US3989849A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Improving the flavor of decaffeinated coffee by radio frequency heating to rapidly dry coffee beans
Assignee: General Foods Corp
•
Filing: 1973-03-23
•
Granted: 1976-11-02
•
Expires: 1993-03-23
Abstract
Abstract Improved flavor of commercially decaffeinated coffee is accomplished by rapidly drying the wet decaffeinated beans with radio frequency heating the thermal and radio frequency energies required and the wavelength and duration of exposure to the same being sufficient to impart a porous structure to the bean without rupturing the same.
Inventors
- 👤 Harvey P. Fogel
- 👤 Irving Holzberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 15:39
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23F; A23F5/00; A23F5/02; A23F5/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A process for improving the flavor of decaffeinated coffee comprising decaffeinating the green coffee beans and drying the beans by the application of radio frequency heating, for a period of time of about 2 to about 90 minutes at temperatures of about 70° F to about 360° F, the radio frequeny energy required being about 2 to about 40 kw minutes per pound of water removed, the thermal and radio frequency energies required, and the wavelength and duration of exposure to the same being sufficient to impart a porous structure to the bean without rupturing the same such that an improved flavor quality is demonstrated in the decaffeinated coffee product when roasted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A process for improving the flavor of decaffeinated coffee comprising decaffeinating the green coffee beans and drying the beans by the application of radio frequency heating, for a period of time of about 2 to about 90 minutes at temperatures of about 70° F to about 360° F, the radio frequeny energy required being about 2 to about 40 kw minutes per pound of water removed, the thermal and radio frequency energies required, and the wavelength and duration of exposure to the same being sufficient to impart a porous structure to the bean without rupturing the same such that an improved flavor quality is demonstrated in the decaffeinated coffee product when roasted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process as recited in claim 1 wherein the decaffeinated green coffee beans are dried utilizing a frequency within the microwave frequency range.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The process as recited in claim 2 wherein the decaffeinated green coffee beans are dried for a period of time of about 5 to about 50 minutes at temperatures of about 200° F to about 300° F.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process as recited in claim 2 wherein the microwave frequency is 2450 MHz.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process as recited in claim 1 wherein the microwave frequency is about 915 MHz.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process as recited in claim 3 wherein the decaffeinated green coffee beans are dried solely by the use of microwave frequencies.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process as recited in claim 6 wherein a plurality of frequencies are intermittently applied.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process as recited in claim 2 wherein microwaves are applied concurrently with other drying methods.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process as recited in claim 8 wherein the decaffeinated green coffee beans are dried concurrently with a high velocity air drying method.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process as recited in claim 9 wherein the air drying method is a fluidized bed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process as recited in claim 2 wherein the microwaves are applied sequentially with other drying methods.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process as recited in claim 2 wherein the green beans are decaffeinated using a substantially caffeine-free aqueous solution of green coffee solids.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process as recited in claim 3 wherein the green beans are decaffeinated using a caffeine-loving organic solvent.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-11-02 | 1980-05-03 | 1980-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-11-02 | 1984-05-03 | 1984-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-11-02 | 1988-05-03 | 1988-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |