BEVERAGE PREPARATION DEVICE AND SYSTEM
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
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.
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Citations
45 Claims
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1-30. -30. (canceled)
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31. A beverage preparation device comprising:
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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; and a 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; and a 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. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A beverage preparation system comprising:
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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; and a 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. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44)
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45. A method for preparing a brewed drink comprising the steps of:
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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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Specification