AU2015101070A4 - First Drip Detection Cup Lift for Espresso Coffee Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

A cup lift apparatus for an espresso machine comprising detection sensors to detect when a first drop has passed through a handle basket into a cup, the sensors then sending a signal to start a pre infusion time, the cup lift being capable of automatically lifting a cup to an optimal position for espresso dispensing. .' NM I .. e 4' ~~4\ \\ ~~' M~\4\N\ EM"'MI4

Description

1 TITLE First Drip Detection Cup Lift 2 SPECIFICATION DESCRIPTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to detecting the first drip to pass through an espresso machine handle and to auto lift the cup to the correct height for dispensing espresso. [0002] There are a number of challenges in extracting espresso so as to thoroughly extract the maximum crema, the maximum flavor, into cups of different sizes. [0003] Making great espresso is a highly skilled procedure that, over and above extracting the correct volume of espresso liquid, also requires the correct balance of pre-infusion time, water pressure, water temperature, grind size and tamping pressure. Even experts find the espresso making process difficult and it takes years of practice to extract espresso expertly. [004] Correct pre-infusion of dry coffee grounds give a better tasting espresso. [0005] Coffee cups come in different heights from an espresso cup (40 ml) through to giant 750 ml paper cups. [0006] Failing to pre-infuse with the right amount of water to fully saturate the dry coffee grounds leads to lower quality espresso. [0007] Failure to lift the cup under the dispensing handle leads to loss of crema, cold espresso coffee and splashes in a food environment. [0008] Prior to this innovation, it has been impossible to consistently pre-infuse correctly. Different coffees absorb different amounts of pre-infusion water. The amount of pre-infusion water required is dependent on (a) the coffee roast (b) the grind size (c) the pump pressure. [0009] This invention facilitates the brewing of tea through an espresso machine handle. FIRST DRIP DETECTION CUP LIFT OPERATION [0010] The cup lift automatically lifts any height cup to the optimal position for espresso dispensing [0011] The cup lift is a universal design. It allows all combinations of different height cups and can accommodate either one or two cups at a time. The two cups can be different heights. Without this innovative mechanism, the barista needs to balance the cup on a stand of some sort. [0012] The first drip detection sensors are built into the cup lift. When the first drop is detected in any cup, a signal is created to start the pre-infusion time because the first drip indicates that the pre-infusion water has fully passed through the coffee in the handle basket 3 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0013] The present invention relates to the need for espresso machines to pre-infuse properly. [0012] The present invention relates to the needs to lift small cups directly under coffee machine handles. [0023] The present invention relates to the needs to automate functions that are currently done manually (cup lift) or not done to achieve optimized flavor (pre-infusion). [0024] This innovation vastly improves and makes more consistent espresso which means that the espresso machine owner can employ less specialized espresso makers at a lower cost and still get a great quality result. [0025] This invention facilitates the use of an espresso machine for making other non-coffee beverages including tea.