Device for the extraction of a substance having a moveable component

• US 20030056655A1
• Filed: 11/01/2002
• Published: 03/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nestec SA (Nestle SA)
• Original Assignee: Nestec SA (Nestle SA)
• Inventors: Kollep, Alexandre, Fischer, Daniel, Stieger, Mischa
• Granted Patent: US 6,725,762 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 99/295
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/369 Impermeable cartridges being employed
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 31/46 Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for the extraction of a substance for the preparation of a beverage. This device includes a fixed first component, and a second component moveable relative to the first along an axis of rotation arranged at the rear of the two components. The front of each component forms a housing for the substance to be extracted, and the device includes a member that is integral with the fixed and moveable parts for closing and opening the components. The device also includes a control and a valve associated with the control, with these components placed on the upper part of the moveable second component in such a way that the control and valve are near the housing wherein the substance is to be extracted.

Claims

1. A flowable-food preparation device, comprising:

first and second components;

an extraction housing associated with the first and second components for receiving a substance and a fluid therein and for extracting the substance with the fluid to provide the flowable food, wherein the first component is movable for opening the housing for receiving the substance and closing the housing for extracting the substance and fluid;

a valve mounted on the first component; and

a fluid intake associated with the valve for feeding the fluid thereto, wherein the valve is configured for selectively directing the fluid to or substantially flow of the fluid to the housing.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second component is substantially fixed against rotation.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first component is rotatable for opening and closing the housing.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second components are rotatably connected at an axis of rotation.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured for receiving a substance container that contains the substance.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising a feeding member associated with the housing and configured for feeding the fluid into the container.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the feeding member comprises a piercing member configured for piercing the container to feed the fluid into the container.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a valve control that is manipulable by a user and operably associated with the valve for controlling the valve.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the valve control comprises a lever that is pivotable for operating the valve.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a disk with a switching slot for selectively directing the fluid to or away from the housing.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the valve comprises a ceramic.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising electronics associated with the valve for operating stopping further fluid from reaching the housing once a predetermined volume of fluid has been directed to the housing.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the predetermined volume is selected for filling a cup.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve is disposed sufficiently near the housing such that a volume of standing fluid of less than about 3 ml remains therebetween when the valve stops the fluid from flowing to the housing.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve is operable to direct the fluid away from the housing, the liquid intake being connected for delivering the fluid such that the fluid is aqueous, and the outlet conduit is configured for delivering the fluid as steam.

16. A flowable-food preparation device, comprising:

first and second components;

an extraction housing associated with the first and second components for receiving a substance and a fluid therein and for extracting the substance with the fluid to provide the flowable food, wherein the first component is movable for opening the housing for receiving the substance and closing the housing for extracting the substance and fluid;

a valve mounted on the first component; and

a fluid intake associated with the valve for feeding the fluid thereto, wherein the valve is configured for selectively directing the fluid to or substantially flow of the fluid to or away from the housing.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the valve has:

a first position for directing the fluid to the housing;

a second position for directing the fluid to an outlet; and

a third position for directing the fluid to a third conduit.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the food is a beverage, and the device is a beverage machine configured for preparing the beverage, the valve being configured for directing the fluid to a rejection conduit for rejecting the fluid.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the liquid intake is connected for delivering the fluid such that the fluid is aqueous, and the outlet conduit is configured for delivering the fluid as steam.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the beverage machine is a coffee machine, and the beverage is coffee.

21. The device of claim 18, wherein the beverage machine is configured for placement and filling of a cup under the extraction housing.