15 patents in this list

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Single-serve coffee pod systems have created incompatibility challenges across brands and brewing methods. Current machines typically accept only proprietary capsules of specific dimensions—generally 37-45mm in diameter for espresso pods and 55-65mm for filter coffee pods—limiting consumer choice and creating unnecessary waste through redundant equipment.

The engineering challenge centers on creating brewing chambers that can accommodate multiple capsule formats while maintaining optimal pressure, temperature, and extraction parameters for each beverage type.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including adaptive brew chambers with dual-diameter sealing surfaces, cartridge-sensing preparation zones with adjustable parameters, and multi-pod simultaneous brewing systems. These and other approaches aim to deliver consistent beverage quality across different pod formats while maintaining the simplicity and convenience that makes pod brewing attractive.

1. Brewing System with Specialized Pods Featuring Extended Base Filters and Variable Grind Profiles

Sung Oh, 2023

A single-serve brewing system with customizable taste profiles using specialized pods. The pods have filters with extended bases that peel away from the container rim to create a gap. This allows the brewed beverage to drain out through the gap without contacting the brewer. The pods can pack more coffee grounds than traditional pods due to the larger volume inside and finer grind. The grind size and filter hole size can be varied to extract flavors at different pressures. The brewer can adjust temperature, time, and water ratio to further customize the taste.

2. Beverage Brewing System with Adjustable Brew Chamber for Interchangeable Capsule Sizes and Size-Specific Locking Mechanism

Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V., 2023

A beverage brewing system that allows preparing a range of beverages using interchangeable capsules of different sizes. The system has a brew chamber with movable parts that can accommodate capsules with larger exit diameters. When brewing a capsule with a larger exit, the brew chamber parts move to prevent the smaller exit capsules from brewing. This allows using both capsule sizes without cross-contamination. A locking mechanism secures the chamber position based on the capsule size.

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3. Reusable Coffee Capsule with Shell, Sealing Film, and Compression Hoop Mechanism

Xiaofeng LIU, 2022

A coffee capsule that can be filled multiple times with coffee powder and reused, reducing waste and cost compared to disposable capsules. The capsule has a shell to hold the coffee and a sealing film covering the shell opening. A hoop compresses the film edge against the shell to seal it. This allows the capsule to be filled and sealed with coffee multiple times while still fitting capsule coffee machines.

4. Compact Beverage Machine with Vertically Stacked, Independently Selectable Dual Brew Chambers

Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., 2022

Beverage machine with multiple brew chambers in a compact design. The machine has two side-by-side brew chambers for making different types of beverages simultaneously. The chambers are stacked vertically with the upper chamber above the lower chamber. A user interface is located above the top chamber. The chambers can be independently selected for brewing. This allows making multiple servings in the upper chamber while brewing a single serving in the lower chamber. The machine can have features like removable brew baskets, handle for removing ingredients, and a lid for the upper chamber.

5. Brewing System with Dual-Diameter Annular Abutment Surfaces for Multi-Size Coffee Capsules

Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V., 2022

Brewing system for coffee capsules that allows using capsules of different sizes. The system has a brew chamber with two annular abutment surfaces of different diameters. The larger diameter surface is for sealing capsules with wider flanges. This allows using capsules with different flange sizes in the same brewer. The annular abutment surfaces are fixed relative to each other. This simplifies chamber design compared to a sliding chamber. The capsules center due to inner walls or flange engagement.

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6. Beverage Machine with Dual-Volume Brew Chamber for Interchangeable Capsule Sizes

Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V., 2021

A capsule-based beverage machine that can prepare different sizes of beverages using interchangeable capsules without compromising quality. The machine has a brew chamber with two parts that can selectively hold smaller or larger capsules. The chamber has a cavity with volumes for each capsule size. When a smaller capsule is used, the larger volume is left void to prevent waste water. When a larger capsule is used, the smaller volume is filled by the second chamber part. This balances the waste water between sizes.

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7. Single-Serve Pod Brewing System with Adjustable Grind Size, Extraction Time, and Water Temperature

OH SUNG, 2020

A customizable single-serve pod brewing system that allows adjusting taste profiles of beverages like coffee by varying grind size, extraction time, and water temperature. The system uses pods with filters that have extensions peelably coupled to the container rim. When brewing, a mechanism separates the extension to create a gap for beverage drainage. This allows customizing extraction by adjusting factors like grind size, hole size in the filter base, and brew time. The gap prevents contamination of the brewer chamber. The system also has adjustable brewing parameters like temperature and water ratio.

