AU2012238276A1 - Beverage appliance filter assembly with control input - Google Patents

Abstract

A filter assembly (100) for use with an appliance for performing at least one function in making a beverage is described. The filter assembly (100) includes a receptacle (102) for receiving a beverage making substance and a user interface (110) for user selective control of the 5 at least one function of the appliance. Also described is an appliance system for use in making a beverage. The appliance system includes an appliance for performing at least one function in making the beverage and the filter assembly (100). The user interface (110) of the filter assembly (100) is communicable with the appliance to control at least one function of the appliance. Figure 1

Description

P100101 1 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Beverage appliance filter assembly with control input The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: IP Australia - 4 OCT 2012 RECEIVED IPL 2 Beverage appliance filter assembly with control input Field of the invention The present invention relates to a filter assembly for an appliance used to prepare beverages. The present invention extends to an appliance system comprising such filter 5 assembly. In particular, the appliance system may be an espresso type coffee maker or coffee grinder. Background of the invention Coffee is an extremely popular beverage in today's society. One of the most popular forms of coffee is espresso coffee. Espresso coffee is made by heating water and using pressure 10 to force that heated water through finely ground coffee beans. A filter assembly typically includes a receptacle for holding a filter, a filter and a handle. The filter assembly is usually involved in at least three steps in the espresso making process. The first step is to fill the filter with ground coffee beans. This is generally done by holding the filter assembly under a coffee grinder or coffee chopper. The second step is to apply pressure to the 15 ground coffee beans in the filter to compress the ground coffee into a tamped puck. The third step is actually making the espresso coffee by sealing the filter receptacle to the coffee machine's gasket and applying pressurised hot water through the puck of ground coffee beans in the receptacle. The espresso coffee is usually dispensed through a spout beneath the coffee filter receptacle. 20 Espresso machines are designed to, amongst other things, start and stop the flow of pressurised hot water through the ground coffee beans. Electric coffee grinders and electric coffee choppers grind or chop coffee beans. These processes are usually controlled by user controls located on the grinder or espresso machine. It would be desirable desire provide a means for making espresso coffee in a fast, easy 25 and safe manner. It would also, or alternatively, be desirable to provide the public with a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

3 Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art. 5 Summary of the invention In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided: a filter assembly for use with an appliance for performing at least one function in making a beverage, the filter assembly including: a receptacle for receiving a beverage making substance; and 10 a user interface for user selective control of the at least one function of the appliance. The user interface may be used to control the appliance by wireless operation. The user interface may include at least one user selectable input, the at least one user selectable input being operable by a user to input at least one user command. Preferably, the filter assembly further includes a controller for converting the user 15 command to a control signal. The filter assembly may include a transmitter for transmitting the control signal corresponding to the at least one user command to a receiver of the appliance. The transmitter is preferably a wireless transmitter that may be selected from a group including: an infrared transmitter and a radio frequency transmitter. The at least one user selectable input may be one or more of the group consisting of a 20 button; a touch screen; and a switch. The user interface may also include an output, wherein the output is a display. The user interface may be disposed on the handle. The filter assembly may also include a receiver for receiving wireless signals from a transmitter on the appliance. 25 The filter assembly may also include a rechargeable battery and an induction coil for inductively charging the rechargeable battery.

4 The beverage may be espresso coffee and the beverage making substance may be coffee grinds received in a filter positioned in the receptacle. The beverage making function may be one of the group consisting of: grinding coffee beans; and providing pressurised hot water to the receptacle. 5 In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided an appliance system for use in making a beverage, the appliance system including: an appliance for performing at least one function in making the beverage; and a filter assembly for receiving a beverage making substance, the filter assembly being co operable with the appliance, the filter assembly including a user interface which is selectively 10 operable by the user and wherein the user interface is communicable with the appliance for control of the at least one function of the appliance. The user interface may be communicable with the appliance by wireless communication. The user interface may have a user selectable input operable by a user to input at least one user command, and a transmitter responsive to the user selectable input. The appliance may have a 15 appliance receiver for receiving signals from the filter assembly transmitter. The appliance may be one of the group consisting of: a grinder for grinding coffee; a chopper for chopping coffee and a machine for making espresso. The filter assembly may preferably have a rechargeable power supply. The system may include a storage charging module with a charging means configured to receive the filter 20 assembly thereby to interact with the rechargeable power supply in order to recharge the power supply. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage charging module including: a filter assembly storing means for storing a filter assembly having a rechargeable power 25 supply; and a charging means for interacting with the rechargeable power supply on the filter assembly when the filter assembly is stored in the storage means.

5 As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps. Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described 5 in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a filter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 10 Figure 2 is a side view of the filter assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3A is a block diagram of the electronic components of the filter assembly of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3B is a pictorial diagram showing the transmission of a signal from the filter assembly to a receiver and microcontroller on an espresso machine or coffee grinder; 15 Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an espresso coffee machine to which is attached the filter assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a filter assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of a filter assembly in accordance with yet a further 20 embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows the filter assembly of Figure 6 in a storage/charger unit; and Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of the electronic circuits of a simplified coffee grinder controlled by an input received from a filter assembly in accordance with the invention.

6 Detailed description of the embodiments Filter assembly Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a filter assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. The filter assembly 100 is typically used with an appliance for 5 performing a function in making a beverage, e.g., a coffee grinder or espresso machine as described later with reference to Figures 3A, 3B and 4. The filter assembly 100 is adapted to control the appliance during the performance of such function. The filter assembly 100 has a filter receptacle 102 and a handle 104. The receptacle 102 removably receives a coffee filter 106 which is to receive ground coffee beans during use. The 10 filter 106 is connected by a snap fit arrangement to the coffee filter receptacle 102. When the snap fitting is engaged, a spring (not shown) holds the filter 106 in place in the filter receptacle 102. The filter assembly 100 is usable with removable coffee filters of different sizes, e.g., a one cup filter sized to contain enough coffee grinds to make one dose of espresso or a two cup 15 filter sized to hold enough coffee grinds to make two doses of espresso. The filter assembly 100 also includes a spout 108 through which extracted espresso can flow. In this embodiment, the spout 108 is a removable double pour spout, which has two outlets through which extracted espresso coffee can flow. The handle 104, filter 106 and spout 108 are removably connected to the filter receptacle 20 102 by various screw connections. Easy separation of these components from each other facilitates cleaning of the components of the filter assembly 100. Also, separation of the handle 104 from the receptacle 102 allows the user to keep the handle 104 in a cool dry place during cleaning of the filter receptacle 102. This assists in the prevention of damage to electrical components which form part of the handle 104 during cleaning of the filter receptacle 102. These 25 electrical components are described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the handle 104, the filter 106 and the spout 108 may be connectable to the filter receptacle 102 by other removable connecting means. The handle 104, filter 106 and/or spout 108 may also be integrally formed with the filter receptacle 102.

7 The handle 104 defines an electronic components housing I10 which accommodates electronic components and circuitry adapted to control an appliance during the performance of beverage making steps. The electronic components typically held in the electronic components housing 1 10 are a filter assembly transmitter and a controller, described in more detail below. 5 User input controls, shown as buttons 112, 114, 116 and 118, are positioned on a user interface panel 120. The user interface panel 120 forms a top cover of the electronic components housing 1 10. The electronic components housing I 10 is roughly the shape of a trapezoidal prism, which allows a display 122 in the user interface panel 120 to be arranged in a tilted positioned, thereby to allow a user to easily view the display 122. 10 The electronic components housing 110 includes impact protection means such as silicon sealing, o-rings and/or springs or other resilient supports. The impact protection assists in the prevention of impact damage to the electronic components, which damage may occur, for example, when a user bangs the filter assembly 100 to settle the coffee grinds. The electronic components housing I10 also includes insulation to protect the electronic components from heat 15 generated during the making of the beverage, e.g., during the espresso extraction process. Preferably, the electronic components housing 110 is also watertight to protect the electronic components from exposure to accidental water spillage. It will be appreciated that, in another embodiment, the electronic components housing 110 may have a different shape or may be differently configured with the filter assembly 100. 20 For example, the electronic components housing 110 may be received in a cavity in an approximately cylindrical shaped handle 104. It will also be appreciated that the user input controls may be arranged in different configurations. The filter assembly 100 includes two mounting projections 124 which in use form a sealed connection with a group head of a beverage appliance. For example, and as shown in 25 Figure 4, the filter assembly 100 is removably connectable to an espresso machine 400 through a bayonet collar 402 of a group head 404 of the espresso machine 400. The connection of the filter receptacle 100 to the group head 404 enables the espresso machine 400 to provide pressurised hot water to ground coffee received in the filter 106, thereby to extract espresso coffee. A sealed connection prevents pressurised hot water from escaping during the extraction process.

8 While the present embodiment has projections 124 on the outer surface of the coffee filter receptacle 102, the mounting projections 124 may be formed on the outer surface of the coffee filter 106. Also, while the filter assembly 100 of the present embodiment has two mounting projections 124, it will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the filter assembly 100 5 may have a single or more than two mounting projections. Also, the filter assembly 100 may be connected to a group head 404 by any other suitable means for creating a sealed connection between the two parts. The coffee filter receptacle 102 is preferably made from a hard material such as brass or stainless steel that has been forged, sintered or investment cast. Other materials may of course 10 also be suitable, such as bronze, aluminium, or ceramic. The materials of the filter assembly 100 may be selected so as to be sufficiently hard to prevent, or at least reduce, deformation or other damage to the filter assembly 100 and/or coffee filter receptacle 102 during normal use. By way of example, suitable materials may have a hardness of over approximately 120 HB as measured on the Brinell scale. 15 As will be appreciated, the receptacle 102 is subjected to considerable force when it is fitted to the group head 404. By providing a receptacle 102 which is made of a relatively hard material, the life of the filter assembly 100 can be extended. Alternatively, the receptacle may be made from materials such as zinc or nylon, and which are more easily damaged and/or deformed during use. 20 Wireless transmitter and electronics Turning now to Figure 3A, the electronic circuitry of the filter assembly 100 is shown to form a control assembly, held in the electronic components housing 110 of Figures 1 and 2. The control assembly includes a user interface to interact with a beverage appliance, e.g., the espresso machine 400 of Figure 4. Components of the control assembly which has already been 25 described in terms of Figures 1 and 2 have been given the same reference numerals in Figure 3A and 3B. The user interface of the control assembly has four user input controls, e.g., positioned on a user interface panel 120 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, namely push buttons 112, 114, 116 and 118. Each of these user input controls is configured to receive a user command when a user 9 presses a button. The control assembly further comprises a controller 302 to convert user commands received through any of the push buttons 112, 114, 116 or 118 to a control signal, which is then transmitted by a transmitter 304 to one or more appliances, such as a coffee grinder, coffee chopper or the espresso machine 400. Each of the features controlled by the user 5 input controls 112, 114, 116 and 118 is discussed in more detail below. The control assembly extends to a displaying output, shown in Figures 1 and 2 as display 122, to assist the user to enter a command or to indicate to the user which command is being executed. In cases where the display is to be used to enter a command, the display may be a touch sensitive screen. 10 Each user input control is assigned or programmed a specific function; e.g., the button 112 is a start/stop button, the button 114 is a 'single cup' button, the button 116 is a 'two cup' button and the button 118 is a 'program' button. In use, the display 122 indicates which button has been pressed, e.g. when the start/stop button 112 is pressed, the words 'start/stop' are to be displayed. 15 In an alternative embodiment, the user input controls may include navigation buttons (e.g. up, down, left, right controls) for scrolling through various control options (e.g., start/stop, one cup, two cups, program, adjust settings, query time until ready, etc) displayed as, e.g., menu items, on the display 122. An 'enter' or similar button may be provided to select a desired control option. The various navigation buttons and 'enter' buttons may be displayed on the 20 display 122. The user input controls 112, 114, 116 and 118 are connected and in communication with the controller 302, the display 122 and the filter assembly transmitter 304, all comprising the functional elements of the filter assembly electronic circuit. The filter assembly controller 302 is an integrated circuit which is able to detect when one of the user input controls 112, 114, 116 or 25 118 is triggered. The controller 302 also controls the display 122 to display a graphic, word or symbol when one of the user input controls 112, 114, 116 or 118 is triggered. Upon detecting a user command from one of the user input controls, the controller 302 sends a control signal to the transmitter 304, which then transmits the control signal to a beverage appliance circuit, thereby to control the beverage appliance. The controller 302 modulates the signal sent to the 10 transmitter 304 to ensure that different control signals are sent to the transmitter in response to the user triggering different user input controls 112, 114, 116 or 118. The filter assembly transmitter 304 is preferably a wireless transmitter, e.g., an infrared transmitter which sends an infrared signal to the beverage appliance. It will however be 5 appreciated that the transmitter 304 may be any type of transmitter with suitable characteristics, for example an ultrasound transmitter, radio transmitter etc. In use, when the user presses the start/stop button 112, the controller 302 detects that the button 112 has been pressed and sends a 'start/stop' control signal to the filter assembly transmitter 304 that in turn transmits a corresponding start/stop signal to, e.g., the espresso 10 machine 400. As mentioned, the controller 302 is also configured to control the display 122 to display the words 'start/stop'. When the user presses the 'single cup' button 114, the controller 302 detects that button 114 has been pressed and sends a 'single cup' control signal to the filter assembly transmitter 304, which transmits the 'single cup' signal to the espresso machine 400, while the words 'single 15 cup' is displayed on the display 122. Similarly, when the user presses 'two cup' button 116, the controller 302 detects that user input control 116 has been pressed, sends a 'two cup' control signal to the filter assembly transmitter 304, which displays the words 'two cup' on the display 122 and transmits the corresponding 'two cup' control signal to the espresso machine 400. 