Having Flow Compeller Means, E.g., Compressor, Etc. Patents (Class 426/80)
  • Patent number: 10786003
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product is provided comprising a quantity of smokeless tobacco and a container to hold said tobacco. The container comprises a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is non-permeable to substances in the smokeless tobacco that may sting or harm the mucosae or gum of a user, and the second side is permeable to said substances in the smokeless tobacco. This product overcomes issues with pain and stinging that are caused by smokeless tobacco products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: B-O WlBERG SOLUTIONS AB
    Inventor: Bengt-Olof Wiberg
  • Patent number: 10575673
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capsule (1) for containing a food ingredient, suitable for being inserted in a food preparation machine (2), said capsule having a rigid body structure defining a closed compartment wherein said ingredient is mixed with a fluid introduced under pressure by said machine in order to produce a food product, said body walls defining an external volume Vcaps, and an internal compartment volume Vcomp, characterized in that said capsule body structure further comprises at least one portion (14) having a shape, dimensions and/or being made of a material such that it is elastically deformable and that Vcaps and Vcomp can be reversibly reduced by at least 3% by applying an elastic compression along at least one dimension of said capsule at the time said capsule is functionally inserted within said machine, said elastic body wall portion allowing the capsule to flex back to its initial volumes Vcaps and Vcomp after extraction, such that residual pressure within said capsule is redu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Akos Spiegel, Nicolas Jean-Guy Bezet
  • Patent number: 10507971
    Abstract: A combined container and stirring device which can be used with and resembles the shape of known infusion bags is disclosed. The combined container and stirring device comprises a body made of material that is resistant to liquids. The body comprises a lower body and an upper body. A filter bag surrounding a granular, powdered, or liquid product is provided. The filter bag is arranged within a cavity in the lower body. The upper body wraps around the lower body to form a compact shape when the device is in a folded state. The upper body extends upwardly from the lower body to form a handle when the device is in an expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Sprout IP APS
    Inventor: Jochen Gabler
  • Patent number: 10405687
    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: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Pamela Saha
  • Patent number: 10244884
    Abstract: A method and device for producing a beverage from a capsule containing at least one beverage ingredient are disclosed. The device is configured to carry out the method by feeding a first volume of water into the capsule for prewetting the at least one beverage ingredient, interrupting the flow of water into the capsule for a predetermined waiting time, feeding a second volume of water into the capsule for extracting the at least one beverage ingredient, and dispensing the produced beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Sestec S.A.
    Inventors: Minh Quan Phan, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 10124954
    Abstract: An infuser comprises a container comprising a material with pores, content(s) bounded by the container, and a sealing substance configured to resist substantial movement of the content(s) through the pores of the material until the sealing substance is exposed to an external solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: David G Grossman
  • Patent number: 9770130
    Abstract: A system and machine for the preparation of beverages using capsules which includes a perforation device having an annular perforation member which, in the closed condition of the infusion chamber, extends into the interspace and is designed to cause a tear in the protruding portion of the wall of the capsule contained inside the chamber, such that a flow of pressurized water can be introduced into the capsule through the interspace or gap and the tear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Bugnano, Alberto Cabilli, Alfredo Vanni
  • Patent number: 9745120
    Abstract: Beverage capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation device from a capsule containing beverage ingredients by passing water through the ingredients contained in the capsule using centrifugal forces, said device comprising means for driving the capsule in rotation around an axis of rotation (I), a capsule holder for receiving the capsule and a water injection means for injecting water in the capsule, said device further comprising a valve means for engaging a valve engaging portion of the capsule; said valve means comprising a pressing ring; the capsule comprising a body and a lid and a valve engaging portion designed for being inserted between the capsule holder and the valve means of the device; wherein said capsule comprises an outlet structure forming beverage flow restriction passages of defined cross-section in the capsule at such and/or as a result of the insertion of the valve engaging portion between the capsule holder and the pressing ring of the valve means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Abegglen, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Jean-Francois Tinembart, Alexandre Perentes
  • Patent number: 9326636
    Abstract: A machine for preparing beverages is described. The machine has a support structure which defines a first area for receiving a capsule that contains a beverage preparation and a second area for beverage delivery. The machine has support means for supporting the capsule containing a beverage preparation at the first area and means for directing a localized hot air jet to a predetermined localized portion of an enclosure of the capsule to form a first through opening in the predetermined localized portion thereby allowing the beverage preparation to come out therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: INGEGNI S.R.L.
