Methods, capsules and apparatus for the production of foamed drinks

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9567154-B2
Application number	US-76207710-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Apr 16, 2010
Priority date	Apr 27, 2001
Publication date	Feb 14, 2017
Grant date	Feb 14, 2017

Abstract

The invention provides a method for the preparation of a foamed drink comprising the steps of: providing a capsule containing a foamable ingredient; providing a receptacle positioned to collect fluid escaping from the capsule; injecting liquid into the capsule to mix with the foamable ingredient; allowing the foamable ingredient mixed with the liquid to escape from the capsule into the receptacle; followed by injecting further liquid into the receptacle in a jet having a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 2 mm to produce foamed liquid in the receptacle. The invention also provides capsules, apparatus and systems specifically adapted for use in the method. Preferably, the food ingredient is a milk powder, and the method produces a hot foamed beverage such as a cappuccino coffee.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A liquid injection nozzle for a beverage making apparatus comprising:
a liquid injection nozzle having an inlet and an outlet and an internal bore extending between the inlet and the outlet;
the length of the internal bore being in the range of from about 1 cm to about 10 cm, the cross-sectional area of the outlet is from about 0.2 to about 5 mm 2 , and the internal bore has a continuous taper between the inlet and the outlet, the taper between the inlet and the outlet having an angle of greater than 0° and up to 10°;
wherein the configuration of the nozzle provides a jet of water that causes foaming of a mixture in the beverage making apparatus to produce a foamed liquid beverage comprising a liquid layer and a foam layer.

2. The liquid injection nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the inner surfaces of the internal nozzle bore are substantially smooth.

3. The liquid injection nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the angle of taper of the internal bore is in the range of from about 0.5° to about 5°.

4. The liquid injection nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the cross-section of the internal bore is substantially circular.

5. The liquid injection nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is demountable from the beverage making apparatus.

Assignees

• Hester David Andrew James
• Harrison Glenn
• Cooke John Charles
• Shaw Jon William
• Mars Inc

Inventors

• Hester David Andrew James
• Harrison Glenn
• Cooke John Charles
• Shaw Jon William

Classifications

• B65D85/8043 Primary

  Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents (B65D85/808 takes precedence; filters or reusable cartridges for coffee or tea makers, not used as packages A47J31/06) · CPC title

• A47J31/407

  with ingredient-containing cartridges; Cartridge-perforating means · CPC title

• A47J31/4492

  Means to read code provided on ingredient pod or cartridge · CPC title

• A47J31/002

  following a specific operational sequence, e.g. for improving the taste of the extraction product · CPC title

• A47J31/401

  whereby the powder ingredients and the water are delivered to a mixing bowl · CPC title