Atomic coffee machine
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
No issues specified. Please specify issues, or remove this template. |
'The Atomic coffee Machine was designed and invented by Mr Giordano Robbiati of Milan, Italy around 1946, according to the Italian Design registration issued that year. The coffee maker was subsequently patented as a novel invention in many other European countries, and in the United States, between the years 1946 and 1952. Robbiati is listed as the owner and inventor on the majority of these patents.[1] These patents expired many decades ago and are now in the public domain.
The Atomic Coffee Machine has a very distinctive shape that has stood the test of time to see it become a collectors item with iconic status. The Robbiati patent and design registrations cover the Atomic shape and functional aspects of the machine, and are not limited to particular technical features. The distinctive shape of the Atomic Coffee Machine set it apart from other more well know stovetop coffee makers. The original patented design was later enhanced with the addition of a steam wand to enable the machine to froth milk as well as make coffee. This was an improvement enabling the user to make milk based drinks as well as black coffee.
In Austria, the Stella company, under the direction of Desider Stern produced a large range of Atomic coffee makers from 1948 until 1974. Mr Stern's machines started out almost identical to Robbiati's earliest design; over time, he developed new designs all of his own. Desider Stern patented these essentially new designs in the 1950s.[2] Mr Stern also trade-marked the Atomic name at that time. The Qualital company in Hungary produced another range of Atomic machines under the direction of Desider Stern's friend, Imre Simon. In the UK, the A&M.G Sassoon Co. produced its own British-manufactured Atomic coffee makers in the 1950s and 1960s. The Sassoon Atomic Coffee Machine has some unique features, however, its UK designer/s remain unknown.[3] In recent years it has been found that coffee machines based on the same form were also manufactured in France and Argentina (and possibly other countries). Between the years 1946 and 1986 the Atomic coffee maker in all its forms was popular and machines of this type can be found all over the world from Cuba to New Zealand. However times change and it seems the various Atomic manufacturers had largely ceased production by the mid 1980's. After this date vintage Atomic coffee maker became highly collectible selling for large sums in Auctions houses and at flea-markets.[4]
References
- ^ Design for a Coffee Maker or Similar ... - Google Patent Search
- ^ http://v3.espacenet.com/searchResults?bookmarkedResults=true&submitted=true&DB=EPODOC&locale=en_gb&IA=desider+Stern&sf=q&FIRST=1&CY=gb&LG=en&&st=IA&kw=desider+Stern&Submit=SEARCH&=&=&=&=&=
- ^ 'Atomic' espresso coffee maker, c. 1950. - Home - Science Museum
- ^ "Enduring Design 2: The Romance of the Atomic Coffee Maker" Tony Richardson- Second Revised and Expanded Edition, Blurb Press (2009)