Liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatuses, methods and systems
AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorsLukasz D. Skalski, Tiemen T. 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
A capsule for enhancing a liquid to provide a beverage, comprising:
- a liquid flow path having an inlet in communication with a liquid source and an outlet in communication with a beverage receiving point;
- an enhancement flow path having an inlet in communication with a chamber adapted for housing an enhancement component and an outlet in communication with the beverage receiving point;
- configurable to:
- i. a first configuration wherein the liquid flow path is separated from the enhancement flow path by an impermeable chamber;
- or
- ii. a second configuration wherein the liquid flow path is in communication with the enhancement flow path through a permeable chamber.
A capsule for enhancing a liquid to provide a beverage, comprising:
- a first section having liquid flow path with an inlet in communication with a liquid source and an outlet in communication with a beverage receiving point;
- a second section having an enhancement flow path with an inlet in communication with a chamber adapted for housing an enhancement component and an outlet in communication with the beverage receiving point;
- the second section configurable to:
- i. a first configuration wherein the liquid flow path is separated from the enhancement flow path by an impermeable chamber;
- or
- ii. a second configuration wherein the liquid flow path is in communication with the enhancement flow path through a permeable chamber.
A capsule for enhancing a liquid to provide a beverage, comprising:
- a liquid flow path having an inlet in communication with a liquid source and an outlet in communication with a beverage receiving point;
- the liquid flow path configurable to:
- a. a first configuration having an enhancement flow path with an inlet in communication with an impermeable chamber adapted for housing an enhancement component and an outlet in communication with the beverage receiving point;
- or
- b. a second configuration having an enhancement flow path with an inlet in communication with a permeable chamber adapted for housing an enhancement component and an outlet in communication with the beverage receiving point.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.