20 The same sequence of will occur when user presses the 'program' button 118. In a further embodiment, the controller 302 may be configured to modulate the signals to be sent by the transmitter 304 to control different appliances. For example, the user may be able to select between user command options to choose a particular appliance (e.g. an espresso machine or a coffee grinder) and then to select a command relevant to the appliance, e.g., 'single 25 cup' command, using one or more user input controls 112, 114, 116 or 118. In response to receiving such input, the controller 302 sends a 'single cup espresso machine' control signal to the transmitter 304 which transmits the signal relevant to the appliance selected. This feature is advantageous in a situation where there are two (or more) appliances which are able to receive 11 signals from the control assembly of the filter assembly 100. The user then merely selectively activate only one appliance with the signal. In an alternative embodiment, the user input controls 112, 114, 116 and 118 could allow the user to select from a wider range of user commands. For example, where the device is a 5 coffee grinder commands may enable the user to: adjust the grind size up, adjust the grind size down, or adjust the grind time. Where the device is an espresso machine, the commands may enable the user to: start/stop the steam wand, start/stop the flow of hot water outlet, run diagnostics, query thermoblock temperature, query water temperature, query steam temperature, query pump rate, query if water is low, or query time until ready. As discussed below, where a 10 command involves querying for information, the relevant information may be displayed on a display of the espresso machine itself and/or transmitted to the assembly 100 for display thereon. Similar to the process described above, the controller 302 could convert these user commands to corresponding control signals which are then transmitted by the transmitter 304. Filter assembly in use with a coffee milling device 15 As indicated in Figure 3B, the control assembly of the filter assembly 100 may be used to control any type of beverage appliance, e.g., an espresso machine (indicated by reference numeral 400) or a milling device such as a coffee grinder (indicated by reference numeral 420), a coffee chopper, a spice grinder or spice chopper. The coffee grinder 420 is operable by a user to grind coffee or alternatively, to grind spices. Typically, a user places the filter assembly 100 in 20 an assembly receiving means which aligns the filter assembly 100 to receive grinds dispensed through a spout. Alternatively, the user holds the filter assembly 100 under the spout where ground coffee is issued from the grinder. The user then operates the coffee grinder 420 using the user input controls 112, 114, 116 and 118 on the filter assembly 100. The coffee grinder 420 includes an electronic control unit in the form of a controller 312, 25 which is configured to receive control signals via an appliance receiver 414. The controller 312 operates and controls components of the grinder 420, thereby to control one or more of the following: when the coffee grinder commences and stops grinding, initialising the grinding of a preset amount of coffee grinds e.g. enough to fill a single cup filter, enough to fill a two cup filter etc, adjusting the settings on the grinder 420, e.g., changing the settings for the amount of 30 coffee to be ground for the single cup setting, changing the amount of coffee to be ground for the 12 two cup setting, changing the grind settings so that the coffee grinder 420 grinds the coffee to a smaller or larger particle size etc receiving information from a sensor, e.g., a coffee bean level sensor which detects the level of coffee beans in the bean hopper. Upon receiving the signal from the electronic receiver 314, the electronic control unit 312 5 controls the performance of one or more of these functions. As described above, the user may select between the 'start/stop' button 112, the 'single cup' button 114, the 'two cup' button 116 and the 'program' button 118 on the filter assembly 100 which results in the respective signals being transmitted by the transmitter 304. When a 'start/stop' signal is received by the appliance receiver 314 on the coffee grinder 420, the 10 appliance controller 312 first determines whether the coffee grinder 420 is grinding. If it is not grinding, the appliance controller 312 triggers the grinder 420 to commence grinding. If the coffee grinder 420 is grinding, the appliance controller 312 stops the grinder 420. When a 'one cup' control signal is received by the appliance receiver 314, the appliance controller controls the coffee grinder 420 to grind a preset 'one cup' amount of coffee (preset 15 amount to fill the one cup filter). Similarly, when a 'two cup' control signal is received by the appliance receiver 314 on the coffee grinder 420, the controller 312 controls the appliance 420 to grind the preset 'two cup' amount of coffee (preset amount to fill the two cup filter). When the 'program' control signal is received by the appliance receiver 314 on the coffee grinder 420, the controller 312 prepares to adjust the settings on the grinder 420 and waits for 20 further signals. Upon receiving a subsequent 'single cup' control signal, the appliance controller 312 prepares to adjust the 'single cup' setting and waits for further signals. Upon receiving a 'start/stop' control signal, the controller 312 controls the grinder 420 to start grinding and starts a timer. Upon receiving a subsequent 'start/stop' signal, the controller 312 controls the grinder 420 to stop grinding and stops the timer. The controller 312 then adjusts the single cup setting so that 25 the grinder 420 is activated for that recorded length of time. In an alternative embodiment, the controller 312 may measure and set the 'single cup' amount during programming by the number of chopping paddle or burr revolutions between the start and stop signals.

13 As discussed above, in an alternative embodiment, the filter assembly 100 is arranged to send further control signals to the coffee grinder 420 and similarly, the appliance controller 312 may be programmed to control further aspects of the coffee grinder 420 upon receiving a further control signal. For example, upon receipt of an 'adjust grind size up' signal by the appliance 5 receiver 314, the controller 312 controls the change of the grinder setting to a larger particle size setting. Filter assembly in use with a espresso coffee machine The control assembly of the filter assembly 100 is also configured to control the espresso machine 400, shown in both Figures 3B and 4. Referring in particular to Figure 4, a perspective 10 view of the espresso machine 400 is shown, by way of example. The espresso machine 400 is operable to make espresso coffee and to perform several other functions. The espresso machine 400 includes a group head 404 (already mentioned above) for receiving a filter assembly 100, a steam wand 406 for dispensing steam, a hot water outlet 408 for dispensing hot water and a user interface 410, which is connected to an electronic controller (not shown), e.g., the controller 15 indicated in Figure 3B by reference numeral 312. The controller 312 is operable to control the espresso machine 400 to: * make espresso by commencing and ceasing flow of pressurised hot water to the group head 404; e provide steam through steam wand 406 for frothing milk; 20 * provide hot water to the hot water outlet e.g. for diluting the espresso coffee to make a 'long black'; The controller 312 is also operable to: - provide a predetermined amount of pressurised hot water to the group head 404, for example, a 'single cup' amount e.g. 30 ml for a single dose of espresso, a 'two cup' 25 amount e.g. 60 ml for 2 doses of espresso; * adjust the espresso machine 400 settings, e.g. the preset volume of hot water released to the group head 404 (i.e. the 'single cup' amount and the 'two cup' amount); 14 The espresso machine 400 also includes an appliance receiver, e.g. receiver 314 indicated in Figure 3B, to communicate with the controller 312. In use, a user mounts the filter assembly 100 to the group head 404 of espresso machine 400. The user can control the function of the espresso machine 400 using the user input controls 5 112, 114, 116 and 118 on the filter assembly 110. As described above, when the user presses one of the user input controls 112, 114, 116, 118, the filter assembly 100 transmits a corresponding control signal. In use, when the appliance receiver 314 of the espresso machine 400 receives a 'start/stop' control signal when the user input control 112 is pressed, the receiver 314 conveys 10 the signal to the controller 312, which triggers the controller 312 to control the commencement of flow of pressurised water to the group head 404 (if the flow has not commenced) or alternatively to cease the flow of pressurised water to the group head 404 (if the flow has commenced). When a 'single cup' control signal is received by the appliance receiver 314 on an 15 espresso machine 400, it conveys the signal to the controller 3 12, which triggers the controller to control the supply of a 'single cup' amount of pressurised hot water to the group head 404. Similarly, on receipt of a 'two cup' control signal by the appliance receiver 314, the signal is conveyed to the controller 312, which triggers the controller 312 to dispense a 'two cup' amount of pressurised water from the group head 404. 20 When a 'program' signal is received by the appliance receiver 314 on the espresso machine 400, the signal is conveyed to the controller 312 which prepares to adjust the settings on the espresso machine 400 and waits for further signals. Upon receiving a subsequent 'single cup' control signal, the appliance controller 312 prepares to adjust the 'single cup' setting and waits for further signals. Upon receiving a 'start/stop' control signal, the controller 312 controls the 25 appliance 400 to commence supply of pressurised hot water to the group head 404 and starts a timer. When a subsequent 'start/stop' signal is received, the controller 312 controls the cessation of supply of pressurised hot water to the group head 404 and stops the timer. The controller 312 then adjusts the 'single cup' setting so that the flow of pressurised hot water is activated for that recorded length of time.

