# US 8,783,164 B2 · System, package, apparatus and method for dosing coffee beans > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,783,164 B2 - Document ID: US8783164B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/113,004 - Filed: 2011-05-20 - Published: 2012-03-22 - Granted: 2014-07-22 - Earliest claimed: 2008-11-21 - Assignees: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V. - Applicants: Age Willem Tanja; Ivo van Os; Philippe Jacques van Camp; Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff - Inventors: Age Willem Tanja; Ivo van Os; Philippe Jacques van Camp; Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8783164B2 ## CPC - A47J 42/50: Supplying devices, e.g. funnels; Supply containers - A23F 5/08: Methods of grinding coffee (coffee mills A47J42/00) - A47J 31/42: Beverage-making apparatus with incorporated grinding or roasting means for coffee {(coffee mills A47J42/00; coffee roasters in general A23N12/08)} - B65D 83/04: for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills - B65D 88/54: characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying - G01F 11/18: for fluent solid material - B65D 2303/00: Orienting or positioning means for containers - A47J: KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES - A23F: COFFEE; TEA; THEIR SUBSTITUTES; MANUFACTURE, PREPARATION, OR INFUSION THEREOF - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES - G01F: MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME ## Abstract A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with walls enclosing an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with an apparatus that is provided with a coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package prior to use in itself is closed off such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, and the coffee bean receiving device is arranged to be guided through the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the dosing space through the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising: an apparatus provided with a coffee been grinder; a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which encloses at least largely an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with the apparatus provided with the coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space are arranged to be guided via the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space via the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder. wherein the coffee bean package is provided with a closing member arranged to close off the coffee bean outlet so that when the coffee bean package is uncoupled from the coffee making apparatus exposure of the coffee beans in the coffee bean package to ambient air is prevented, and wherein the closing member is provided with a second coupling part for coupling and uncoupling with the coffee bean receiving device. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the coupling part is provided near the bottom of the coffee bean package, preferably near the coffee bean outlet. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the closing member is arranged to be opened inwards in the inner space. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the closing member is provided with at least a safety stop, which engages against the inside of the package near the outlet of the package, for preventing the closing member from being moved outwards, outside the package. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the coffee bean receiving device is part of the apparatus, so that it is uncoupled from the package when the package is uncoupled from the apparatus. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is arranged so that the coffee bean receiving device pushes the closing member open as the coffee bean receiving device is guided into the inner space. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the closing member is arranged to close off the coffee bean outlet while the coffee bean package is coupled with the apparatus and is not used for delivering coffee beans to the grinder. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the dosing space in coupled condition connects with the closing member. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is provided with a coffee bean inlet for supplying coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder, wherein the coffee bean receiving device is at least partly open at the top to leave the inlet to the grinder clear. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the coffee bean package near the bottom slopes in the direction of the outlet so that, when the coffee bean package is coupled with the apparatus, the coffee beans under the influence of gravity slide towards the coffee bean outlet, and/or towards the coffee bean receiving device. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the coffee bean receiving device comprises a shaft within which the dosing space is displaceably arranged, while the shaft is arranged to form an outer boundary of the dosing space. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The system according to claim 11, wherein the apparatus comprises a drive, the drive being arranged for driving the shaft and the dosing space. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The system according to claim 11, wherein the system is provided with a stop that engages the shaft and/or the dosing space for displacing the dosing space with respect to the shaft. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The system according to claim 13, wherein the package is provided with a top wall, wherein the drive is connected with the shaft for driving the shaft, wherein the shaft engages the dosing space through friction for carrying along the dosing space if the shaft is driven, and wherein the distance between the outlet and the top wall is such that the top wall serves as stop for the dosing space so that the shaft moves over the dosing space if the dosing space is positioned against the top wall when the shaft is moved up. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the coffee bean outlet and the dosing space are arranged so that the dosing space is slidably guided inside the outlet, with the outlet forming the outer boundary of the dosing space. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the inner space of the coffee bean package is arranged to be filled with multiple predetermined doses of coffee beans for as many portions of coffee, and the dosing space is arranged to be filled with one predetermined dose of coffee beans for one portion of coffee. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the dosing space comprises walls, the distance between which is adjustable for adjusting the volume of the dosing space for adjusting the amount of one dose of coffee beans. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is so arranged that the coffee bean outlet can be uncoupled from the apparatus by hand. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential walls of the coffee bean package are stiff. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the coffee bean outlet has relatively stiff edges and/or walls for guiding the coffee bean receiving device. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to stop grinding only after all coffee beans supplied in one stream from the dosing space have been ground so that upstream of the grinder no coffee beans are present anymore. ### Claim 22 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a coffee making apparatus, having a coffee preparation device for preparing, with supply of water to the ground coffee, coffee beverage. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the coffee bean package comprises a disposable holder which is arranged to be thrown away if it is empty. ### Claim 24 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the package is arranged to be filled from the top. ### Claim 25 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, provided with multiple coffee bean packages according to any one of the preceding claims, which coffee bean packages are connectable to one apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coffee bean packages are provided with a different printing and/or are filled with different types of coffee beans. ### Claim 26 A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising: an apparatus provided with a coffee been grinder; a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which encloses at least largely an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with the apparatus provided with the coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space are arranged to be guided via the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space via the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder, wherein the coffee bean package is provided with a closing member arranged to close off the coffee bean outlet so that when the coffee bean package is uncoupled from the coffee making apparatus exposure of the coffee beans in the coffee bean package to ambient air is prevented, and wherein the closing member is arranged to be opened inwards in the inner space. ### Claim 27 A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising: an apparatus provided with a coffee been grinder; a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which encloses at least largely an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with the apparatus provided with the coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space are arranged to be guided via the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space via the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder, wherein the coffee bean package is provided with a closing member arranged to close off the coffee bean outlet so that when the coffee bean package is uncoupled from the coffee making apparatus exposure of the coffee beans in the coffee bean package to ambient air is prevented, and wherein the closing member is provided with at least a safety stop, which engages against the inside of the package near the outlet of the package, for preventing the closing member from being moved outwards, outside the package. ### Claim 28 A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising: an apparatus provided with a coffee been grinder; a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which encloses at least largely an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with the apparatus provided with the coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space are arranged to be guided via the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space via the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder, wherein the coffee bean package is provided with a closing member arranged to close off the coffee bean outlet so that when the coffee bean package is uncoupled from the coffee making apparatus exposure of the coffee beans in the coffee bean package to ambient air is prevented, and wherein the system is arranged so that the coffee bean receiving device pushes the closing member open as the coffee bean receiving device is guided into the inner space. ### Claim 29 A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising: an apparatus provided with a coffee been grinder; a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which encloses at least largely an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with the apparatus provided with the coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space are arranged to be guided via the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space via the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder, wherein the coffee bean package is provided with a closing member arranged to close off the coffee bean outlet so that when the coffee bean package is uncoupled from the coffee making apparatus exposure of the coffee beans in the coffee bean package to ambient air is prevented, and wherein the apparatus is provided with a coffee bean inlet for supplying coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder, wherein the coffee bean receiving device is at least partly open at the top to leave the inlet to the grinder clear. ### Claim 30 A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising: an apparatus provided with a coffee been grinder; a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which encloses at least largely an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with the apparatus provided with the coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space are arranged to be guided via the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space via the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder, wherein the coffee bean receiving device comprises a shaft within which the dosing space is displaceably arranged, while the shaft is arranged to form an outer boundary of the dosing space. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The system according to claim 30, wherein the apparatus comprises a drive, the drive being arranged for driving the shaft and the dosing space. ### Claim 32 (depends on 30) The system according to claim 30, wherein the system is provided with a stop that engages the shaft and/or the dosing space for displacing the dosing space with respect to the shaft. ### Claim 33 (depends on 32) The system according to claim 32, wherein the package is provided with a top wall, wherein the drive is connected with the shaft for driving the shaft, wherein the shaft engages the dosing space through friction for carrying along the dosing space if the shaft is driven, and wherein the distance between the outlet and the top wall is such that the top wall serves as stop for the dosing space so that the shaft moves over the dosing space if the dosing space is positioned against the top wall when the shaft is moved up. ### Claim 34 A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising: an apparatus provided with a coffee been grinder; a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which encloses at least largely an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with the apparatus provided with the coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space are arranged to be guided via the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space via the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder, wherein the coffee bean outlet and the dosing space are arranged so that the dosing space is slidably guided inside the outlet, with the outlet forming the outer boundary of the dosing space. ### Claim 35 A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising: an apparatus provided with a coffee been grinder; a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which encloses at least largely an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with the apparatus provided with the coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space are arranged to be guided via the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the coffee bean receiving device and the dosing space via the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder, wherein the dosing space comprises walls, the distance between which is adjustable for adjusting the volume of the dosing space for adjusting the amount of one dose of coffee beans.