34) is protectively mounted to the inner basket (14) between the open outlet (20) and the drain hole (30) for selectively restricting the drain hole (30) to control a rate of flow of beverage though the drain hole (30) and the open outlet (20). The outer basket insulates the hot beverage within the inner basket to reduce the risk of burning any users who may touch the outside of the brew basket, and the flow valve is adjusted for different rates when different beverages, such as tea and coffee, require different rates for optimum brewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Publication number: 20100018403
    Abstract: A tea maker comprises a vessel in which is located a conveyor. The conveyor, preferably vertically, transports a carriage. The conveyor and a carriage are surrounded by a tube and are protected from the water in the vessel. An enclosed basket coupled to the carriage. An external user interface allows a user to select brewing parameters such as the type of beverage brewed, the brewing temperature, and the steeping time. The selection is sent to a processor. The processor then encodes the selection into a control data for the heating assembly or the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventors: Richard Hoare, Graeme MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20100015292
    Abstract: A disposable packaging form is provided for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers, flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Pamela Saha
  • Patent number: 7644653
    Abstract: A brew basket for an automatic drip coffee maker has a funnel-shape with a relatively wide top end and relatively narrow bottom end. A stepped support ring is integral in and defines a ledge around a circumference of the brew basket. A coffee filter pod is supported on its periphery by the support ring during brewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Bates
  • Patent number: 7640843
    Abstract: A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients is a liquid chocolate ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Colin Ballard, Satwinder Panesar, Geoff Rendle, Maria Gomez
  • Publication number: 20090308256
    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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Frederic Hiron
  • Patent number: 7624673
    Abstract: Single-dose capsule comprising a sealed moulded-plastic casing (10) having an end wall (16) provided with orifices (24) and a bottom sealing foil (17). A chamber (30) is formed between the said foil (17) and the bottom surface (18) of the perforated end wall (16) and is filled with the beverage percolated through the said orifices (24) before it is discharged directly towards an underlying container through the spout created at the moment of opening or tearing of the said bottom foil (17), immediately before the start of percolation. USE: preparation of a percolated of the beverage. ADVANTAGES: high quality of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hausbrandt Trieste 1892 SPA
    Inventor: Martino Zanetti
  • Publication number: 20090266239
    Abstract: A pad holder (16) of a coffee maker for making coffee having a foam layer on top comprises a stud plate (17) having studs for supporting a coffee pad containing ground coffee beans and an outlet opening (20) for delivering coffee extract. A number of studs (18a) in the direct vicinity of the outlet opening (20) are arranged in a circle, surfaces (24) of the studs (18a) forming a circular directing surface. During operation of the coffee maker, a flow of coffee extract enters a space (27) encompassed by the studs (18a) via channels (23) between the studs (18a) and is put into rotation as a result of interaction with the directing surface. Consequently, the coffee flow enters the outlet opening (20) in a rotating condition, causing the outlet opening (20) to deliver the coffee as a spray of fine droplets, from which the foam is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Joeke Noordhuis
  • Publication number: 20090260522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to portafilter (1) for an espresso machine, which portafilter (1) is made of brass and comprises an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the portafilter is coated first with a layer of primer (2) and then a layer of fluoropolymer (3) and wherein the layer of primer (2) enables attachment of the layer of fluoropolymer (3) to the inner surface of the portafilter (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Jens Brine, Aldo Castiglione
  • Patent number: 7604826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a beverage that is designed to be extracted by injection of a fluid under pressure. The capsule comprises a closed chamber containing the substance with at least part of the closed chamber including a retaining part made of a flexible membrane. One or more raised elements that face the membrane are associated with and forming part of the capsule. These element(s) are used to open the capsule due to a buildup of pressure therein. This rise in pressure causes relative engagement of the raised element(s) with the membrane until the membrane ruptures or is torn to release the formed beverage from the chamber. As the liquid of the beverage does not come into contact with the machine, hygiene is improved and cross-contamination is reduced when preparing a beverage from the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Antoine Cahen, Alfred Yoakim