15 In a further embodiment: the appliance controller 312 may be further operable to: control settings, for example the water temperature, and receive information from sensors e.g. steam wand temperature sensor which detects the temperature of fluid being frothed, water level sensor which detects the water level in the water reservoir. The controller 312 may be programmed to 5 perform one or more of these further functions upon receipt of corresponding command signals from the filter assembly 100. Further arrangements In a further embodiment, the filter assembly 100 may include a filter assembly receiver (not shown) for receiving signals from a beverage appliance such as the espresso machine 400, 10 the coffee grinder 420 or other coffee milling appliance. Upon receiving a signal from the appliance, the filter assembly controller 302 described above, which is in communication with such receiver, decodes the signal and controls the display 122 of the filter assembly 100, thereby to display an appropriate graphic, text or symbol. The filter assembly receiver may be an infrared receiver or any other suitable receiver, such as an ultrasound receiver, radio receiver etc. 15 By way of example, in use, the filter assembly controller 302 receives a user command from a user input control, (for example a 'query time until ready' command), which the controller 302 converts to a 'query time until ready' control signal and sends to the transmitter 304. An appliance, such as espresso machine 400, receives the control signal via the appliance 20 receiver 314 and conveys the signal to the appliance controller 312. The appliance controller 312 then calculates the time until ready and controls an appliance transmitter to send a signal corresponding to the amount of time until ready for use (e.g., communicating that it will take '2 minutes' before the appliance is ready). The filter assembly receiver receives the '2 minute' communication signal and conveys 25 the signal to the filter assembly controller 302, which in response controls the display 122 to display the words '2 minutes'. The filter assembly 100 and corresponding appliances 400, 420 may be programmed to communicate information regarding one or more of: an operational setting of the appliance selected by the user, water pressure, water temperature, the water level of the reservoir; the 16 temperature of liquid being steamed via the steam outlet 406 (in the case that the steam wand is fitted with a temperature sensor), the temperature of a steam outlet path heater, the temperature of a group head path heater, the flow rate of a steam outlet path pump, the flow rate of a group head path pump, the grind size, the amount/volume of the coffee grind, diagnostics and/or error 5 or maintenance messages. Display 122 may display multiple different operational parameters of the appliance at the same time, and/or push buttons may allow a user to scroll or otherwise navigate through different display screens/options on which different information is shown. Single input control arrangement 10 Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative filter assembly 500. In this embodiment, the filter assembly 500 has a single user input control, namely button 502. The button 502 is connected to the filter assembly controller 302. In use, when the button 502 is triggered, the controller 302 conveys a control signal to a filter assembly transmitter 304 which transmits the control signal to the beverage appliance. In this embodiment, the controller 302 emits the same 15 control signal each time the button is pressed. The electronic components (e.g., the controller 302 and transmitter 304) of the filter assembly 500 are situated in an electronics components housing 506 on the handle 504. Filter assembly 500 may be used with an appliance such as a coffee milling device (such as a coffee grinder 420 described above) and/or an espresso machine 400 described above. 20 In order to use the assembly 500 with the grinder 420, the user holds the filter assembly 500 under the spout of coffee grinder 420 and presses the button 502 which causes a control signal to be transmitted to a coffee grinder receiver 314. The appliance controller 312 of the grinder 420 is programmed, upon receiving a control signal from the appliance receiver 312, to start the grinder 420 (if the grinder is stopped). When the filter is full, the user presses the button 25 502 again, which causes the control signal to be transmitted for a second time. The appliance receiver 314 on the coffee grinder 420 receives the control signal and conveys the signal to the appliance controller 312, which controls the grinder 420 to stop grinding to stop, as it was already grinding.

