The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 09, 2010
Filed:
May. 07, 2004
Alain Zurcher, Pampigny, CH;
Pierre Pillot, Forel-sur-Lucens, CH;
Alain Zurcher, Pampigny, CH;
Pierre Pillot, Forel-sur-Lucens, CH;
Nestec S.A., Vevey, CH;
Abstract
A device for preparing drinks that incorporate a capsule selection function connected to a system for brewing the contents of the capsules to enable brewing to take place under optimal conditions. The device includes a storage system comprising capsules arranged in several sets, a mechanism for capturing a capsule individually from a set and releasing the capsule into a brewing system. The capture mechanism is able to move between the storage system and the brewing system and is designed in such a way as to adopt at least two positions, a first or reception position in which the capsule is held and is able to be transferred by the capture means and a second or release position in which the capture means can be opened to release the capsule from the capture mechanism. The device provides advantages in the handling of the capsule after its selection, in particular, its transfer, the brewing of its contents, and, optionally, the ejection of the spent capsule in a reliable, rapid and automated manner. In addition, the invention provides more reliable usage with no problems of pouring and draining the liquid extract.