Beverage production machines with restrictors
AssigneeStarbucks Corporation
InventorsAndrew Timm Windler, Adam Mekeel Mack, Philipe Roget Manoux
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Machines and methods for preparing single-servings of a beverage. The machine can include a housing and a basket assembly positioned in the housing. The basket assembly defines a chamber capable of receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor. A screen having a plurality of openings can be positioned at a bottom portion of the chamber. A first plate having a single restricting orifice can be secured to the screen.
Claims8
A machine for preparing single-servings of a beverage, the machine comprising:
- a housing;
- a basket assembly positioned in the housing, the basket assembly comprising a chamber capable of receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor;
- a screen positioned at a bottom portion of the chamber, the screen comprising a plurality of openings;
- a first plate secured to the screen, the plate having a single restricting orifice configured to restrict flow of fluid therethrough;
- and
- a spring-loaded relief valve, the relief valve configured to move from a closed position to an open position when a pressure between the screen and the first plate exceeds a cracking pressure to vary a flow area of the restricting orifice.
A machine for preparing single-servings of a beverage, the machine comprising:
- a housing;
- a basket assembly positioned in the housing, the basket assembly comprising a chamber capable of receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor;
- a screen positioned at a bottom portion of the chamber, the screen comprising a plurality of openings;
- a first plate secured to the screen, the plate having a single restricting orifice configured to restrict flow of fluid therethrough;
- and
- a needle valve having a plunger secured to the screen, a tip of the plunger extending at least partially through the restricting orifice, the needle valve selectively adjustable to vary a flow area of the restricting orifice.
A machine for preparing single-servings of a beverage, the machine comprising:
- a housing;
- a basket assembly positioned in the housing, the basket assembly comprising a chamber capable of receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor;
- a screen positioned at a bottom portion of the chamber, the screen comprising a plurality of openings;
- a first plate secured to the screen, the plate having a single restricting orifice configured to restrict flow of fluid therethrough;
- and
- a spring-loaded check valve positioned below the restricting orifice, the spring-loaded check valve configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration,
- wherein:
- the check valve moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration when the check valve is in an inverted position and fluid flows in a downstream direction, or
- the check valve moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration when fluid flows in an upstream direction.
A machine for preparing single-servings of a beverage, the machine comprising:
- a housing;
- a basket assembly positioned in the housing, the basket assembly comprising a chamber capable of receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor;
- a screen positioned at a bottom portion of the chamber, the screen comprising a plurality of openings;
- a first plate secured to the screen, the plate having a single restricting orifice configured to restrict flow of fluid therethrough;
- and
- a leaf spring, the leaf spring:
- (a) positioned below the restricting orifice, or (b) positioned across the restricting orifice, the leaf spring configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration.
A machine for preparing single-servings of a beverage, the machine comprising:
- a housing;
- a basket assembly positioned in the housing, the basket assembly comprising a chamber capable of receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor;
- a screen positioned at a bottom portion of the chamber, the screen comprising a plurality of openings;
- a first plate secured to the screen, the plate having a single restricting orifice configured to restrict flow of fluid therethrough;
- and
- a second plate and a compression spring positioned between the first plate and the second plate, the second plate having a plunger extending at least partially through the restricting orifice when the first plate is moved toward the second plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.