US3655398A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for manufacture of coffee extract
Assignee: General Foods Corp
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Filing: 1970-05-25
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Granted: 1972-04-11
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Expires: 1990-05-25
Abstract
Abstract A new coffee extraction process has been discovered whereby a high concentration coffee extract, about 30-41 percent solids by weight of extract, can be produced in an ordinary percolation set with little, if any, loss of extraction yield. The key steps in this process include the use of intercolumn heaters to raise the temperature of the extraction liquor as it passes from column to column and reversing the flow of the extraction liquor through the extraction columns, at least in the spent end of the percolator set.
Inventors
- 👤 Esra Pitchon
- 👤 Martin Gottesman
- 👤 Robert W Meier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:54
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23F; A23F5/00; A23F5/24; A23F5/26; A23F5/262
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the aqueous extraction liquor is introduced into the extraction column containing the most spent roasted and ground coffee at a temperature of from 330* to 370* F; the dilute extract temperature being increased in an intercolumn heat exchanger an average of about 5* to 30* F.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the flow of the aqueous extraction liquor is into the bottom of the extraction column containing the most spent roasted and ground coffee, up through said column, out the top of said column and into the bottom of the next adjacent column, he flow continuing from bottom to top until the intermediate concentration extract passes through the heat exchanger; the direction of flow then being reversed and passing from the top of a column, through the column and out the bottom of the column through all of the remaining columns in the percolator set.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 3 wherein the direction of flow through the columns is changed after the column containing the most spent roasted and ground coffee.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The process of claim 3 wherein the initial flow is in to the top of the column and out the bottom of the column and after the direction of flow is changed the flow through the remaining columns is into the bottom of a column and out the top of the column through all the remaining columns in the percolator set.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 5 wherein the direction of flow through the columns is changed after the column containing the most spent roasted and ground coffee.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The process of claim 5 wherein the direction of flow is changed a second time, prior to the column containing the fresh roasted and ground coffee, such that flow through said column is into the top and out the bottom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the extract passes through out intercolumn heat exchangers, the average temperature of the extract being increased about 5* to 30* F. in each heat exchanger.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
The process of claim 8 wherein the flow of the aqueous extraction liquor is into the bottom of the extraction column containing the most spent roasted and ground coffee, up through said column, out the top of said column and into the bottom of the next adjacent column, the flow continuing from bottom to top until the intermediate concentration extract passes through the first heat exchanger; the direction of flow then being reversed and passing from the top of a column, through the column and out the bottom of the column through all of the remaining columns in the percolator set.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 9 wherein the direction of flow through the columns is changed after the column containing the most spent roasted and ground coffee.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
60 words
The process of claim 9 wherein the initial flow is into the top of the column and out the bottom of the column and after the direction of flow is changed the flow through the remaining columns is into the bottom of a column and out the top of the column through all the remaining columns in the percolator set.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 11 wherein the direction of flow through the columns is changed after the column containing the most spent roasted and ground coffee.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The process of claim 11 wherein the direction of flow is changed a second time, prior to the column containing the fresh roasted and ground coffee, such that flow through said column is into the top and out the bottom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-11 | 1975-10-11 | 1976-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-11 | 1979-10-11 | 1980-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-11 | 1983-10-11 | 1984-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |