NZ617660B2 - Hot beverage brewing system and use thereof - Google Patents
Hot beverage brewing system and use thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ617660B2 NZ617660B2 NZ617660A NZ61766012A NZ617660B2 NZ 617660 B2 NZ617660 B2 NZ 617660B2 NZ 617660 A NZ617660 A NZ 617660A NZ 61766012 A NZ61766012 A NZ 61766012A NZ 617660 B2 NZ617660 B2 NZ 617660B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- steam
- brew
- machine
- fluid communication
- Prior art date
Links
- 235000012171 hot beverage Nutrition 0.000 title description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 103
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 86
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 54
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 24
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 22
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 22
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 18
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 description 15
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 10
- 241001122767 Theaceae Species 0.000 description 8
- 239000000498 cooling water Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001105 regulatory Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- JCXJVPUVTGWSNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen dioxide Chemical compound O=[N]=O JCXJVPUVTGWSNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000000088 Lip Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004801 process automation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008399 tap water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020679 tap water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008256 whipped cream Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/04—Coffee-making apparatus with rising pipes
- A47J31/043—Vacuum-type coffee-making apparatus with rising pipes in which hot water is passed to the upper bowl in which the ground coffee is placed and subsequently the heat source is cut-off and the water is sucked through the filter by the vacuum in the lower bowl
Abstract
machine for brewing a beverage, in particular the type of machine which may be known as a vacuum pot coffee maker or siphon coffee maker. The machine has a brew chamber (10) having a brew chamber upper end and a brew chamber lower end; a steam chamber (14) disposed below the brew chamber (10), the steam chamber (14) having a steam chamber upper end and a steam chamber lower end, the steam chamber lower end being in fluid communication with the brew chamber (10); and a filtering base (12) removably inserted into the brew chamber (10). The machine further has a boiler (2) having a steam outlet (45) in fluid communication with the steam chamber (14) and a heated water outlet (47) in fluid communication with the steam chamber (14). A common inlet (57) in fluid communication with the steam outlet (45), the heated water outlet (47), and a fresh water supply conduit (49), the common inlet (57) providing an inlet from the steam outlet (45), the heated water outlet (47), and the fresh water supply conduit (49) to the steam chamber. steam chamber (14) having a steam chamber upper end and a steam chamber lower end, the steam chamber lower end being in fluid communication with the brew chamber (10); and a filtering base (12) removably inserted into the brew chamber (10). The machine further has a boiler (2) having a steam outlet (45) in fluid communication with the steam chamber (14) and a heated water outlet (47) in fluid communication with the steam chamber (14). A common inlet (57) in fluid communication with the steam outlet (45), the heated water outlet (47), and a fresh water supply conduit (49), the common inlet (57) providing an inlet from the steam outlet (45), the heated water outlet (47), and the fresh water supply conduit (49) to the steam chamber.
Description
HOT BEVERAGE BREWING SYSTEM AND USE THEREOF
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
This application claims the benefit of the filing date ofU.S. provisional
application no. 61/447,009, filed on 02/26/2011 as attorney docket no. 10-791, the teachings
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for brewing a beverage.
Description of the Related Art
A typical siphon coffee maker brews coffee using two chambers where vapor
pressure and vacuum produce coffee, There have been many variations of this type of coffee
maker, also known as vacuum pot coffee maker, siphon coffee maker and vacuum coffee
maker. Similar systems can be used for brewing other liquids by extraction into hot liquid.
U.S. Patent No. 7,673,555 discloses a machine for brewing a beverage that uses a
mechanically operated piston to force a brewed beverage through filter for dispensing. The
piston moves in an upward direction, forcing the beverage, which is in a closed volume,
through check valves in the piston and to a volume below the piston for dispensing to a user.
Drawbacks to this type of machine include added costs for the mechanically operated piston,
as well as the potential for the piston to jam, thereby rendering the machine useless.
In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of
knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the
document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date,
publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be
relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.
Object of the invention
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved hot beverage brewing
system and use thereof or machine for brewing a beverage or method of brewing a beverage;
that ameliorates some of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art or at least to
provide the public with a useful choice.
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified
form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one embodiment, the present invention is a machine for brewing a beverage.
The machine includes a brew chamber and a steam chamber disposed below the brew
chamber, such that the steam chamber is in fluid communication with the brew chamber. A
filtering base is removably inserted into the brew chamber. The machine further includes a
boiler having a steam outlet in fluid communication with the steam chamber and a heated
water outlet in fluid communication with the steam chamber. A fresh water supply conduit is
in fluid communication with the boiler and with the heated water outlet.
Further, the present invention provides a method of brewing a beverage. The
method provides a heated fluid into a lower chamber and an agitation fluid into the lower
chamber, such that the agitation fluid forces the heated fluid into an upper chamber. The
agitation fluid is then let into the upper chamber. A flavor base is added into the upper
chamber. The heated fluid is combined with the flavor base, forming a brewed beverage. The
brewed beverage is then dispensed.
Additionally, the present invention includes a machine for brewing a beverage.
The machine includes an upper chamber having a lower end and an upper end. A filtering
base is disposed inside the upper chamber and movable between the lower end and the upper
end. A lower chamber is disposed below the upper chamber. A conduit provides for fluid
communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber. The machine further
includes a heater having a hot water outlet in communication with the lower chamber.