17 In an alternative embodiment, the grinder controller 312 may be configured to grind for a predetermined period of time or number of cycles on receiving a signal than automatically stop grinding. In order to use the assembly 500 with an espresso machine 400, the user fills the filter 5 receptacle with ground coffee. The user then attaches the filter assembly 500 to the group head 404 of the espresso machine 400 and presses the button 502, causing the control signal to once again be transmitted. The appliance controller 312 on the espresso machine 400 is programmed, upon receiving a control signal from the appliance receiver 314, to start the flow of pressurised hot water to the group head 404 (if the water is stopped) which causes espresso coffee to be 10 extracted and poured through the spout 508. When the user has extracted enough espresso coffee, the user presses the button 502 again, which causes the control signal to be transmitted. Upon receipt of the control signal from the appliance receiver 314, the controller 312 (given water flow is active) stops the flow of pressurised hot water to the group head 404. In an alternative embodiment, on receiving a signal the espresso machine 400 may be 15 configured to provide a predetermined amount of water or to provide water for a predetermined amount of time, and then to automatically stop the flow of water. Powering the electronic circuitry The electronic components of the filter assembly are powered by a power source. In filter assembly 100, the electronics are powered by a replaceable battery disposed within the electronic 20 component housing 110. The battery may be replaced by opening the electronic components housing 110, e.g., by unscrewing a battery access panel (not shown). Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a filter assembly 500 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is shown. A rechargeable battery (not shown) powers the electrical components. The handle 504 includes a charging connector 514 which houses a secondary 25 induction coil. As best shown in Figure 7, the filter assembly 500 may be stored in storage charging module 516. The storage charging module 516 is configured to receive the filter assembly 500, in particular, the charging connector 514. The storage charging module 516 houses a primary induction coil (not shown) which can be used to pass electrical energy to the secondary induction coil in the charging area 514. This current is used to charge the rechargeable 30 battery disposed in the handle 504. This embodiment is advantageous because it enables the 18 handle 504 to be sealed, ameliorating problems caused by water infiltrating the circuitry and potentially shorting out the charger. The storage charging module 516 may be mounted on the coffee grinder 420, coffee chopper or on the espresso machine 400 and may source power from the machine. Alternatively 5 the storage charging module 516 may require a separate power source to power the induction coil. In a further embodiment, rechargeable batteries may be recharged in situ by connecting the coffee filter assembly 500 to an external power source, for example by a direct electrical connection to a power source or the batteries may be recharged by inductive charging. 10 Turning now to Figure 8, a circuit diagram of a simplified coffee grinder, e.g., the coffee grinder 420 of Figure 3B, is shown as controlled through an input on a filter assembly 100. Reference numerals have been used to correspond with the functional blocks shown in Figures 3A and 3B. A wireless receiver 314 receives a signal from a transmitter (e.g. transmitter 304 of 15 Figure 3A) and provides an input to a controller, indicated by reference numeral 312. A circuit 316 provides the controller 312 with power. As described above, the transmitter of the filter assembly 100 responds to an input received from a user. The controller 312 is programmed to trigger the grinder motor circuit 318 when it receives an input from the filter assembly 100. In particular, the controller 312 triggers a TRIAC 322 connecting a power supply circuit 324 20 through a diode bridge 326 to the grinder motor circuit 318. The TRIAC 322 acts as a switch to switch the grinder motor 318 on or off, whenever it receives a corresponding signal from the controller 3 12. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident 25 from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims (21)