    Inventor: William Giannelli
  • Patent number: 9260238
    Abstract: Method, pad and assembly of pad and holder and beverage preparation, apparatus (1) for providing a beverage provided with a fine bubble froth layer or a beverage at least virtually without the fine bubble froth layer with the aid of a pad (6) with a covering (26) filled with at least a product (28) to be extracted and/or to be dissolved. The method comprises selecting using the pad (6) in a first (A) or a second (B) condition of use, and using the pad (6) according to the selection the pad (6) in the first condition of use (A) or in the second condition of use (B). In the first condition of use (A), a fine bubble froth layer is obtained on the beverage. In the second condition of use (B), a beverage is obtained which is at least virtually free of such a fine bubble froth layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling
  • Patent number: 9108783
    Abstract: An extraction bag is disclosed that has a body that can be squeezed using hanging threads. A portion of a sheet body is folded back, and point seals are provided in the folded-back area. Two hanging threads are attached with the point seals as supporting points. Then, when the hanging threads are pulled in opposite directions, the direction of the one hanging thread is guided during pulling by the point seals and the end of an edge seal as supporting points, and the direction of the other hanging thread of a tag-attached hanging thread is guided during pulling by the point seals and the end of an edge seal as supporting points. By this means, the point seals are first pulled towards one another and then the base seals of the threads are also pulled towards one another, thereby squeezing the bag body from three dimensional directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: FUSO INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20150064311
    Abstract: A beverage brewer having a cartridge for placement of a disposable single use filter basket filled with beverage grounds. The filter basket includes a plastic frame having a bottom, a plurality of ribs, and a top rim that define a plurality of openings covered by a non-woven or woven plastic filter material. The basket filled with beverage grounds is enclosed with a film cover. The inlet probe of the brewer pierces the cover and admits a heated liquid into the beverage grounds, and creates a brewed beverage that flows through the filter material and exits an opening in a bottom portion of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Z. FU, Matthew R. Cook
  • Patent number: 8940348
    Abstract: A coffee pod which can be used for machines for preparing and dispensing coffee beverages that comprise at least one extraction chamber, and at least one piston for compacting a predetermined amount of ground coffee inserted into the extraction chamber. The pod includes: a predetermined amount of ground coffee compacted into an aggregate of ground coffee beans, having an outer shape suitable for rolling, and preferably a substantially spherical ball shape; and a filter casing formed of at least one pervious, microporous or microperforated sheet or film, trapping and matching the shape of the compacted coffee aggregate. The sheet or film is flexible, having stretchability properties with an elongation at rupture of at least 30% and an ultimate tensile strength of less than 2,000 N/m, and a thickness of at least 150 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Frederic Ferrier, Andre Luciani
  • Publication number: 20140199440
    Abstract: A disposable strainer for infusing tea has a rigid base with a fold line along which the base of the strainer is folded once infusion is complete, an easily deformable moisture-permeable infusion container, and a squeezing mechanism consisting of threads, the threads being laid over the surface of the moisture-permeable container of the strainer, and the squeezing mechanism allowing by threads drawing to squeeze the infused tea inside the strainer once the strainer is folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Elena Arkadyevna Merinova
  • Patent number: 8771768
    Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium and an outlet for the beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, the cartridge incorporating within a beverage flow path between the inlet and the outlet an eductor for entraining air into the beverage, the eductor comprising an aperture for producing a low pressure jet of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey York, Andrew Charles Bentley
  • Publication number: 20140161937
    Abstract: A capsule suited to contain in its inside a mass of powdered coffee for preparing an infusion of coffee. The capsule comprises a container closed by a lid. The container is provided with a filter of the coffee/hot water infusion. The capsule is characterized in that the mass of powdered coffee is located in an annular space surrounding a central chimney. The infusion water, during at least one of its intermediate steps, converges from the annular space towards the central chimney passing first through a vertical filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MACCHIAVELLI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Raffaele Rondelli
