20 patents in this list
Updated: February 06, 2024
This page provides information on various technological solutions developed for temperature regulation in coffee pods.
Temperature regulation is crucial in coffee brewing as it directly impacts the taste, aroma, and overall quality of the coffee. For a perfect cup of coffee, the water used in the brewing process needs to be at the ideal temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. Temperature control is especially critical in single-serve coffee pods, where the coffee is brewed in a compact and enclosed environment.
Designing coffee pods with effective temperature regulation poses various technological challenges. The small size of the pods leaves limited space for heating elements and temperature sensors. Moreover, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process can be challenging due to fluctuations in the external environment and varying water flow rates. Achieving accurate temperature control while ensuring safety, efficiency, and ease of use for consumers is a complex task that requires innovative solutions.
Sung Oh, 2023
A brewing system that personalizes the taste of single-serve pod beverages by adjusting the brewing parameters like pressure, temperature, and time. The pod has a filter with holes and an extendable section. The brewing chamber detaches the section to create a gap for beverage flow. The brewer injects water into the pod which extracts the beverage and exits through the holes and gap. Varying hole size and grind adjusts pressure. Changing temperature and time reduces bitterness.
LA MARZOCCO S.R.L., 2022
Espresso coffee machine with improved temperature regulation for consistent beverage quality regardless of usage frequency. The machine has a water boiler, heater, temperature sensor, and feedback system. The temperature reference for the boiler is dynamically adjusted over time based on usage patterns. If extraction cycles are infrequent, the reference temperature is increased to compensate for temperature drops. This ensures the water reaches optimal brewing temperature regardless of machine usage frequency.
SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE S.A., 2022
A capsule processing machine that optimizes thermal management before and after mixing liquid with flavoring ingredients to prepare beverages like coffee or tea. The machine has a stationary frame, a movable cover, and a holder for receiving capsules. Moving the cover closes the capsule in the holder. The machine rotates the closed capsule using a centrifugal force mechanism to mix the liquid with the flavoring ingredient inside. This allows the liquid to be heated or cooled before mixing to compensate for post-extraction temperature losses.
Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc., 2022
A drip coffee maker with a vertical heating element that rises as it heats water. The heating element is connected to a pump that draws water from a reservoir. This allows the heating element to be taller and thinner since it doesn't need to accommodate the water volume. The vertical design improves heat transfer and reduces hot spots. A second pump transfers water to the brew basket. The controller regulates pump speeds based on temperature sensor data. An accumulator can be added to the loop for smoother pumping.
Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., LTD., 2022
Coffee capsule machine that can recognize the identification code on a coffee capsule, then automatically extract the coffee according to the code. The machine has a camera positioned to view the capsule's code when it is in the extraction chamber. The camera captures an image of the code, which is decoded by the control circuit. The code identifies the coffee type and the circuit sets the extraction parameters accordingly, like water volume and temperature. The circuit controls the heating and extraction units to deliver the customized extraction for the identified coffee capsule.
JURA Elektroapparate AG, 2021
A method for producing a coffee beverage in a coffee machine that allows consistent brewing temperatures by preheating the brewing chamber. The method involves supplying a first quantity of heated fluid through the brewing chamber feed line before brewing, discharging some of it, then brewing with a second quantity. This preheats the chamber without losing heat in the feed line. Alternatively, moving the brewing piston closer to the chamber end before preheating. This ensures the feed line fluid has higher temperature when it enters the chamber.
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.
NuWave, LLC, 2020
Automatic beverage maker that can be used for brewing coffee, tea and other hot beverages, as well as broths for soup, stews, and the like and even other types of drinks that may be served cold, such as iced tea and iced coffee. The maker includes a water reservoir, a control system, a pump and tubing system, a cartridge arm and a cartridge holder.
NINGBO JINYU ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO., LTD., 2020
A compact, automated coffee capsule maker that enables easy, one-handed operation and disposable capsule production. The machine has an upper portion with a recess to hold the capsule holder, a lower portion with the capsule ejection mechanism, and a central section with the heating unit, control electronics, and motors. The machine has sensors to detect capsule presence and separation, allowing automated heating and ejection. The design allows easy capsule insertion/removal from the side, avoiding frequent disassembly. The compact size and one-handed operation simplify usage compared to larger commercial machines.
ØSTERLANDSK THEHUS, 2020
Coffee machine with a heat retention manifold to maintain consistent water temperature during brewing. The manifold is a multi-layer structure that surrounds part of the hot water channel between the water tank and brewing chamber. This reduces heat loss through the channel walls and components, preventing temperature variations that can affect coffee quality. The manifold can be made by laser cutting layers and covers the tank outlet area. The control equipment like valves and sensors are located along the manifold to monitor and adjust brewing parameters.