In another embodiment the invention includes a machine for brewing a beverage, the machine
comprising:
a brew chamber having a brew chamber upper end and a brew chamber lower end;
a steam chamber disposed below the brew chamber, the steam chamber having a
steam chamber upper end and a steam chamber lower end, the steam chamber lower end
being in fluid communication with the brew chamber;
a filtering base removably inserted into the brew chamber;
a boiler having:
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
a steam outlet in fluid communication with the steam chamber; and
a heated water outlet in fluid communication with the steam chamber; and
a fresh water supply conduit having a first leg coupled directly to the boiler and a
second leg coupled to the heated water outlet, and a common inlet in fluid communication
with the steam outlet, the heated water outlet, and the fresh water supply conduit, the common
inlet providing an inlet from the steam outlet, the heated water outlet, and the fresh water
supply conduit to the steam chamber.
Preferably a conduit is disposed in the steam chamber, the conduit having a first open end
disposed at the steam chamber lower end and a second open end disposed at the brew
chamber lower end, the conduit providing fluid communication between the brew chamber
and the steam chamber.
Preferably a vent valve is located at the steam chamber upper end and a drain valve located at
the steam chamber lower end.
Preferably the filtering base is disposed at the brew chamber lower end during operation of
the machine and wherein the filtering base is movable to the brew chamber upper end after
operation of the machine.
Preferably a controller is adapted to control flow of steam from the steam outlet and flow of
heated water from the heated water outlet.
In another embodiment the invention includes a method of brewing a beverage, the method
comprising the steps of:
providing a heated fluid into a lower chamber;
providing an agitation fluid into the lower chamber, the agitation fluid forcing the
heated fluid into an upper chamber;
providing the agitation fluid into the upper chamber;
adding a flavor base into the upper chamber;
combining the heated fluid with the flavor base, forming a brewed beverage; and
dispensing the brewed beverage.
194782NZ_AmndSpec 27Feb2015__EHB.doc
Preferably the step of, prior to dispensing the brewed beverage is, siphoning the brewed
beverage from the upper chamber into the lower chamber.
Preferably the siphoning step comprises condensing the agitation fluid in the lower chamber.
Preferably the step of providing the agitation fluid into the lower chamber further comprises
forcing the heated fluid through a conduit, the conduit having a first open end disposed at a
lower end of the lower chamber and the second open end disposed at a lower end of the upper
chamber.
Preferably the step of after forcing the heated fluid through the conduit is, releasably sealing
the heated fluid in the upper chamber.
Preferably the step of, after dispensing the brewed beverage is, removing the flavor base from
the upper chamber.
Preferably removing the flavor base comprises moving a filtering base upward from a bottom
end of the upper chamber to an upper end of the upper chamber.
Preferably the step of, after removing the flavor base in the upper chamber is, rinsing the
lower chamber and the upper chamber with heated water.
Preferably the dispensing step comprises opening a drain valve and opening a vent valve.
Preferably the combining step further comprises agitating the heated fluid with the agitation
fluid.
Preferably setting a desired temperature for the brewed beverage and wherein the step of
providing the heated fluid into the lower chamber comprises heating the fluid to a
temperahire less than the desired temperahire.
Preferably the step of providing the agitation fluid into the upper chamber raises the
temperature of the fluid to the desired temperature.
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
Preferably the step of providing the heated fluid comprises providing a user-specified volume
of the fluid.
Preferably the agitation fluid providing step comprises providing a user-specified volume of
the agitation fluid.
In another embodiment the invention includes a machine for brewing a beverage, the machine
comprising:
an upper chamber having a lower end and an upper end;
a filtering base disposed inside the upper chamber and movable between the lower
end and the upper end;
a lower chamber disposed below the upper chamber, the lower chamber having a
lower end and an upper end;
a conduit extending downward from the lower end of the upper chamber toward
the lower end of the lower chamber, the conduit providing for fluid communication between
the lower chamber and the upper chamber; and
a boiler having a hot water outlet in communication with the lower chamber; and
a check valve assembly adapted to seal the lower end of the upper chamber, and
a common inlet in fluid communication with the lower chamber, the upper chamber, the
boiler, and the conduit, the common inlet providing an inlet from the lower chamber, the boiler, and
the conduit to the upper chamber; and
a vent operable between a closed position and an open position, wherein, in the open position,
the vent provides fluid communication between the lower chamber and atmosphere.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more
fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the
accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical
elements.
shows a block diagram of a machine for brewing beverages such as coffee
or tea or according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
shows a front perspective view of the same embodiments of the invention
disclosed here as depicted in
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
shows an front elevation view of the machine disclosed here and as
depicted in
shows a rear perspective view of the machine disclosed here and as
depicted in
shows a sectional view of a brew vessel used in the machine disclosed here
and as depicted in
shows a perspective view of a phmger used in the machine disclosed here
and as depicted in
shows a perspective view of a lower end of the plunger of
shows a perspective view of an upper end of a fluid conduit use of the
machine disclosed herein as depicted in
shows a top plan view of the upper end of the fluid conduit of
shows a bottom plan view of the fluid conduit of
shows a sectional view of the upper end of the fluid conduit of
shows a flow chart illustrating an exemplary operation of the machine
disclosed here and depicted in FIGs. 1-7C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A typical, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes a machine
for brewing a beverage such as, but not limited to, coffee or tea, that includes a brew vessel
and a plunger disposed in the brew vessel. The brew vessel is operable to receive a liquid
such as water, a flavor base such as ground coffee or tea, and to allow the beverage to brew
from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The plunger assembly is operable to filter a solid,
such as spent coffee grounds or tea from the brewed beverage and to remove the spent flavor
base from the brew vessel. Steam pressure from an external boiler is operable to power a
siphon brewer which relatively decreases the time traditionally required to brew siphon
beverages, and introduces a new means to control many factors of the brew cycle. Regulation
of steam pressure controls agitation of the brewing liquid, and might be employed to
terminate the brewing process. Valves, either manual or electric, are used to precisely control
the flow of water and steam from the boiler. The precise control of these valves provides for
accurate achievement of the brew temperature, brew time, brew volume, and brew agitation.
