13 patents in this list

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The aroma of coffee is a delicate symphony, often lost in the rush of brewing. Coffee pods, while convenient, present unique challenges in preserving this aroma. The interplay of water flow and pressure can either enhance or diminish the sensory experience. Achieving the perfect balance is crucial for delivering a rich, aromatic brew.

Professionals in the field grapple with maintaining consistent flow and pressure within the compact confines of a pod. Variations in these parameters can lead to uneven extraction, affecting flavor and aroma. The challenge is to optimize these elements without overcomplicating the brewing process.

This page explores a range of solutions, from adaptive flow control systems to customizable brew pressure mechanisms. These approaches aim to refine water flow and pressure, ensuring each cup captures the full essence of the coffee. Through these strategies, the goal is to consistently produce a brew that pleases the senses and satisfies coffee enthusiasts.

1. Manual Coffee Maker with Detachable Cup Body and Separate Water, Coffee, and Pressure Chambers

HUA KU (SHUNDE) TECH ELECTRIC CO., LTD, 2023

A small manual coffee maker with a detachable cup body and brewing base that allows brewing one cup at a time. The coffee maker has separate water, coffee, and pressure chambers. Water is filled into the water chamber through an inlet valve, which allows one-way flow into the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber pushes water into the coffee chamber through an outlet valve. The cup body also has a piston rod that extends into the pressure chamber. The detachable design allows brewing directly into a cup, and the separate chambers prevent over-extraction.

2. Brass Injection Chamber with Temperature and Flow Rate Nozzles for Capsule Coffee Makers

CREM INTERNATIONAL SPAIN, S.L., 2021

Injection chamber for capsule coffee makers that enables regulating the temperature and flow rate of water injected into coffee capsules. The chamber is made of brass and contains a temperature nozzle to regulate water temperature and a flow rate nozzle to adjust water flow. This allows customization for different capsule types and maintaining constant temperature for brewing.

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3. Coffee Capsule with Pressurizing Piece Above Filter Holder and Sheet

Chunyue Wu, 2020

Coffee filter capsule that provides improved crema extraction and filtering versus reusable capsules. The capsule has a cup body with a cover that contains a pressurizing piece above a filter holder and filter sheet. Water is inletted through the bottom and pressurized by the piece during brewing. The pressure helps extract crema while filtering the coffee.

4. Liquid Extraction Device with Flow Rate Sensor and Restart Mechanism for Powder-Filled Capsules

COWAY CO., LTD., 2020

Device and method for extracting liquid from capsules containing powders like coffee. The device has a pump, flow rate sensor, and control unit. The pump supplies pressurized water to a capsule. The flow rate sensor detects the water flow rate. If the flow rate is lower than a threshold, the pump is stopped and restarted to try to clear blockages. After a certain number of restarts, an extraction fault is displayed.

5. Hydraulically Actuated Discharge Valve for Coffee Machines

Luigi Lavazza S.p.A., 2019

Simplified, cost-effective, and reliable discharge valve for coffee machines that eliminates the need for an expensive solenoid valve. The valve is driven hydraulically by the machine's pump instead of using an electromagnetic solenoid. The valve has an inlet connected to the pump's supply line, and when the pump pushes water, it forces the valve to close. This allows brewing and prevents water loss while keeping machine costs and complexity low.

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6. Coffee Machine with Automated Pressure Regulation and Dynamic Pump Flow Adjustment

GRUPPO CIMBALI S.p.A., 2019

Coffee machine with automated pressure regulation to improve beverage quality and enable consistent dispensing of coffee from machines with variable coffee grind sizes. The machine has a pressure sensor in the water circuit to detect dispensing pressure. If the pressure deviates from a nominal value, the pump flow rate is adjusted to compensate. This allows the machine to dynamically adapt the water flow to maintain optimal extraction pressure for the specific coffee grind being used. It prevents issues like clogging or excessive pressure from finer grinds, while avoiding under-extraction from coarser grinds.