  • Publication number: 20090258114
    Abstract: A method of brewing a fresh, hot beverage in a beverage brewer (10) having a brew basket (18) for holding ingredient to be brewed and a dispensing spray head (12) for passing water onto a top surface of a layer of ingredient supported within the brew basket (18) during a dispense period of a brew cycle uses a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle. An electrical heating element (98) of sufficient power quickly and substantially alters the temperature of the water in the chamber during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42) to control the heating element (98) to selectively change the temperature of the hot water dispensed to the brew basket (18) during a single brew cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Michael W. Lassota, Zbigniew G. Lassota
  • Publication number: 20090241783
    Abstract: A filter for extracting one's favorite drink constituted of a polyester based monofilament and having a woven fabric construction or a knitted fabric construction, with the polyester based monofilament comprising a polyester based monofilament having a flat sectional shape, and a bag for extracting one's favorite drink using the filter for extracting one's favorite drink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: TEIJIN FIBERS LIMITED
    Inventors: Motohiro Kitagawa, Kikuchi Katsushi
  • Patent number: 7591218
    Abstract: An infusion container for use with a brewer. The infusion container includes a body portion defining at least a portion of a cavity therein. At least a portion of the body being liquid permeable. The infusion container liquid permeable portion facilitates brewing a beverage by allowing water to pass through the infusion container. The infusion container may be an individual structure which can be placed in and removed from the holder. Additional components or group of components for use with the beverage holder. The infusion container provides structures and methods facilitating convenient use of a brewer which allows the user to use the type of substance and quantity of substance of their choice and efficiently clean the substance holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur H. Bunn, John D. Bishop, Christopher W. Rahn, Randy D. Pope
  • Patent number: 7591219
    Abstract: A disposable packaging form is provided for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers, flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Pamela Saha
  • Publication number: 20090229472
    Abstract: A self-contained beverage brewing system for brewing a beverage includes an outer container and an inner container positionable therein. The inner container is moveable relative to the outer container between a storage/drinking position, where the inner container is positioned within an interior volume of the outer container so that respective upper rim regions of the containers are substantially adjacent to one another, and a brewing position, where the inner container is telescoped out of the interior volume of the outer container. A filter is positioned between the bottom ends of the inner container and the outer container for filtering the brewed beverage as the inner container is moved from the brewing position to the drinking position. The system can include a flexible seal connecting the respective containers, an interior collapsible bellows, a beverage module, or a combination thereof to store beverage material between the inner container and the outer container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel A. Ferrara, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090211457
    Abstract: A beverage percolating machine having an outer body or casing housing a rotor, which is fitted removably to a shaft to rotate in steps about a substantially horizontal, fixed axis of rotation, and has a number of peripheral percolating cups, each for receiving a respective measure of powdered material; the outer casing has a door facing the rotor to permit access to and, if necessary, removal and/or maintenance of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Virginio Cortese
  • Publication number: 20090205506
    Abstract: A bottle cap having a filling function for an object to be brewed is interconnected to a container's spout, including an outer cover cap and an inner sleeve, in which the outer cover cap has a top plate, an outer ring body and an inner ring body, both of which are extended from the top plate, and between which a spacing room is formed. According to the invention, the inner sleeve is fitted to an outer circumferential edge of the inner ring body, such that a storage room for storing an object to be brewed is formed between the inner ring body and the inner sleeve having a bended edge abutted against a side face of the spout. In addition, a sectional trough is arranged at one side far away the bended edge of the inner sleeve. Thereby, when the outer cover cap moves toward the container, the storage room will be opened to make the object to be brewed automatically filled into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Sheng-Chi LIN
  • Publication number: 20090199722
    Abstract: A filter insert (1) for insertion into an insert opening (91) of a vessel (9) for the purpose of extracting beverages has a base body (3), which has filter openings (51), and a sleeve. A circumferential region of the sleeve has a corrugated elastic outer contour (21) which serves to flexibly match said filter insert to an internal dimension of the insert opening (91) of the vessel (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: PI-DESIGN AG