A valve on the bottom of the brew vessel allows liquid to drain from the brew vessel. In some
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
embodiments, brewing automation is provided by means of a user interface through which a
microprocessor is controlled. The microprocessor controls the water valve and the steam
valve to achieve unique brew settings for each brew vessel.
Referring in general to FIGs. 1-7C, this discussion is of the embodiment of
machine 17 for brewing beverages that further develops the well-known art of siphon
brewing. Furthermore, this machine 17 may provide a new level of precision, customization,
and efficiency to the siphon brewing method. The embodiment of this machine 17 uses
boiler 2 with heat exchange technology, although heat exchangers are not necessary, to power
one or many siphon style brew vessels 9. To separate the beverage from the flavor base,the
inventive machine 17 uses plunger 11 with filtering base 12 similar in configuration to the
plunger apparatus used by the well-known French press brew method. However, in contrast
to the French press method, with the present invention, the spent flavor base is left atop the
plunger's filter base 12.
Furthermore, boiler 2 is employed to preheat the water for each brew. Flow
meters 5 and valves 4, 18 initiate and control the brew process with a relatively high degree
of precision. Steam from the boiler 2 is used to generate pressure, which forces water in the
brew vessels' steam chamber 14 upward into the brew chamber 10 of the brew vessel 9. The
steam pressure from the boiler 2 is then controlled with a valve 4 in order to heat the brew
water in the brew chamber 10 to a user's specified temperature. The incoming steam pressure
is further regulated to maintain the desired brew temperature, control agitation of the brewing
liquid, and to terminate the brewing process. The machine 17 allows for automation of one or
all steps of the siphon brewing technique. Such a machine may control one or more of the
brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a customizable
taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may siphon brew with a speed and
efficiency that renders the machine suitable for use in a high volume commercial settings. In
addition, such a machine may allow one to easily change the brewing recipe from brew to
brew, where the recipe may be customized by a customer to the customer's preferences.
The embodiment of this machine may include but is not limited to one or more of
the following components: brew vessel 9, boiler 2, temperature sensor 7, flow meter 5, steam
control valve 4, water control valve 18, cooling water mixer valve 3, microprocessor-
controller 6, user interface 8, fresh water inlet valve 1, and network communication port 16.
While, as shown in FIGs. 2-4, four brew vessels 9 may be used with machine 17, those
skilled in the art will recognize that more or less than four brew vessels 9 might be
incorporated into machine 17. For ease of description, only a single brew vessel 9 will be
194782NZ_AmndSpec 27Feb2015_EHB.doc
discussed.
Referring specifically to brew vessel 9 includes an upper, or brew,
chamber 10 having an upper end 21 and a lower end 22. In an exemplary embodiment, brew
vessel 9 might have approximate volume of about 20 ounces. Filtering base 12 is coupled to
elongated plunger 11 and is removably inserted into brew vessel 9. Filtering base 12 receives
and retains a flavor base, such as, for example, coffee grounds or tea leaves. In an exemplary
embodiment, shown in filtering base 12 includes between about 1 and about 10
layers of filter media, which can be constmcted from a wire mesh or otherwise porous metal
having pore sizes of between about 0.005 and about 0.125 inches in diameter.
Filtering base 12 may include a plurality of spokes 24 extending outwardly from
plunger 11 to at least one annular frame 26. Openings 28 between the spokes 24 allow the
brewing liquid to pass through filtering base 12. The filter media, however, prevents the
flavor base from passing downward below filtering base 12. Annular frame 26 and filtering
base 12 form an open reservoir to receive and retain the flavor base and to prevent solid
elements of the flavor base from escaping from the brew chamber 10 during and after the
brewing process.
Referring specifically to filtering base 12 is movable through the brew
chamber 10 between the lower end 22 in an operational mode and the upper end 21 in a
cleaning mode. Filtering base 12 is sized so that, while being easily movable between the
lower end 22 and the upper end 21, the outer perimeter of the filtering base 12 snugly
engages the inner sidewall 30 of the brew chamber 10 so that the flavor-base or brewing
water is substantially unable to leak or otherwise bypass filtering base 12 during the brewing
process. The outer perimeter of filtering base 12 may include a lubricious material, such as,
for example, TEFLON^ which facilitates a sliding, yet sealing, engagement of filtering base
12 with inner sidewall 30 of brew chamber 10. Alternatively, filtering base 12 may include at
least one 0-ring 12a that extends around the perimeter of filtering base 12 and serves to seal
filtering base 12 against inner sidewall 30 of brew chamber 10.
Referring to , check valve assembly 60 may be used at the bottom of
filtering base 12 to seal lower end 22 of brew chamber 10. Check valve assembly 60 is
adapted to operate between an open position wherein fluid passes between brew chamber 10
and steam chamber 14 and a closed position wherein fluid in brew chamber 10 is retained in
brew chamber 10. Check valve assembly 60 includes valve 62 that is slidingly disposed
around plunger 11 and moves along plunger 11 in the direction identified by arrow "A".
