Law Offices of Edward Langer Adv. and Patent Attorney
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A beverage preparation system, a method of preparation and a device for securely engaging with a cup unit for preparing a beverage. A potable liquid is supplied within the cup unit but kept separate from a capsule brewing element containing a predetermined quantity of edible ingredients also dispose
A beverage preparation system, a method of preparation and a device for securely engaging with a cup unit for preparing a beverage. A potable liquid is supplied within the cup unit but kept separate from a capsule brewing element containing a predetermined quantity of edible ingredients also disposed within the cup unit. The brewing element is constructed in a shape which retains its integrity without any external support even under pressure such as needed for espresso drink preparation. The beverage preparation device operates by extracting the potable liquid from the cup unit, processing it in a heating/cooling chamber, and returning the processed liquid at a predetermined pressure and time duration to the cup unit. The operation is performed in accordance with preprogrammed instructions associated with an instruction source provided on a sealed cover of the cup unit.
대표청구항▼
1. A beverage preparation device comprising: a housing formed with a receiving chamber partially surrounding a holding tray provided with a quick-release means;a cup unit comprising a drinking cup having a base formed with matching quick-release means,a collapsible bag disposed within said drinking
1. A beverage preparation device comprising: a housing formed with a receiving chamber partially surrounding a holding tray provided with a quick-release means;a cup unit comprising a drinking cup having a base formed with matching quick-release means,a collapsible bag disposed within said drinking cup for holding said potable liquid isolated from said at least one capsule brewing element; anda cup cover sealed to said drinking cup,said cup unit being provided with a potable liquid and at least one capsule brewing element contained therein for preparing a brewed drink;a first pump connected to said cup unit;a means for heating/cooling said potable liquid; anda second pump connected to said cup unit,such that when said cup unit is engaged in place on said holding tray via said matching quick-release means and disposed within said receiving chamber, said first pump extracts said potable liquid from said cup unit when in fluid communication therewith, said means for heating/cooling heats/cools said potable liquid until reaching a selected temperature level suitable for said brewed drink, and said second pump, when in fluid communication with said heating/cooling means and said cup unit, returns said potable liquid into said cup unit to mix directly with at least one brew ingredient contained within said at least one capsule brewing element, making a ready-to-drink heated/cooled beverage within said cup unit. 2. The beverage preparation device of claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a built-in segment of a vehicle dashboard having electrical connectivity to a vehicular power supply for providing power to said beverage preparation device. 3. The beverage preparation device of claim 2, wherein said electrical connectivity comprises connection to a cigarette lighter connector. 4. The beverage preparation device of claim 1, wherein said holding tray is retractable inward into said receiving chamber and extendable outward therefrom. 5. The beverage preparation device of claim 1, wherein said quick-release means in said holding tray matches an inverse, articulated connector formed in said cup unit. 6. The beverage preparation device of claim 5, wherein said articulated connector comprises a system for removably joining said cup unit to said holding tray, said system being selected from at least one of the group: a conical hollow joining a conical protrusion; a bayonet-type connector joining a scabbard-type receptor; and a dove-tail connector. 7. The beverage preparation device of claim 1, wherein said cup unit further comprises an instruction source having encoded information in the form of a bar code strip applied thereto and readable by a bar code reader disposed within said receiving chamber. 8. The beverage preparation device of claim 7, wherein said encoded information comprises pre-programmed instructions for operating said beverage preparation device. 9. The beverage preparation system of claim 8, wherein said preprogrammed instructions are select instructions related to parameters chosen from the following group: heating, cooling, high pressure, low pressure, and time duration of operation. 10. The beverage preparation device of claim 1, wherein said base is formed with flanges so as to be slidably insertable into a matching configuration formed on said holding tray to retain said cup unit in a predetermined orientation and fixed position thereon. 11. The beverage preparation device of claim 1, wherein said holding tray is formed with a heating/cooling element to reheat/cool the potable liquid in said cup unit when placed thereon and said heating/cooling element is connected to a power source and operated. 12. A beverage preparation system comprising: a beverage preparation device connectable to a power source, said beverage preparation device comprising a housing formed with a receiving chamber partially surrounding a holding tray provided with a quick-release means;a cup unit comprising a drinking cup having a base formed with matching quick-release means, said cup unit being provided with a potable liquid and at least one capsule brewing element with at least one brewing ingredient therein for preparing a brewed drink;a first pump connected to said cup unit;a means for heating/cooling said potable liquid; anda second pump connected to said cup unit,such that when said cup unit is engaged in place on said holding tray via said matching quick-release means and disposed within said receiving chamber, said first pump extracts said potable liquid from said cup unit when in fluid communication therewith, said means for heating/cooling heats/cools said potable liquid until reaching a selected temperature level suitable for drinking, and said second pump, when in fluid communication with said heating/cooling means and said cup unit, returns said potable liquid into said cup unit to mix directly with at least one brew ingredient contained within said at least one capsule brewing element, making a ready-to-drink heated/cooled beverage within said cup unit. 13. The beverage preparation system of claim 12, wherein said at least one capsule brewing element is formed so as to withstand the internal pressure applied by forced entry of hot water thereinto during espresso preparation with only negligible external support. 14. The beverage preparation system of claim 12, wherein said at least one capsule brewing element is torroidal-shaped. 15. A method for preparing a brewed drink comprising the steps of: a) providing an espresso machine comprising: a receiving chamber having a holding tray for seating and servicing drinking cups;at least a first pump for extracting potable water from a cup unit to bring it into contact with a heating/cooling means disposed in a heating/cooling chamber for heating/cooling said potable liquid to a preselected temperature utilizing the Peltier principle;a second pump for returning said potable water under pressure into said capsule brewing element;a control panel disposed on the face of said espresso machine for selection of predetermined control factors for brew preparation;b) providing an individual drinking cup unit insertable into said receiving chamber;c) dispersing the finished brew within said cup unit to make a ready-to-drink heated/cooled beverage within said cup unit.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (16)
Shultis, Emil, Apparatus for producing a beverage.
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