Patent · US Active

Beverage preparation machines

US8846121B2 · kind B2 · utility

31Cited by

6References

2Claims

0Family size

Assignee

KRAFT FOODS R & D, INC. · US

Inventors

Nick Andrew Hansen · West Lafayette, US
Andrew Charles Bentley · Banbury, GB

Key dates

Filing date	Nov 30, 2012
Grant date	Sep 30, 2014
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Mar 4, 2033

Classification

Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
CPC primaryA47J31/4496
WIPO fieldFurniture, games
WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients comprises a cartridge recognition device for determining the type of beverage to be prepared from a cartridge inserted into the machine and a variable geometry valve located downstream of a cartridge when inserted in the machine. The valve enables preparation of beverages at a range of pressures by having at least an open position and at least one restricted flow position, and a controller for selecting an initial valve position and controlling the subsequent operation of the valve according to the determination of the type of beverage to be prepared by the cartridge recognition device.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.