    Inventor: Jorgen Bodum
  • Publication number: 20090193979
    Abstract: A tea pot comprises a receptacle having a pouring device at a first side and a handle on a second side opposite to the first side with the pouring device. A water filling aperture is provided at the top of the receptacle, which aperture defines a recessed circumferential lip. a lid is provided for closing said water filling aperture. A tea filter for the tea pot comprises a perforated cylindrical container of a cross sectional shape substantially the same as that of the water filling aperture, the filter being insertable into the teapot through the water filling aperture thereof. A circumferential flange is located at the upper part of the tea filter which is adapted to sit on the circumferential lip when the tea filter is inserted into the receptacle of the tea pot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: David Richard Birch
  • Publication number: 20090178573
    Abstract: A tea flask has a body, a sleeve, a strainer and a lid. The sleeve of the tea flask is mounted sealably on the body, the strainer is mounted in the sleeve and the lid is mounted sealably on the sleeve to cover the strainer. When using the tea flask the lid is removed from the sleeve, tealeaves are added to the strainer and hot water is poured into the body. The lid is mounted on the sleeve of the tea flask, then the tea flask is inverted to let the tealeaves steep in the hot water. Seals on the sleeve and lid of the tea flask prevent hot water from leaking out the body. When ready, lid attached to the strainer is removed and tea is poured. This is more hygienic, ensures better taste since the tealeaves do not become stewed and prevent the strainer scolding or burning people.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Chih-Teng Pan
  • Publication number: 20090178572
    Abstract: One embodiment of a manual drip coffee cone of the type having a conical body 1, that is truncated at the bottom and fashioned in a round shape to hold a typical paper filter or other type of filter. The base of the conical body 1 forms a drip ring 2. The drip ring 2 directs drips into the receiving vessel and prevents the cone from slipping off the vessel. A round drip plate 3, is set inside the conical body 1 at a short height above the base of the cone. The drip plate 3 has a drip hole 4. A ring collar 5, radiates out from near the base of the cone so that it sits on a cup, carafe, or other vessel. The material of the embodiment includes, but is not limited to, metals such as steel, titanium, aluminum, iron, and others; enamel-coated metals; anodized metals; and other materials deemed desirable in the future for similar kitchen tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Justine Marie Wolcott, William Mark Wolcott
  • Patent number: 7552672
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge containing one serving of coffee powder for preparing a coffee beverage. The bottom of the cartridge is provided with a passage covered by a gas-tight foil. The foil is manually removed before the cartridge is inserted into the coffee machine. Between the passage and the coffee powder, a filter element is disposed, preventing coffee powder to escape from the cartridge. The passage shall prevent a hydraulic pressure build-up in the cartridge, which would lead to the formation of froth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Cafitta System SpA
    Inventor: Arthur Schmed
  • Patent number: 7543527
    Abstract: A cartridge containing a single serving of a particulate substance extractable by means of water for preparing a beverage, preferably an espresso coffee beverage is disclosed. Between the bottom of the cartridge and the particulate substance as well as between the particulate substance and the cover of the cartridge, in each case a fluid director member is provided, having a plurality of small openings. The one close to the cover serves as a water distribution member for distributing the water, fed into the cartridge through a central opening pierced therein, evenly over the particulate substance, and the one close to the bottom serves as a beverage collection member to lead the beverage to a central opening pierced into the bottom of the cartridge. Both director members are provided with a recess directed towards the interior of the cartridge, allowing the penetration of a piercing member without damage to the director members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Caffita System SPA
    Inventor: Arthur Schmed
  • Patent number: 7540232
    Abstract: A brew basket for a hot beverage maker has a funnel-shape with a relatively wide top end and relatively narrow bottom end. A stepped support ring is integral in and defines a ledge around a circumference of the brew basket. A filter pod is supported on its periphery by the support ring during brewing. An adaptor can be integrally attached to the brew basket to give a user an option to place a second filter pod in the brew basket to yield more or stronger brewed beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Bates, Steve Williamson, William D. Starr
  • Patent number: 7533603
    Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an outer member defining a storage chamber in which is stored the one or more beverage ingredients and an inner member having a discharge spout forming an outlet for outflow of beverage formed from the one or more beverage ingredients, characterised in that the inner member forms a load-bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Adam Lloyd, Satwinder Panesar, Henry Martin, Paul Sutton
  • Patent number: 7533604
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cartridge for dispensation of a beverage comprising the steps of: a. manufacturing a plurality of outer members comprising at least a first type of outer member and a second type of outer member having differing shape or configurations; b. manufacturing a plurality of inner members comprising at least a first type of inner member and a second type of inner member having differing shape or configurations; c. storing said plurality of outer members and said inner members; d. selecting one of the first type of outer member or the second type of outer member from the plurality of outer members; e. selecting one of the first type of inner member or the second type of inner member from the plurality of inner members; f. conjoining the selected inner member to the selected outer member; g. filling the outer member with one or more beverage ingredients; and h. sealing the outer member with a lid to form the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Halliday, Colin Ballard, Satwinder Panesar
  • Publication number: 20090081333
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for blending or infusing tea. The device has a shaft having an elongated portion, a loose tea compartment and a tea bag compartment. The loose tea compartment is positioned at a point along the elongated portion of the shaft, and includes a housing that has at least one surface with a plurality of perforations, and a reclosable door. The tea bag compartment is also positioned at a point along the elongated portion of the shaft, and embodies a housing that has a reclosable door, a retainer to hold one or more tea bags in place, and an opening. The present invention further includes systems and methods that utilize the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: George Chizinsky
  • Publication number: 20090056557
    Abstract: A multi-function beverage brewer and cup (10) is taught that includes a travel mug (20) with a filter basket (26) that is removably placed within a top opening of the travel mug. A brewed beverage is created by pouring hot water over tea leafs or coffee grounds that have been placed into the filter basket. A storage container (38), including a lid (40), is used to retain additional tea leafs or coffee grounds and is removably attached to the travel mug. A holding cup (54) engages a lower outside surface of the travel mug for storage. When a beverage is brewed the holding cup and filter basket are removed from the travel mug and the filter basket containing tea leaf or coffee ground residue are stored in the holding cup and a basket/cup cover (34) encloses the holding cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Patent number: 7490542
    Abstract: A cartridge (1) for coffee and for soluble products is described, which comprises a container (2) designed to contain the coffee or the soluble product, a lid (6) placed on the top of the container so as to define an upper wall designed to allow hot water under pressure to enter the container (2) in order to produce the beverage, a filter (4) designed to be positioned inside the container (2) above a bottom wall (20) of the container. The bottom wall (20) of the container has at least one breakable portion (28) designed to break when the liquid inside the cartridge reaches a pre-set pressure, so as to form at least one aperture (130) to allow the beverage to be extracted from the cartridge (1)a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: I.T.A.CA S.r.l.
    Inventors: Edoardo Macchi, Marco Sagliaschi
  • Patent number: 7487711
    Abstract: A steam automatic dispensing device for preparing hot and/or frothed drinks, includes a first duct (13) for introducing steam inside a drink; a second duct (15) for introducing air inside the drink; an electronic control unit (51) for controlling the introduction of steam and/or air through said first and second duct, the control unit being programmable to carry out a predetermined control cycle depending on the desired drink to be obtained and on the drink temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Rancilio Macchine per Caffe' S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Carbonini
  • Patent number: 7484454
    Abstract: Based on an outflow distributor for espresso coffee makers comprising one common coffee inlet (2) and at least two partial outflow openings (19, 20) connected to it in a flow conducting manner, and flow dampening means disposed upstream of the partial outflow openings, brewed coffee is to be equally distributed over two cups while avoiding considerably differently-sized air bubbles. To this end, two partial outflow ducts (3, 4) branched off from the common coffee inlet (2) include an open end section (5, 6) each, which is directed in a baffle chamber (11, 12) each against a baffle wall (9, 10). One of the baffle chambers (11, 12) each is formed in one outflow body (7, 8) each which includes, in spaced relationship below said baffle wall (9, 10), one of the partial outflow openings (19, 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventor: Max Oehninger