Biasing member 64, such as, for example a helical spring, biases valve 62 away from filtering
194782NZ^AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
base 12 and toward lower end 22 of brew chamber 10. Lip 63 prevents valve 62 from falling
offofplunger 11. When plunger 11 is fully lowered into brew chamber 10, valve 62 seals
brew chamber 10 from steam chamber 14. Valve 62 includes sealing surface 66 that extends
at about a 45° angle relative to a vertical surface 68 of valve 62. 0-ring 70 extends around
slot 72 formed in sealing surface 66 to enhance the sealing of valve 62 with lower end 22 of
brew chamber 10. Lower end 22 of brew chamber 10 includes a tapered opening 23 into
which sealing surface 66 seats when check valve assembly 60 is in the closed position.
Biasing member 64 is sized such that, when sufficient steam pressure from steam
chamber 14 engages valve 62, biasing member 64 yields, thereby allowing the steam to push
valve 62 upward along plunger 11 and allow the steam to enter brew chamber 10. When the
steam pressure is released, biasing member 64 forces valve 62 downward along plunger 11,
sealing brew chamber 10 and preventing any liquid in brew chamber 10 from flowing out of
brew chamber 10 and into steam chamber 14.
Lid 32 is removably disposed over the upper end 21 of brew chamber 10. Lid 32
includes a centrally located opening 34 through which the plunger 11 extends. Lid 32 may
rest on the brew chamber 10 by action of gravity or, alternatively, a locking mechanism, such
as, for example, a threaded connection (not shown), may secure the lid 32 to the upper end 21
of brew chamber 10.
Plunger 11 is sufficiently long such that, when the filtering base 12 is disposed in
the lower end 22 of the brew chamber 10, a significant length ofplunger 11 extends
outwardly from the upper end 21 of brew chamber 10 and through lid 32 so that a user may
be able to grasp plunger 11 and lift plunger 11 and filter base 12 toward the upper end 21 of
brew chamber 10. Optionally, plunger 11 might include device 36, such as a handle or knob,
at an upper end thereof to facilitate grasping plunger 11.
Brew vessel 9 further includes lower, or steam, chamber 14 located physically
below brew chamber 10. Steam chamber 14 includes an upper end 38 and a bottom end 40.
In an exemplary embodiment, steam chamber 14 might have approximate volume of about 24
ounces. A conduit, such as straw 13, having a first, or top, open end 42 and a second, or
bottom, open end 44, distal from the first open end 42, extends downward from lower end 22
of brew chamber 10 and through the upper end 38 of steam chamber 14 toward the bottom
end 40 of steam chamber 14, but generally does not physically contact the bottom end 40, so
that at least a small volume is present between the straw 13 and the bottom end 40 of steam
chamber 14.
In an exemplary embodiment, top end 42 of straw 13 might include spray tip
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
fitting 80, shown in FIGs. 5 and 7-7C through which fluid flowing through straw 13 passes
prior to entering brew chamber 10. Spray tip fitting 80 includes recessed area 81 in which
top end 42 of straw 13 is inserted.
As shown in FIGs. 7-7B, spray tip fitting 80 includes a plurality of outlet openings
82 extending radially around perimeter 84 thereof. In the exemplary embodiment shown
ten outlet openings 82 are shown, although those skilled in the art will recognize that
more or less than ten passages can be used. Outlet openings 82 direct fluid flowing upward
through straw 13 outwardly upon leaving spray tip fitting 80, thereby generating a tomado-
like or vortex effect of the fluid, which serves several purposes. A first purpose is to help
increase agitation of the fluid inside brew chamber 10, thereby increasing the growing
efficiency of machine 17. Additionally, outlet openings 82 are configured to direct flow of a
fluid exiting spray tip fitting 80 in an outward direction. The outward spraying of fluid
directs the energy of the fluid along the sidewall of brew chamber 10 instead of directing the
fluid straight upward, thereby reducing or eliminating the potential of the fluid to spill out of
the top upper chamber 10.
As shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B, spray tip fitting 80 includes a pair of opposing,
parallel flat surfaces 86, 88 that are used to seat spray tip fitting 80 into a complementary
fitting 39 (shown in upper end 38 of steam chamber 14. As shown , spray
tip fitting 80 also includes a plurality of inlets 90 formed in the bottom surface 92 of spray tip
fitting 80. Each inlet 90 corresponds with one of outlet openings 82. Each passage 94
extends at an angle of about 38 degrees from vertical. Passages 94 provide fluid
communication between each respective inlet 90 and corresponding outlet opening 82. For
clarity, only two passages 94 are shown .
During the brewing process, fluid enters spray tip fitting 80 through inlets 90 and
is directed through passages 94 around perimeter 84 and through outlet openings 82 for
discharge into brew chamber 10. After the brewing process is complete, the brewed fluid
reverses flow into outlet openings 82, through passages 94 and out of inlets 90 and into straw
13 to steam chamber 14.
In an exemplary embodiment, bottom end 40 of steam chamber 14 might be
vertically recessed with a taper to allow bottom and 44 of straw 13 to extend into, but not
contact, the bottom end 40. Straw 13 extends through the upper end 38 of steam chamber 14
and to brew chamber 10 such that straw 13 provides fluid communication between steam
chamber 14 and brew chamber 10.
