13 patents in this list
Updated: February 06, 2024
This page provides information on various coffee pod solutions designed to optimize water flow and pressure for the perfect cup of coffee.
Water flow and pressure play a crucial role in extracting the flavors and aromas from coffee grounds. Proper water flow ensures that the coffee is evenly saturated, allowing for optimal extraction of oils and flavors. The right pressure helps in achieving the desired level of extraction and crema formation for espresso-based drinks. Controlling water flow and pressure is essential for achieving consistency and quality in every cup of coffee made using coffee pods.
Designing coffee pods that can optimize water flow and pressure presents several technological challenges. The size and shape of the pod, as well as the design of the coffee machine, need to be carefully considered to ensure proper water distribution. Maintaining the right balance between flow rate and pressure is crucial for achieving the desired extraction. Additionally, the materials used in the pod must be compatible with high temperatures and pressure to prevent any leakage or breakage during brewing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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