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8. Beverage Brewing System with Adjustable Chamber and Flange-Coupled Stop Mechanisms for Variable Capsule Sizes

LUIGI LAVAZZA S.p.A, 2020

Beverage brewing system that allows using different sized sealed capsules for brewing beverages like coffee. The system has a brewing chamber with a movable end part. The capsules have flanges of different shapes. The brewing chamber has stop mechanisms that couple to the flanges of the capsules when they're inserted. This allows the end part to move differently based on the capsule size. This avoids needing robust capsules to physically adapt the chamber volume. The stops prevent leaks while brewing.

9. Single Serve Brewing Machine with Multi-Zone Adjustable Parameter Cartridge Processing System

Massimo Tentorio, 2019

A single serve brewing machine that can make a variety of beverages like espresso, tea, and powdered beverages using different types of cartridges without needing separate machines. The machine has multiple preparation zones with adjustable parameters like water pressure, temperature, and steeping time. A cartridge sorter determines the cartridge type and moves it to the appropriate zone. This allows optimized brewing conditions for each cartridge without needing interchangeable adapters.

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10. Brewing Apparatus with Multi-Pod Basket and Selective Needle Water Dispensing System

CE Brands, LLC, 2017

Brewing apparatus for simultaneously brewing multiple coffee pods in a single cycle, enabling larger coffee volumes without dilution. The apparatus has a pod basket with multiple pod receptacles and a water dispensing mechanism with individual needles for each receptacle. When a pod is detected, water is dispensed through the corresponding needle to brew that pod. If a receptacle is empty, the needle closes to prevent water flow. This allows brewing multiple pods simultaneously in the basket while dispensing only the necessary water for each pod.

11. Brewing Apparatus with Multi-Pod Basket and Automated Water Dispensing System

CE Brands, LLC, 2017

Brewing apparatus that allows simultaneous brewing of multiple coffee pods in a single machine. The apparatus has a pod basket with multiple receptacles, each with a dispensing needle. When a pod is placed in a receptacle, the dispensing needle extends to pierce the pod and allow brewed coffee to flow out. The apparatus can detect the number of pods present and dispense only the necessary water to brew them. This avoids dilution from adding extra water for larger servings. The apparatus can replace or modify the coffee basket in a standard drip machine to enable multiple pod brewing.

12. Beverage Machine with Dual Chambers for Distinct Cartridge-Based Preparation

Starbucks Corporation dba Starbucks Coffee Company, 2015

Beverage machine that can prepare multiple types of single-serve beverages like coffee and espresso from separate cartridges. The machine has two chambers, one larger for low pressure brewed coffee cartridges and a smaller one for high pressure espresso cartridges. It reads codes on the cartridges to determine the beverage type and presents the appropriate chamber for insertion. This allows preparing both types of beverages separately in optimized chambers without mixing.

13. Coffee Maker with Universal Infusion Head and Common Seating Surface for Variable Diameter Cartridges

SEB S.A., 2008

Coffee maker with a universal infusion head that can accommodate cartridges of different diameters. The infusion head has a hollow support with a common seating surface for the cartridges. This allows cartridges of different sizes to be indexed and held in place without deformation. The hollow has vertical walls for common indexing of the cartridges. This enables using cartridges of different formats without adapters or special cartridge holders.

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14. Adjustable Basket with Interchangeable Inserts for Variable Pod Accommodation in Single-Cup Coffee Makers

Margaret E. Voss, Mary A. Puglise, 2006

Adjustable basket for single-cup coffee makers that allows using multiple disposable pods or a permanent filter pod in the same machine. The basket has interchangeable inserts that extend its length to accommodate more pods or a bigger permanent filter. It has strategically placed tabs at the bottom to secure the different inserts. One insert is a deformable cone-shape that lets multiple pods fit. Another is a permanent filter pod that extends below the basket. The adjustable basket replaces fixed baskets in single-cup machines to give users flexibility in pod sizes and brewing options.

15. Brewing Apparatus with Vertically Movable Dual-Cavity Pod Carrier and Variable Temperature Control System

HP Intellectual Corp., 2005

Brewing apparatus with a removable pod carrier that can accommodate multiple pod sizes and brew strengths. The pod carrier has two differently sized cavities for holding pods, allowing brewing of smaller or stronger coffee from the same machine without needing multiple brew sizes. The carrier is vertically movable inside the machine to raise and lower pods. The machine also has a variable water temperature system that allows hotter brewing without increasing power to the heater. This is achieved by a controller adjusting pump speed based on sensor feedback. Users can select from multiple brew modes with different water quantities and temperatures.

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Although finding the right compatible coffee pods can be challenging due to varying machine requirements, the available options provide a convenient and cost-effective way to enhance your coffee routine. By opting for pods that work with multiple systems, you can enjoy a wider range of flavors and simplify your brewing process, making your daily coffee experience more enjoyable.