The bottom end 40 of steam chamber 14 includes drain valve 15 that allows for
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc •
draining of steam chamber 14, as well as for dispensing a brewed beverage from brew
chamber 10 after the brewing process completes. Steam chamber 14 further includes vent
valve 19 employed to vent steam chamber 14, allowing the brewed beverage to drain from
steam chamber 14 through drain valve 15 and out of the machine 17 for dispensing. In an
exemplary embodiment, vent valve 19 is operatively coupled to microprocessor-controller 6
so that vent valve 19 may be opened at the end of the brewing cycle without requiring manual
input from an operator.
Referring back to steam inlet 46 provides fluid communication between
steam control valve 4 and steam chamber 14, and brewing water inlet 48 provides fluid
communication between flow meter 5 and steam chamber 14. Cold water inlet 53 provides
fluid communication between a cold water supply valve 55 and steam chamber 14. Steam
inlet 46, brewing water inlet 48, and cold water inlet 53 all meet at a common inlet 57 that is
in direct fluid communication with steam chamber 14. Optionally, vent valve 19 may be in
fluid communication with common inlet 57.
Cold water inlet 53 provides a blast of cooling water directly from freshwater inlet
1 into steam chamber 14 in order to cool down any residual steam within steam chamber 14
after the brewing process. This cooling of the residual steam enhances a vacuum that is
formed within steam chamber 14 that draws brewed fluid downward from brewing chamber
for dispensing.
Boiler 2 includes steam outlet 45 providing fluid communication between boiler 2
and steam control valve 4. Boiler 2 also includes heated water outlet 47 providing fluid
communication between boiler 2 and water control valve 18. Boiler 2 further includes
freshwater inlet conduit 49 providing fresh water to boiler 2 from freshwater inlet 1.
Freshwater inlet conduit 49 includes tee 51 that diverts at least a portion of the freshwater
around boiler 2 to heated water outlet 47 via cooling water mixer valve 3. The water from
heated water outlet 47 and the steam from steam outlet 45 are introduced to brew vessel 9 to
provide the brewing liquid and to brew the beverage.
Microprocessor-controller 6 is operatively coupled to heating element 50 in boiler
2 to control the heating/boiling of water from freshwater inlet 1 and present inside boiler 2.
The water flows from freshwater inlet 1 to boiler 2. Freshwater inlet conduit 23 is in fluid
communication with both boiler 2 and heated water outlet 47 (via cooling water mixer valve
3 and water control valve 18). Microprocessor-controller 6 is also operatively coupled to
cooling water mixer valve 3, water control valve 18, and flowmeter 5 in order to control the
flow and temperature of brewing water from boiler 2 into steam chamber 14 according to
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
processes well known by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Additionally, microprocessor-controller 6 is operatively coupled to the steam
control valve 4 in order to control the flow of steam from boiler 2 into steam chamber 14.
Temperature sensor 7, located in the bottom end 22 of brew chamber 10, is operatively
coupled to microprocessor-controller 6 to transmit temperature information inside brew
chamber 10 to microprocessor-controller 6 so that microprocessor-controller 6 might regulate
the temperature inside brew chamber 10 via steam control valve 4 and water control valve 18.
Feedback from temperature sensor 7, as well as flowmeter 5, is used by microprocessor-
controller 6 to regulate operation of cooling water mixer valve 3, steam control valve 4, and
water control valve 18 to regulate the temperature of the brewing liquid inside brew vessel 9.
Microprocessor-controller 6 is also operatively coupled to cold water valve 55 to regulate
operation of cold water valve 55.
Microprocessor-controller 6 is also operatively coupled to user interface 8. An
operator manipulates user interface 8 in order to instruct microprocessor-controller 6 of the
process to brew a beverage in brew vessel 9 according to desired parameters, such as, for
example, the volume of the beverage to be brewed, the final temperature of the brewed
beverage, agitation of the brew, the duration of time that the beverage brews inside brew
vessel 9, and other associated parameters.
In an exemplary embodiment, user interface 8 might include reader 52 that reads
electronic information associated with a particular user. For example, reader 52 may be a
card reader that is used to read an electronic card that is swiped through reader 52.
Alternatively, reader 52 may be an RFID device that is used to wirelessly read an electronic
device, such as a key fob, that is placed near reader 52 to extract information from the key
fob regarding desired brewing parameters. Electronic information associated with a
particular user may include, but is not limited to, the name of the user, the type of beverage
that the user prefers, the preferred volume of beverage (i.e. 8 ounces, 12 ounces, 16 ounces),
a temperature range of the beverage, quantity ofcreamer, and whether the user prefers any
added flavoring, such as, for example, whipped cream and/or sugar.
Microprocessor-controller 6 is also operatively coupled to a network
communications port 16. Network communications port 16 provides a communications path
between microprocessor-controller 6 and an external location such as, for example, a host
server, via the Internet. Network communications port 16 allows for input to microprocessor-
controller 6 via an alternative location other than user interface 8. For example, a customer
may be able to place an order for a brewed beverage via network communications port 16 so
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
that the beverage might be ordered and/or brewed before the customer physically arrives at
the brewing location. Network communications port 16 might also allow for download of
information from microprocessor-controller 6 to a remote location. Such information may
include the number and types of brewing processes performed by machine 17, as well as
customer information obtained via reader 52.
Referring to flowchart 800 in in operation of machine 17, an operator
manipulates user interface 8 at step 802 in order to program microprocessor-controller 6 to
brew a particular brewed beverage using machine 17. The user-specified brew parameters
such as, but not limited to, brew temperature, brew time, brew volume, and brew agitation are
input via the user interface 8. User interface 8 relays the brew parameters to microprocessor-
controller 6, which further controls the valves 3, 4,18, thereby achieving desired brew
parameters and providing automation of the processes.