1. A filter assembly for use with an appliance for performing at least one function in making a beverage, the filter assembly including: a receptacle for receiving a beverage making substance; and 5 a user interface configured for user selective control of the at least one function of the appliance.

2. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein the user interface is configured to control the appliance by wireless operation.

3. The filter assembly of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the user interface includes 10 at least one user selectable input operable by a user to input at least one user command; a controller for converting the user command to a control signal; and a transmitter for transmitting the control signal corresponding to the at least one user command to a receiver of the appliance.

4. The filter assembly of claim 3 wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitted and is 15 selected from a group including: an infrared transmitter and a radio frequency transmitter.

5. The filter assembly of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the at least one user selectable input is one or more of the group consisting of a button; a touch screen; and a switch.

6. The filter assembly of any one of claims 1-5 wherein the user interface includes an output in the form of a display. 20

7. The filter assembly of any one of claims 1-6 wherein the filter assembly includes a handle, a filter and a spout.

8. The filter assembly of claim 7 wherein the user interface is disposed on the handle.

9. The filter assembly of any one of claims 1-8 wherein the filter assembly includes a receiver for receiving wireless signals from a transmitter on the appliance. 25

10. The filter assembly of any one of claims 1-9 wherein the filter assembly includes a rechargeable battery and an induction coil for inductively charging the rechargeable battery. 20

11. The filter assembly of any one of claims 1-10 wherein the beverage is espresso coffee, the beverage making substance is coffee grinds received in a filter positioned in the receptacle and wherein the beverage making function relates to the grinding of coffee beans or the provision of pressurised hot water to the receptacle. 5

12. An appliance system for use in making a beverage, the appliance system including: an appliance configured to perform at least one function in making the beverage; and a filter assembly for receiving a beverage making substance, the filter assembly being co operable with the appliance and including a user interface which is selectively operable by the user and communicable with the appliance for control of the at least one function of the 10 appliance.

13. The appliance system of claim 12 wherein the user interface is communicable with the appliance by wireless communication.

14. The appliance system of claim 12 or 13 wherein the user interface has: a user selectable input operable by a user to input at least one user command; and 15 a transmitter responsive to the user selectable input, and wherein the appliance has an appliance receiver for receiving signals from the filter assembly transmitter.

15. The appliance system of claim 14 wherein the user selectable input is one or more of the group consisting of a button; a touch screen; and a switch. 20

16. The appliance system of any one of claims 12-15 wherein the user interface includes an output in the form of a display.

17. The appliance system of any one of claims 12-16 wherein the filter assembly includes a handle, a filter and a spout.

18. The appliance system of claim 17 wherein the user interface is disposed on the handle. 25

19. The appliance system of any one of claims 14-18 wherein the appliance has an appliance transmitter and the user interface of the filter assembly has a receiver thereby to allow the appliance to transmit information to user interface. 21

20. The appliance system of any one of claims 12-19 wherein the filter assembly has a rechargeable power supply and wherein the system includes a storage charging module with a charging means configured to receive the filter assembly thereby to interact with the rechargeable power supply in order to recharge the power supply. 5

21. The appliance system of any one of claims 12-20 wherein the appliance is one of the group consisting of: a grinder for grinding coffee; a chopper for chopping coffee; and a machine for making espresso. 10