US 7,520,212 B2
	Apparatus for forming a head on a beverage
Paul Smith, Hertford (United Kingdom); and Justin Walshe, Malmesbury (United Kingdom)
Assigned to Diageo Limited, Dublin (Ireland)
Appl. No. 10/522,360 PCT Filed Jul. 30, 2003, PCT No. PCT/GB03/03334 § 371(c)(1), (2), (4) Date Jan. 26, 2005, PCT Pub. No. WO2004/011362, PCT Pub. Date Feb. 05, 2004.
Claims priority of application No. 0217768.1 (GB), filed on Jul. 31, 2002.
Prior Publication US 2005/0229674 A1, Oct. 20, 2005
Int. Cl. B67D 1/08 (2006.01); A23L 1/025 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 99—451  [99/275; 366/110; 366/111; 366/114]

19 Claims

1. An apparatus for the formation of a head on a beverage contained in a vessel, including an ultrasonic oscillator for generating an electric signal having an ultrasonic frequency, a transducer connected to the oscillator for converting the electrical signal into a physical ultrasonic excitation, a platform including a recess portion that at least corresponds in area to a base of the vessel intended for use and has a contact surface coupled to the transducer and onto which the vessel containing the beverage is placed in use, and means for controlling a supply of water to the recessed portion of the platform to maintain a hydrated layer on the contact surface substantially throughout a period of use.