At step 804, machine 17 receives fresh water through the water inlet valve 1,
which passes the fresh water into boiler 2. Optionally, a pump (not shown) may be used to
pump water from boiler 2 to brew vessel 9. In an exemplary embodiment, however, the
water may be supplied by a pressurized public water source. In another exemplary
embodiment, the water may be supplied by a user-filled gravity fed water tank (not shown).
Water in boiler 2 is heated to a temperature that is sufficient to generate the substantial
pressure and temperature necessary to accomplish brew cycles. In an exemplary
embodiment, boiler 2 may keep the water to between about 99°C (about 210°F) and about
132°C (about 270°F), with the pressure of between about 1 bar and about 2 bar. The heated
water also creates steam pressure. At step 806, heated water from boiler 2 is piped to cooling
water mixing valve 3 where the heated water subsequently cooled to a temperature slightly
below the user's specified brew temperature by additional water supplied through freshwater
inlet 1 that bypasses boiler 2 via (bypass) tee 51. At step 808, the user-specified volume and
temperature of water flows out of boiler 2 and through mixing valve 3, where the water is
injected into steam chamber 14 through brewing water inlet 48 via input water control valve
18. The accuracy of this process at step 808 might be achieved by a control loop between
microprocessor-controller 6, flow meter 5, temperature sensor 7, and input water control
valve 18.
At step 810, steam control valve 4, controlled via microprocessor-controller 6,
opens, allowing the flow of high pressure steam into steam chamber 14 through steam inlet
46. Due to the high pressure in steam chamber 14, the water in steam chamber 14 is pushed
up through straw 13, forcing open valve 62, thereby allowing the water to flow through
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
filtering base 12 and into brew chamber 10. While the water is in brew chamber 10, the
steam flow continues into steam chamber 14 and vents up straw 13, past valve 62, through
filtering base 12, and into the water in brew chamber 10. The flow of steam into steam
chamber 14 and its continued flow through straw 13 into brew chamber 10, transfers heat to
and agitates the water in brew chamber 10. At step 812, once the user-specified water
temperature threshold is reached in brew chamber 10, as measured by the temperature sensor
7, microprocessor-controller 6 transmits a signal to steam control valve 4 to throttle back the
supply of steam to steam chamber 14, allowing valve 62 to close, thereby preventing
additional steam from entering brew chamber 10 so that an operator can remove lid 32 to add
ground coffee or tea leaves or other solid flavor bases for mixing into the water of the brew
chamber 10.
At step 814, after the solid flavor base is added to the brew chamber 10, the
operator initiates the start of the prescribed brew time at the user interface 8. During the brew
time, steam is reintroduced to brew chamber 10 and the amount of steam flow to brew
chamber 10, via steam chamber 14 and straw 13, is regulated by microprocessor-controller 6,
which transmits electronic signals to operate steam control valve 4 in order to achieve the
user's brew parameters, which are provided at user interface 8. At step 816, once the
specified brew time is reached, microprocessor-controller 6 transmits a signal to close steam
control valve 4, thus eliminating the flow ofpressurized steam into the steam chamber 14.
The condensing steam generates a pressure loss in steam chamber 14, thereby forming a
vacuum that pulls the brewed beverage down through filtering base 12, thereby separating the
solid flavor base from the beverage.
Optionally, in step 817, microprocessor-controller 6 may open cold water valve 55
to allow cold water from freshwater inlet 1 into steam chamber 14 in order to cool residual
steam within steam chamber 14 and to generate a vacuum that draws the brewed beverage
from brew chamber 10, thereby speeding up the extraction time of brewed beverage from
machine 17 and generates a higher extraction pressure. The addition of the cold water also
allows the operator of machine 17 to maintain a more precise temperature in brew chamber
The brewed beverage flows down through straw 13 and into steam chamber 14.
At step 818, once the majority of the brewed beverage has reached steam chamber 14, the
brew vessel's vent valve 19 opens electronically via an electronic signal transmitted from
microprocessor-control 6 and the brew vessel drain valve 15 is manually opened by the
operator, allowing the beverage to drain into a cup (not shown) below. As the beverage is
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
draining into the cup below, at step 820, the operator pulls plunger 11 with the spent grounds
atop, up and out of brew chamber 10 further clearing brew chamber 10 of the spent flavor
base. The operator rinses out plunger 11 with tap water and clears it of any flavor base debris.
At step 822, once the beverage has emptied from steam chamber 14 into the cup, the operator
places lid 32 on top of brew chamber 10, pulls up plunger 11 so that filtering base 12 is at the
top end 21 of brew chamber 10, and flushes brewing vessel 9 with a blast hot water from
boiler 2. The water from the flush cycle is allowed to drain out the bottom of steam chamber
14 through drain valve 15 and into the machine's drain board 20 (shown in and out
the machine's drain tube (not shown). Upon completion of the rinse cycle, the operator
replaces plunger 11 into brew chamber 10 and brew vessel 9 is ready to begin another brew
cycle.
There are embodiments of the invention disclosed here with a plurality of
microprocessors. In certain embodiments of the invention disclosed here, the microprocessor
is connected to a network that allows multiple devices to set brew specifications and initiate
brew processes. In certain embodiments, networking is wireless while in certain
embodiments, networking is wired.