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7. Coffee Machine with Hydraulically Driven Discharge Valve in Pump Discharge Line

Luigi Lavazza S.p.A., 2018

A coffee machine with a simpler and less expensive discharge valve compared to prior machines. The valve design allows discharging the coffee circuit without using an electromagnetic solenoid valve. Instead, it uses a hydraulically driven valve connected to the pump's discharge line. Water forced by the pump passes through the valve chamber before reaching the brewing unit. This arrangement allows discharging the circuit by pumping water out without relying on a separate solenoid valve.

8. Coffee Machine with Variable-Flow Valve Pressure Control System and Dispensing Pressure Sensor

GRUPPO CIMBALI S.P.A., 2017

A coffee machine that allows customization of brew pressure for different coffee blends and grinds. The machine has a pressure control system with a variable-flow valve that regulates water flow rate based on detected dispensing pressure. This allows adjusting brew pressure to compensate for variations in coffee fineness or blend. The machine has a pressure sensor along the water circuit that detects dispensing pressure. If the detected pressure deviates from a nominal value, the valve flow rate is adjusted to compensate. This enables independent brew pressure control for each dispensing device in a multi-head machine.

9. Flow Control Device with Movable Member and Variable Orifice for Independent Liquid Flow Rate Regulation

LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A., 2017

Flow control device for liquids like coffee machines that provides independent flow rate regardless of inlet pressure. The device has a body with an inlet and outlet for the liquid. Inside, it has a movable member separating two chambers. Resilient means in the second chamber push the movable member towards the first chamber. A valve member connected to the movable member interacts with a seat to form a variable orifice between the inlet and outlet. This allows adjusting the flow rate by moving the movable member without affecting the inlet pressure.

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10. Brewing System with Adjustable Inflow and Outflow Valves for Variable Contact Time and Flow Rate Control

KONE TECHNOLOGIES INC., 2015

An adjustable brewing system for customizing the flavor and extraction of beverages like coffee and tea by allowing the user to select and control variables like contact time and water flow rate. The system has an adjustable outflow valve connected to the brewing vessel to control contact time between water and grounds, and an adjustable inflow valve to control water flow rate. This allows users to select and adjust parameters like contact time and water-to-grounds ratio to achieve different brew styles and flavor profiles.

11. Coffee Machine with Variable-Flow Valve Pressure Regulation System

Andrea COCCIA, 2011

Coffee machine with a pressure regulation system to optimize coffee extraction and quality. The machine has a hydraulic pump, dispensing devices with filters, and a pressure control system. It uses a variable-flow valve to regulate water flow to the dispensing devices based on detected pressure. This allows compensating for variations in coffee fineness or grind size to maintain consistent extraction. A pressure sensor monitors dispensing pressure and the valve adjusts flow rate if it deviates from the nominal value. This ensures optimal extraction pressure for different coffee types.

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12. Coffee Maker with Variable Pressure Brewing Unit and Pressure Profile Control System

Alexander Kiefer, Frank Goltenboth, 2010

Coffee maker with a brewing unit connected to a water supply that allows variable brewing pressure to improve coffee taste. The coffee maker has a control device that regulates brewing pressure during extraction. The device can have families of characteristics stored for different drinks, optimized to the coffee type. It also monitors flow through the brewing unit and adjusts pressure accordingly. This allows customized brewing pressure profiles for each drink, preventing clogging and ensuring optimal extraction.

13. Liquid Level Sensing Mechanism with Temperature, Conductivity, and Optical Float for Precise Measurement

Breville Pty Limited, 2010

Liquid level sensing mechanism for appliances like coffee makers that accurately measures the water level in the reservoir regardless of the overall water volume. The sensing uses techniques like monitoring temperature changes as water flows out of the heating mechanism, measuring conductivity, or pivoting float with optical sensors. This allows precise water dispensing for single serve brewing without relying on the overall reservoir level.

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Optimizing water flow and pressure in coffee pods significantly improves the aroma and flavor of the brewed coffee. By addressing challenges in pod design and brewing technology, these innovations ensure that each cup delivers the desired taste and quality. Embracing these solutions allows coffee enthusiasts to enjoy a consistently excellent coffee experience, making every sip more enjoyable and satisfying.