  • Patent number: 8734874
    Abstract: A beverage cup lid and a system and method incorporating such a lid is provided. The lid holds an individual serving dose of a beverage to be brewed. Hot water is poured into a chamber of the lid to brew the beverage. The brewed beverage is fed into an underlying cup through an outlet in the lid. The beverage can be consumed through an opening in the lid without removing the spent grounds contained in the lid, from which the beverage was brewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: UCAI Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Alfonso Ernesto Paolone
  • Publication number: 20140030385
    Abstract: A brewing device, particularly for brewing tea or coffee. In one embodiment, the steeping portion (11) is formed with the handle (10) and the squeezing means includes an actuator element (13) arranged to extend through the handle. Such a device is thus arranged to compress the steeping portion by means of a pulling action on the actuator element. In an alternative embodiment, the squeezing means is formed with the handle (51) and the steeping portion is formed with an actuator element (54) arranged to extend through the handle. By such an arrangement, the device is arranged to compress the steeping portion by means of a pushing or pressing action on the actuator element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: MARTINFIELD LIMITED
    Inventor: John Pape
  • Publication number: 20140017372
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a capsule containing at least one aromatic substance for producing a beverage by means of its crossing by a pressurized fluid flow, and comprising at least one controlled opening element retained in a removable manner at least in one zone of the capsule facing the flow upstream and/or downstream. Said controlled opening element, by means of applying at least one certain actuation force exerted by a respective extraction device, may be displaced in at least linear or rotating fashion from an initial retaining position, that produces the airtight closure of the capsule, to at least one following position, thereby releasing at least one section of flow passageway of previously defined configuration and dimension in view of an optimized flow distribution inside said capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: NOVADELTA-COMERCIO E INDUSTRIA DE CAFES S.A.
    Inventor: Rui Miguel Nabeiro
  • Patent number: 8522669
    Abstract: A pod holder for brewing a single cup beverage with infused heated water consist of a holder body having an open top and a base with an egress hole. A body inner cup, to with a keyhole shaped opening in the bottom, is placed within the holder body. A pod ejector pin extend through both the inner cup keyhole shaped opening and the holder body egress hole and protrudes beneath. A single cup pod is manually compressed into the inner cup, and a lid is attached to the body. The lid has an integral water inlet hollow duct with a pod cushion, permitting the cushion to press against the pod without piercing the pod cover, such that when hot water is introduced into the pod the water seeps through the pod's contents and a beverage is brewed. The brewed liquid drains through the inner cup and body and is discharged into a cup beneath, with the spent pod expelled when the lid is removed and the ejector pin is manually depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick J. Rolfes, John Guy Cazort, II
  • Patent number: 8424447
    Abstract: A capsule comprising beverage ingredients therein, and including a closed enclosure hermetically sealed to gas; and a perforated flow-regulating disc member which is arranged in the closed enclosure, perpendicularly to the liquid flow path inside the capsule, and which is configured for separating the ingredients at least partially into at least two ingredient spaces and which enables liquid to spread more evenly and transversely across one ingredient space and to the periphery of the enclosure to facilitate extraction of the beverage ingredients in the ingredient spaces. The capsule also may include an insert located within the enclosure and having tubular portions which are respectively open away from the center of the enclosure, wherein the insert is centrally arranged inside the capsule, and the ingredients are entirely provided radially outside the tubular portions of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Colantonio, Christian Jarisch, Jean-Paul Denisart
  • Publication number: 20130095212
    Abstract: Disclosed is a single brew beverage cartridge for use in a brewing apparatus. The cartridge includes a lid and a cup shaped filter suspended below the lid and in which a beverage brewing ingredient is held. The lid includes an annular collar to prevent the lid from deforming when a needle of the brewing apparatus pierces it during the brewing process. Preferably the cartridge is formed of materials, e.g., paper/paperboard, so that it is compostable and biodegradable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: FRES-CO SYSTEM USA, INC.
    Inventor: Fres-co System USA, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8399035
    Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Kirschner, Carter Crittenden Bennett
  • Patent number: 8393261
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients. The capsule includes a sealed ingredients compartment, an inlet face, an outlet face, and an opening member which is positioned at the inlet face outside the compartment and which is provided with piercing members directed towards the ingredients compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Kollep, Christophe S. Boussemart
  • Publication number: 20120321748
    Abstract: A coffee filter basket includes a filter retainer having an outer shell with an upper end having open top and a bottom including an opening, an insert having an upper collar of a less than the diameter than the upper end of the retainer to fit therein and having a lower extension which when a filter is disposed within the retainer and the insert is disposed within the filter, the insert press-fits within the retainer to retain the filter adjacent the retainer shell, and a removable top having an outer perimeter lip portion of at least that of the diameter of the upper end of the retainer and a lower collar portion of a diameter less than the diameter of the upper collar and configured to press-fit therein to secure the insert in the retainer, wherein the removable top has an opening. A method of use is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Jay D. Otto, R. William Graham
  • Patent number: 8272318
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 8252351
    Abstract: A beverage machine comprises a device designed for brewing a beverage on the basis of ingredients contained in a capsule, the beverage device comprising a way of retaining the capsule in a defined position, a first apparatus for opening a hot water inlet into the capsule while the capsule is retained in the defined position, and a second apparatus for opening a beverage outlet from the capsule while the capsule is retained in the defined position. The beverage machine is characterized in that the first apparatus comprises at least one opening which is directed downwards to the lowermost part of the capsule while the capsule is retained in the defined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Matthieu Ozanne
  • Publication number: 20120201933
    Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. The beverage capsule includes a body having a sidewall and a base defining an interior space. A first opening is defined at one end of the body and a second opening is defined at an opposing end of the body. A first cover covers the first opening and a second cover covers the second opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space a pre-determined distance away from the second opening. Ingredients, such as ground coffee beans, are disposed in the interior space between the first opening and the filter for preparing a desired beverage, wherein the ingredients have a statistical arithmetic mean particle size that is greater than 600 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: 2266170 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Timothy Dran, Scott Hanneson, Daud Ahmed Khan, Liberatore A. Trombetta
  • Patent number: 8181817
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a raised container lid bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Mighty Leaf Tea
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner, Michael Barry
  • Publication number: 20110315021
    Abstract: Capsules for use in a beverage production machine. One capsule includes a base body having a flange-like rim and containing beverage-forming ingredients therein, the ingredients being sealed in the base body by a foil member attached to the flange-like rim, and at least one flow control porous member arranged between at least a portion of ingredients in the capsule and the foil member. Another capsule includes a first wall member for supporting beverage-forming ingredients, a second perforable wall member attached to the first wall member, and at least one porous layer located between the beverage-forming ingredients in the capsule and the second wall member, with the porous layer forming a multilayer laminate with the perforable non-porous foil member. These flow control porous members provide faster and more consistent flow of the liquid extract through the capsule and significantly reduces the resurgence of non-soluble solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Paul Eichler, Peter Koch, Francisco Campiche, Pierre Monnier
  • Patent number: 8062682
    Abstract: A method for producing a beverage or liquid comestible from a single capsule by subdividing the interior of the capsule into a plurality of compartments, at least two compartments containing beverage-forming ingredients, introducing a liquid into one of the compartments of the capsule and starting to produce and drain a first beverage component on the basis of the ingredient contained in the first compartment, and opening a fluid communication between the first and the second compartment such that after the start of the production of the first beverage compartment, a production of a beverage component on the basis of the ingredient contained in the second compartment commences. The capsule is preferably used to make cappuccino-style beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Zenon Ioannis Mandralis, Jean-Paul Denisart, Tony Ward, Julien Gaillard