Certain embodiments of the inventions disclosed here reach the desired
temperature much more quickly than a conventional siphon coffee maker does. Certain
embodiments of the inventions disclosed here have much more precise temperature control
than a conventional siphon coffee maker does. Typical embodiments can control the
temperature within 0.5 degree centigrade. However, other embodiments of the invention
have different precisions of temperature control. For non-limiting examples, there are
embodiments of the invention in which the temperature is regulated within 1 degree
centigrade, embodiments of the invention in which the temperature is regulated within 2
degrees centigrade and embodiments of the invention in which the temperature is regulated
within 0.2 degree centigrade.
Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed here allow more efficient cleaning
and rinsing than a conventional siphon coffee maker. Certain embodiments of the invention
disclosed here allow superior methods for separating spent coffee from brewing liquid
compared with conventional siphon coffee makers.
Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed here allow customizable process
automation. For non-limiting example, each cup of coffee or tea can be easily brewed to an
individual customer's specifications via automation. Additionally, certain embodiments of
the invention disclosed here are more suitable for office use and/or home use than
194782NZ_AmndSpec__27Feb2015_EHB.doc
conventional siphon coffee makers.
Certain embodiments of the inventions disclosed here are more suitable for high
volume commercial used than conventional siphon coffee makers.
In another embodiment of this invention, some or all of the valves could be
manually operated and its entire operation could be partially automated or incorporate no
automation at all.
In yet another embodiment of this invention, the boiler could be heated by a
means other than electricity and incorporate manual valves and operate entirely free of
electricity.
In still another embodiment of this invention, the boiler can be omitted in an
alternative heat source, such as, for example and induction burner (not shown), can be used.
For embodiment of the present invention with an induction burner, such an induction burner
could be incorporated into bottom end 40 of steam chamber 14.
Although specific embodiments described above are intended for brewing coffee,
other extractions are possible. One non-limiting example is brewing of tea. However, other
extractions into hot water are possible with embodiments of the invention disclosed here.
Moreover, there are embodiments of the invention disclosed here intended for use extracting
into a liquid other than water.
In still another embodiment of this invention, the brewing machine may be
equipped with an auxiliary steam wand and or an auxiliary hot water spigot.
Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed here are a hot liquid extraction
system including a vessel, a controllable steam and water source external from the vessel
which heats the liquid of the vessel, a plunger assembly disposed within the vessel operable
to filter and remove a solid from the brewed beverage, and a valve to dispense the filtered
beverage from the base of the brew vessel.
Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed here are similar to a conventional
siphon brewing system comprising a vessel, but including an external controllable steam and
hot water source, valves operable to regulate water flow and steam into the brewing vessel,
and a plunger operable to separate a brewed liquid from a flavor base and to remove a spent
flavor base from the system.
Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein might possess an
additional gas inlet 98 (shown in to steam chamber 14 that is in fluid communication
with a gas supply ofnon-toxic liquids, such as, for example, food grade nitrogen and/or
carbon dioxide, which can provide an additional and/or alternative source of agitation
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
(potentially substituting for steam-based agitation) and/or cooling for the heated liquid. The
gas supply and the steam disclosed herein can be generally referred to as an agitation fluid.
Microprocessor-controller 6 is also operatively coupled to gas inlet 98 to admit the gas into
steam chamber 14 at the proper time during the brewing process.
Reference herein to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment
can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase
"in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the tenn "implementation."
As used in this application, the word "exemplary" means serving as an example,
instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not
necessarily to be constmed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.
Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
Additionally, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an
exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or
B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X
employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of
the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and
the appended claims should generally be constmed to mean "one or more" unless specified
otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.
Moreover, the terms "system," "component," "module," "interface,", "model" or
the like are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a
combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a
component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor,
an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of
illustration, both an application running on a controller and the controller can be a
component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution
and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more
computers.
Although the subject matter described herein may be described in the context of
illustrative implementations to process one or more computing application
features/operations for a computing application having user-interactive components the
subject matter is not limited to these particular embodiments. Rather, the techniques
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
described herein can be applied to any suitable type ofuser-interactive component execution
management methods, systems, platforms, and/or apparatus.
Aspects of the present invention may be implemented as circuit-based processes,
including possible implementation as a single integrated circuit (such as an ASIC or an
FPGA), a multi-chip module, a single card, or a multi-card circuit pack. As would be
apparent to one skilled in the art, various functions of circuit elements may also be
implemented as processing blocks in a software program. Such software may be employed
in, for example, a digital signal processor, micro-controller, or general-purpose computer.
Aspects of the present invention can be embodied in the form of methods and
apparatuses for practicing those methods. The present invention can also be embodied in the
form of program code embodied in tangible media, such as magnetic recording media, optical
recording media, solid state memory, floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other
machine-readable storage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and
executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing
the invention. The present invention can also be embodied in the form of program code, for
example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a machine, or
transmitted over some transmission medium or carrier, such as over electrical wiring or
cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the program
code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an
apparatus for practicing the invention, When implemented on a general-purpose processor,
the program code segments combine with the processor to provide a unique device that
operates analogously to specific logic circuits. The present invention can also be embodied in
the form of a bitstream or other sequence of signal values electrically or optically transmitted
through a medium, stored magnetic-field variations in a magnetic recording medium, etc.,
generated using a method and/or an apparatus of the present invention.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be
interpreted as being approximate as if the word "about" or "approximately" preceded the
value of the value or range.
It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein
are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps
of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps
may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods
consistent with various embodiments of the present invention.