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc., 2020
Refrigerator appliance that provides improved functionality and user convenience features. The appliance includes a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a door being rotatably hinged to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber, the door defining a dispenser recess, and a dispensing assembly positioned within the dispenser recess for providing a flow of water.
Junda Shi, 2018
Capsule coffee machine with a simple brewing structure that enables manually adjustable temperature and concentration settings. The machine has a top piercing tube to puncture the coffee capsule top and a bottom piercing tube to puncture the bottom. A safety valve cuts off water flow if the lid is open to prevent splashing. The pump and heater are controlled by a computer board that allows adjusting brewing duration and temperature.
AS WILFA, 2016
A coffee machine that allows precise control of water temperature during brewing and adapts to environmental conditions like altitude and barometric pressure. The machine has a water pump, heating element, and temperature sensor. It estimates the temperature reduction through the heating element based on ambient conditions. It pumps water to fill the element when hot, then disables the pump until it reaches the brewing temperature. It adjusts pump voltage to achieve the desired brewing temperature. This compensates for altitude effects that lower boiling points. If actual temperature reduction differs, it recalculates throughput and voltage. The heating element has layers of metal and silicone for water flow.
Rancilio Group S.p.A., 2015
Brew group for espresso machines that provides better control of coffee temperature compared to conventional machines. The brew group has a holding chamber with separate inlets for cold water and hot water. The chamber contains the necessary volume of liquid for brewing. Heating is done directly in the chamber instead of indirectly through a boiler. This allows instantaneous control of the brew water temperature by independently adjusting the cold and hot water valves. It eliminates thermal inertia issues of indirect heating stages.
Rheavendors Services S.p.A., 2013
Automatic coffee machine with separate forced air heating to maintain brewing chamber temperature. The machine has a separate forced air heating system with fan, duct, and heater to warm the brewing chamber and dispensing units. A sensor detects chamber temperature and switches on the heater and fan to keep it within optimal brewing range. This avoids cold water issues when brewing after idle periods. The forced air heating directly warms the brewing chamber head without contacting coffee grounds.
Gruppo Cimbali S.p.A., 2013
Coffee machine with reduced production and maintenance costs and lower power consumption compared to conventional coffee machines. The machine has a simplified hydraulic circuit that allows prompt dispensing of water for coffee infusion at the optimal temperature. The design involves a water supply pipe connected to a source with lower feed temperature. A heating chamber with a shut-off valve warms the water to the dispensing temperature. This eliminates the need for multiple solenoid valves to regulate water temperature. The coffee machine also has a separate boiler for steam and hot water dispensing, avoiding the need for a separate boiler just for coffee infusion.
Gruppo Cimbali S.P.A., 2010
An apparatus for supplying hot water to a brewing device operating with pre-packaged pods or capsules containing ground coffee, to maintain brewing temperature even after long pauses between brews. The apparatus has a separate water distribution unit with a thermally regulated chamber connected to a hot water duct and a return duct. The brewing unit has a connection duct to bring hot water for brewing. The distribution unit circulates hot water using a thermo-siphon effect, keeping it hot even when the brewing unit cools. A valve in the distribution unit allows controlling the brewing water flow. This allows the brewing unit to cool between brews while still providing hot water for brewing.
Chris Nenov, Arnold Samreth, Louis St. Germain, 2008
A compact, portable espresso machine that can be powered by the 12V outlet in a vehicle. The machine uses a unique brewing process that eliminates the need for a large, heavy boiler and allows it to be much smaller, lighter, and lower power than conventional espresso machines. The espresso maker uses a small amount of hot water that is heated externally and injected into a chamber containing the coffee grounds. The pressure from the incoming hot water extracts the espresso and forces it out into a cup.
Jamal Hammad, Terry Tang, 2006
A single-serve beverage maker that can brew a single cup of coffee or tea from a pre-packed pod without requiring multiple pod holders or leaving residual water in the reservoir. The machine has a reservoir, heater, pump, and temperature sensor controlled by a controller. The controller operates the pump for a time based on how long it takes to heat the water to brewing temperature. This ensures the correct amount of water is pumped per cup.
HP Intellectual Corp., 2005
A single-serve brewing apparatus like a coffee maker that provides precise temperature control and customizable brewing options without complex machinery. The apparatus contains a variable speed pump and temperature sensors connected to the hot water heater. A controller adjusts the pump speed based on the temperature readings to control the water temperature. This enables brewing customization by varying the pump speed and temperature for different brewing modes selected by the user.
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