  • Publication number: 20110262597
    Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Kirschner, Carter Crittenden Bennett
  • Publication number: 20110250319
    Abstract: The disposable capsule for the production of an aromatic beverage comprises a container having a closed base which can be perforated for the inlet of water, and an open base closed by at least a filter through which the beverage can exit, said filter having a peripheral edge applied to a peripheral profile of said open base of the container, the peripheral profile of the open base to which the peripheral edge of said filter conforms having a peripheral development at a variable height with respect to the axis of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGY FOR BEVERAGE, S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo SCRIVANI
  • Publication number: 20110217421
    Abstract: A method for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in a single-use capsule. The method includes passing water through the substance, driving the capsule in centrifugal rotation while introducing water into the center of capsule, passing water through the substance to form a food liquid, and piercing at least one liquid delivery outlet in the capsule at least partially by the effect of the pressure rising in the capsule as a result of the centrifugation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Alexandre Perentes, Christian Jarisch
  • Publication number: 20110212225
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for preparing a beverage, for example coffee, comprising a hollow element intended to contain a metered amount, for example of ground coffee, said hollow element including a side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall comprising an extraction membrane; the top wall comprising, on the inner surface thereof, a weakened area capable of moving when an external element exerts a force thereon, thereby providing a passage for the liquid to flow between the outside and the inside of the capsule
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Alain Mariller
  • Publication number: 20110183042
    Abstract: An integral tea infuser apparatus is provided to compress brewed tea leaves. In accordance with one embodiment: a tea infuser apparatus comprises a top member and a bottom member set to slidably mate with each other forming open, closed and compressed positions. The top member has a top tea retainer cover and a top compressor side having a top push-pull handle, and the bottom member has a bottom tea retainer and a bottom compressor side having a bottom push-pull handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Eric Y. Teng
  • Publication number: 20110142996
    Abstract: A portion capsule for preparing a beverage is proposed, having a substantially frustoconical or cylindrical base element, which has a cavity for accommodating a beverage raw material, and a membrane which closes the cavity, with a wall region of the base element having a plurality of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Marc KRÜGER
  • Publication number: 20110123678
    Abstract: Device for producing liquid products, in particular drinks, includes an infusion module used to extract or dissolve a powder or granulate, which are contained in a disposable capsule, in a pressurized liquid. The disposable capsule has a dimensionally stable housing which forms a cavity for the powder or granulate and has a front wall on the inlet side and a front wall on the outlet side. The inlet-sided front wall includes an inlet closure which is actively connected to the infusion module and the outlet-sided front wall includes an outlet closure for the liquid product. The inlet closure and the outlet closure are open due to a hydraulic effect of the liquid which is guided from the infusion module under a defined pressure. As a result, no additional elements are required for piercing the disposable capsule which enables the inventive device to be constructed in a simple manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Beatrice AMANN, Maurizio Alaimo
  • Publication number: 20110045144
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a system for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a single-use capsule (1) by injection of a liquid into the capsule (1), said system comprises a device (50) having at least one enclosing member (13a, 13b) connected to a closing mechanism (21) for selectively enclosing said capsule (1) in a receiving chamber (16) of the device (50), said device further comprising a pump (70) for supplying liquid to the capsule (1), opening means (15,16) for opening a first inlet face (3a) and a second outlet face (3b) of the capsule (1), and a control unit (80) for controlling at least the pump (70) of the device, wherein the opening means (15,16) are arranged to supply a liquid received from the pump (70) to the inside of the capsule (1), wherein the capsule (1) further comprises a rigid body (2) and a recessed section (4) formed as an integral part of the body (2), and wherein said recessed section (4) is formed at the inlet face (3a) of the capsule (1) and comprises a plura
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe S. Boussemart, Alfred Yoakim
  • Publication number: 20110003038