No claim element herein is to be constmed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or
"step for."
As used herein in reference to an element and a standard, the term "compatible"
means that the element communicates with other elements in a manner wholly or partially
specified by the standard, and would be recognized by other elements as sufficiently capable
of communicating with the other elements in the manner specified by the standard. The
compatible element does not need to operate internally in a manner specified by the standard.
Also for purposes of this description, the terms "couple," "coupling," "coupled,"
"connect," "connecting," or "connected" refer to any manner known in the art or later
developed in which energy is allowed to be transferred between two or more elements, and
the interposition of one or more additional elements is contemplated, although not required.
Conversely, the terms "directly coupled," "directly connected," etc., imply the absence of
such additional elements.
It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and
arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the
nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.
To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and
widely differing embodiments and application of the invention will suggest themselves
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The
disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be
limiting.
It will also be understood that where a product, method or process as herein described or
claimed and that is sold incomplete, as individual components, or as a "kit of Parts", that
such exploitation will fall within the ambit of the invention.
These and other featires and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the method of
operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and
economics of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following
description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this
specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various
figures.
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left",
"vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof
shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However it is to be
understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the invention, hence specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as
limiting.
It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed
with either an exclusive of an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and
unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will
be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but
also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the
term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or
process.
194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
Claims (6)
1. A machine for brewing a beverage, the machine comprising: a brew chamber having a brew chamber upper end and a brew chamber lower end; a steam chamber disposed below the brew chamber, the steam chamber having a steam chamber upper end and a steam chamber lower end, the steam chamber lower end being in fluid communication with the brew chamber; a filtering base removably inserted into the brew chamber; a boiler having: a steam outlet in fluid communication with the steam chamber; and a heated water outlet in fluid communication with the steam chamber; and a fresh water supply conduit having a first leg coupled directly to the boiler and a second leg coupled to the heated water outlet; and a common inlet in fluid communication with the steam outlet, the heated water outlet, and the fresh water supply conduit, the common inlet providing an inlet from the steam outlet, the heated water outlet, and the fresh water supply conduit to the steam chamber.
2. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a conduit disposed in the steam chamber, the conduit having a first open end disposed at the steam chamber lower end and a second open end disposed at the brew chamber lower end, the conduit providing fluid communication between the brew chamber and the steam chamber.
3. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a vent valve located at the steam chamber upper end and a drain valve located at the steam chamber lower end.
4. The machine of claim 1, wherein the filtering base is disposed at the brew chamber lower end during operation of the machine and wherein the filtering base is movable to the brew chamber upper end after operation of the machine.
5. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a controller adapted to control flow of steam from the steam outlet and flow of heated water from the heated water outlet. 194782NZ_AmndSpec_27Feb2015_EHB.doc
6. A machine for brewing a beverage, the machine comprising: an upper chamber having a lower end and an upper end; a filtering base disposed inside the upper chamber and movable between the lower end and the upper end; a lower chamber disposed below the upper chamber, the lower chamber having a lower end and an upper end; a conduit extending downward from the lower end of the upper chamber toward the lower end of the lower chamber, the conduit providing for fluid communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber; a boiler having a hot water outlet in communication with the lower chamber; and a check valve assembly adapted to seal the lower end of the upper chamber, and a common inlet in fluid communication with the lower chamber, the upper chamber, the boiler, and the conduit, the common inlet providing an inlet from the lower chamber, the boiler, and the conduit to the upper chamber; and a vent operable between a closed position and an open position, wherein, in the open position, the vent provides fluid communication between the lower chamber and atmosphere.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ705636A NZ705636B2 (en) | 2011-02-26 | 2012-02-24 | Hot Beverage Brewing System and Use Thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161000447P | 2011-02-26 | 2011-02-26 | |
US61/447 | 2011-02-26 | ||
PCT/US2012/026451 WO2012116256A1 (en) | 2011-02-26 | 2012-02-24 | Hot beverage brewing system and use thereof |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ617660A NZ617660A (en) | 2015-04-24 |
NZ617660B2 true NZ617660B2 (en) | 2015-07-28 |
Family
ID=
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9737081B2 (en) | Hot beverage brewing system and use thereof | |
US20130220137A1 (en) | Hot beverage brewing system and use thereof | |
US10413112B2 (en) | Beverage brewing systems | |
US9072404B2 (en) | Method for enabling complex order specifications to a hot beverage brewing system | |
RU2536220C2 (en) | Beverage preparation device | |
US20170295992A1 (en) | Vacuum-operated beverage brewers and related brewing methods | |
EP2358244B1 (en) | Beverage maker | |
US6612224B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for the preparation of hot beverages | |
US20090317526A1 (en) | Coffee brewing system | |
US9993105B2 (en) | Method of making a beverage with a controllable brewer | |
EP1776904A1 (en) | Method and device for the preparation and distribution of a chocolate drink | |
JP7292758B2 (en) | Coffee beverage production equipment and coffee beverage production program | |
AU2012222219B2 (en) | Hot beverage brewing system and use thereof | |
CN107529776A (en) | The system and method for coffee machine with quick and/or multiple extraction process feature and correlation | |
NZ617660B2 (en) | Hot beverage brewing system and use thereof | |
NZ705636B2 (en) | Hot Beverage Brewing System and Use Thereof | |
EP2671477A1 (en) | Hot beverage preparation apparatus comprising leafless brew receptacle | |
WO2023110283A1 (en) | Discharge of rinsing water from a brew chamber of a beverage making device |