10 patents in this list

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The world of coffee brewing has evolved, with single-serve machines offering convenience and consistency. However, the rise of coffee pods brings challenges in ensuring both authenticity and quality. Unverified pods can lead to subpar brews, machine malfunctions, and customer dissatisfaction, making verification systems crucial for maintaining standards.

Professionals in the industry face a dual challenge: distinguishing genuine pods from counterfeit ones and optimizing the brewing process for each pod type. These tasks require precise identification systems that can adapt to diverse pod designs and brewing requirements, all while integrating seamlessly with existing machines.

This page explores a range of solutions, including optical recognition systems and vibration-based authentication, to enhance quality control. These approaches ensure only authentic pods are used, optimizing brewing parameters for each capsule and ensuring a consistently high-quality coffee experience.

1. Beverage Machine with Optical Capsule Recognition Module for Type Identification

SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE S.A., 2023

Beverage machine that can automatically identify the type of beverage capsule inserted to optimize brewing parameters. The machine has a capsule recognition module that uses an optical sensor and light source to measure properties of the capsule surface. It compares the measured values to reference values for known capsule types to determine the capsule type.

2. Capsule Recognition Module for Beverage Preparation Machine with Multi-Property Sensing

SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE S.A., 2023

Beverage preparation machine using capsules that can automatically recognize the capsule type inserted in order to adapt the beverage preparation. The machines have a module (e.g. a color sensor) that senses a property of the capsule like its color, material or resistivity. It compares the sensed value to reference values for known capsule types to determine the capsule type. If no single match is found, it selects at least two reference values to increase certainty.

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3. Capsule with Surface Code for Machine-Readable Parameter Adjustment During Rotation

Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., 2022

A capsule for preparing a beverage that can be identified by a machine to adjust parameters for extraction. The capsule contains a code on its surface that can be read when the capsule is rotated in a beverage extraction device. The code provides information to the machine about the beverage inside. By rotating the capsule during extraction, the machine can identify the code and adjust parameters like flow rate, pressure, and temperature for optimal extraction. This enables customization of the extraction process for different capsule contents.

4. Coffee Capsule Recognition System Utilizing Vibration Sensor Analysis

TELECOM ITALIA S.p.A., 2022

A system and method for recognizing coffee capsules in a coffee machine without requiring special features on the capsules that increase cost. The method involves using a vibration sensor in the coffee machine to detect vibrations of components like the pump or capsule holder during brewing. The vibrations are caused by the changing mass of the capsule as it absorbs water. Analysis of the vibration data allows recognition of capsule types without physical features.

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5. Coffee Capsule Machine with Camera-Based Identification Code Recognition and Automated Extraction Parameter Adjustment

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.

6. Automatic Capsule Coffee Machine with Sliding Extraction and Identification Assemblies

Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., LTD., 2022

A drawer-type capsule coffee machine that can automatically extract and brew coffee from capsules without any manual operation. The machine has an identification assembly to read patterns on the capsule. When the extraction assembly is exposed, the identification assembly reads the pattern and sends a signal to drive the extraction assembly to slide in. A cutter assembly above aligns with the capsule to puncture it. The extraction assembly then slides back out to brew the coffee.

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7. Beverage Capsule with Rectilinear Projections and Circular-to-Quadrangular Transition

LUIGI LAVAZZA S.p.A, 2020

Capsules for making beverages like coffee using machines like Nespresso that have improved features for compatibility, identification and extraction. The capsules have projections and recesses arranged in a rectilinear pattern along a plane parallel to the flange. The bottom of the capsule has a cross-section that transitions from circular to at least approximately quadrangular shape. This allows improved compatibility and identification with machines using toothed gears, while still allowing extraction of the beverage.

8. Integrated Coffee Machine with Roasting, Grinding, and Brewing Systems for Sealed Green Bean Pods

Seva Coffee Corporation, 2019

A coffee machine that allows consumers to roast, grind, and brew their own coffee from green beans in a single device. The machine has a roasting system, grinding system, and brewing system all in one unit. The machine accepts sealed pods containing green coffee beans. It rapidly roasts the beans, then grinds and brews the roasted beans to make a cup of coffee. This allows consumers to control the roast level and freshness of their coffee, and also prevents counterfeiting by verifying the origin of the green beans.

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9. Beverage Capsule with Integrated 2D Barcode Encoding Brewing Parameters

Nestec S.A., 2018

Capsule for preparing a beverage such as coffee containing a 2D barcode for machine reading. The barcode provides information on parameters like water pressure, temperature, volume, brewing time, etc, for optimized beverage preparation. This allows customization for different capsules.

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10. Coffee Machine with Rotating Lock Mechanism for Capsule Compatibility Enforcement

Eugster/Frismag AG, 2015

A coffee machine that prevents use of incompatible capsules by using a rotating lock mechanism in the capsule insertion chute. The lock has teeth driven by a toothed ring on compatible capsules. If an incompatible capsule is inserted, it won't engage the teeth and will fall into the waste chute instead of the brewing chamber.

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Request the PDF report with complete details of all 10 patents for offline reading.

Verification systems are revolutionizing the coffee pod industry by ensuring only authentic products reach consumers. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, these solutions enhance quality control and promote consumer safety. As the industry continues to evolve, these innovations will play a pivotal role in maintaining product integrity and fostering trust between brands and customers.