    Abstract: A method for preparing a liquid comestible from a cell by passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, wherein gas contained in the cell is controllably purged from the cell as liquid fills the cell. In one embodiment, the method includes prewetting the substance in the cell by filling liquid in the cell and rotating the cell at a first rotational speed; and then extracting the liquid comestible from the cell in an extraction phase which comprises continuing to fill liquid into the cell and rotating the cell at a second rotational speed that is higher than the first rotational speed. The invention also discloses a cell for use in these methods which cell includes a filter for preventing solids from being carried by gas during the gas purge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Colantonio, Enzo Bonacci, Jean-Paul Denisart, Alfred Yoakim, Antoine Ryser
  • Publication number: 20100282091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule containing ingredients for producing a beverage, wherein the ingredients are housed in a compartment and an internal perforation mechanism is provided for opening the lower face of the compartment by using pressure inside the compartment to cause the lower face to act against the perforation member to allow the beverage to exit the capsule through a beverage outlet. The capsule is provided with a valve arranged for selectively blocking the flow path of the beverage to the beverage outlet of the capsule to prevent dripping of the beverage from the compartment after dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Frédéric Doleac, Jean-Paul Denisart, Jean-Luc Denisart, Zenon Loannis Mandralis, Abdelmalek Benelmouffok
  • Patent number: 7815953
    Abstract: A capsule for extracting a beverage from a substance in powder form, preferably ground coffee, by means of pressurized water, comprising a box-like body which contains the substance in powder form and has a base provided with an output port for the outflow of the extracted beverage, the output port being closed by an elastic crema forming septum which can open under the pressure of the water, the capsule further comprising a safety lid which is mounted on the box-like body at the base so as to increase the axial size of the box-like body, the lid comprising a shoulder which is engaged on the septum and is adapted to retain the septum within the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Illycaffe' S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Mastropasqua, Bruno Dellapietra, Frans Van Eeden, Furio Suggi Liverani, Claudio Bolzicco, Luigi Vozza
  • Publication number: 20100203198
    Abstract: A single-use capsule for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in the capsule by introducing water in the capsule and passing water through the substance using the centrifugal forces for producing the food liquid which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relatively to a central axis of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifugation. The capsule has upper and bottom walls, a widening side wall connecting to the upper and lower walls and an enclosure containing a predetermined amount of a food substance. The upper wall has a peripheral outlet region which is perforable and dedicated for providing outlets for the release of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser, Alexandre Perentes
  • Publication number: 20100189844
    Abstract: Method, pad and assembly of pad and holder and beverage preparation, apparatus (1) for providing a beverage provided with a fine bubble froth layer or a beverage at least virtually without the fine bubble froth layer with the aid of a pad (6) with a covering (26) filled with at least a product (28) to be extracted and/or to be dissolved. The method comprises selecting using the pad (6) in a first (A) or a second (B) condition of use, and using the pad (6) according to the selection the pad (6) in the first condition of use (A) or in the second condition of use (B). In the first condition of use (A), a fine bubble froth layer is obtained on the beverage. In the second condition of use (B), a beverage is obtained which is at least virtually free of such a fine bubble froth layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling
  • Publication number: 20100178392
    Abstract: A single-use capsule for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in the capsule by introducing water in the capsule and passing water through the substance using centrifugal forces for producing the food liquid which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relatively to a central axis (A) of the capsule. The capsule includes an enclosure containing a predetermined amount of food substance, and a plurality of outlet openings for enabling the food liquid to leave the enclosure under the centrifugal forces exerted in the capsule, with the outlet openings being arranged at a substantially peripheral portion of wall of the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser
  • Publication number: 20100159077
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LUKASZ D. SKALSKI, TIEMEN T. VAN DILLEN
  • Publication number: 20100159078
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LUKASZ D. SKALSKI, TIEMEN T. VAN DILLEN
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20090317518
    Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium and an outlet for the beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, the cartridge incorporating within a beverage flow path between the inlet and the outlet an eductor for entraining air into the beverage, the eductor comprising an aperture for producing a low pressure jet of the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Geoffrey York, Andrew Charles Bentley