Liquid flow and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems
AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorsLUKASZ SKALSKI, TIEMEN VAN DILLEN
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Abstract
Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
Claims20
An apparatus for guiding liquid through an enhanced beverage preparation process, the apparatus comprising:
- a. a beverage preparation module having:
- i. means for removably connecting the module at a point of liquid dispension;
- ii. a liquid flow path with an inlet adapted for fluid communication with the point of liquid dispension and an outlet adapted for fluid communication with a beverage receiving point;
- ii. means for holding an enhancement component removably received at the liquid flow path for preparing an enhanced beverage;
- iii. an air chamber in the liquid flow path intermediately the inlet and the enhancement component holding means;
- and
- iv. the air chamber providing a separation between liquid entering into the chamber through the inlet from liquid within the air chamber to prevent back contamination of the point of liquid dispension.
A refrigerator with enhanced beverage preparation comprising:
- a. a liquid flow path adapted to receive liquid from a liquid source and dispense an enhanced beverage to a beverage receiving point;
- b. means for holding an enhancement component removably received at the liquid flow path for preparing an enhanced beverage;
- c. an air chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the liquid flow path and located intermediately the inlet and the enhancement component holding means;
- and
- d. the air chamber providing a separation between liquid entering into the chamber through the inlet from liquid within the air chamber to prevent back contamination of the liquid flow path.
An apparatus for guiding liquid through an enhanced beverage preparation process, the apparatus comprising:
- a. a liquid flow path having an inlet adapted for fluid communication with a source of liquid and an outlet adapted for fluid communication with a beverage receiving point;
- b. means for holding an enhancement component removably received at the liquid flow path for preparing an enhanced liquid beverage;
- c. an air chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the liquid flow path and located intermediately the inlet and the enhancement component holding means;
- and
- d. the air chamber providing a separation between liquid entering into the chamber from liquid within the air chamber to prevent back contamination of the source of liquid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.