RU2806165C2 - Machine and method of roasting coffee beans - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: coffee bean roasting device.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a device for roasting coffee beans, a system for roasting coffee beans, a method for roasting coffee beans, and a recording medium containing a computer program for the processing unit of the control system of the device. The device comprises a vessel (1) for placing coffee beans, a heating device (12) for heating the coffee beans contained in the vessel, a control system (180) configured to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe (R) that provides temperatures T_at-t1, T_at-t2, etc. applied at separate consecutive times t₁, t₂, etc., respectively, for a given number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel. The control system is configured to determine at least the number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, and with the possibility of accessing at least one series of roast recipes (R_i, R_i+1, etc.) adapted for roasting various successive predetermined amounts (M_i, M_i+1, etc.) of beans of the same type, and to the specified predetermined amounts M_i, M_i+1, etc. The control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe (R) applied to said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel.

EFFECT: group of inventions provides automatic application of the roasting profile corresponding to the number of beans loaded into the apparatus.

20 cl, 9 dwg

Description

Scope of the invention

The present invention relates to the roasting of coffee beans with heated air, and in particular to the roasting of different quantities of coffee beans. This invention is especially suitable for use at home or in shops and cafes.

Prerequisites for creating the invention

Over the past decades, many frying machines have been developed for use at home or in small shops and cafes. The operating principle of most fryers is based on fluidized bed technology, which uses a fluidized bed chamber with hot air. Inside such a chamber, heated air is forced through a sieve or perforated plate located under the coffee beans with sufficient force to lift the beans. Heat is transferred to the grains as they are mixed and circulated in this fluidized bed.

This technology is based on the industrial frying machine described in US 3964175 (Sivetz), and adapted for small household devices, such as US4484064, US4494314, US4631838, US4968916, US5269072, US5564331, etc. Currently, most of these frying machines implement automatic processes frying, with the frying profiles stored in the control unit of the device.

While a home roaster is typically designed to hold small quantities of coffee beans added periodically during each roasting operation, coffee shop and coffee shop roasters tend to be larger, allowing the operator to roast large or small quantities of beans. consumers depending on need. For example, the roasting chamber may be sized to roast between 50g and 300g of coffee beans.

Roasting parameters—essentially time and temperature—cannot be the same for different quantities of beans being roasted. Otherwise, if the quantity of beans differs significantly from the standard typical quantity, the quality of the roast may be negatively affected: the beans may burn, or the desired degree of roasting may not be achieved, or the beans may not roast evenly or not achieve the optimal sensory profile.

US 2004/074400 describes a roasting apparatus in which the roasting parameters can be adjusted depending on the weight and type of beans. In particular, the standard roasting curve can be adjusted based on the weight of coffee beans loaded inside the roaster. However, it is not explained what this standard roasting curve is and how it is adapted to different types of beans.

US 2014/0314923 describes a roasting apparatus in which roast profiles are stored, wherein the controller is configured to calculate an optimal roast profile based on information (such as weight and bean type) about the coffee to be roasted. However, no description of this calculation is provided.

Summary of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to improve the process of automatic roasting of coffee beans.

It would be an advantage to provide a roasting apparatus that allows for optimal roasting regardless of the number of beans to be roasted.

It would be an advantage to provide a roaster with the ability to automatically apply a roasting profile appropriate to the number of beans loaded into the roaster.

The objectives of the invention are achieved using an apparatus for roasting coffee beans according to claim 1, a system according to claim 14, a method according to claim 15 and a computer program according to claim 18.

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coffee bean roasting apparatus comprising:

- a vessel for placing coffee beans,

- a heating device for heating the coffee beans contained in the vessel,

- a control system configured to control the heating device and configured to apply a frying recipe (R) that provides temperatures T _{in t1} , T _{in t2,} etc., applied at separate successive moments of time t ₁ , t ₂ , etc. d. respectively,

and for a given number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel,

- the control system is configured to determine at least the number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, and

- the control system is designed with the ability to gain access to

. at least one series of roasting recipes ( _Ri , Ri _+1, etc.) adapted for roasting different successive predetermined quantities ( _Mi , Mi _+1, etc.) of the same type of beans, and to specified predetermined quantities Mi, Mi+1, etc., and

- based on a specified available series of roasting recipes (R _i , R _i+1, etc.), adapted for roasting various successive predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) of beans of the same type and on Based on said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine a roasting recipe (R) applied to said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel.

The roasting apparatus includes a vessel for holding coffee beans during the roasting process. In the vessel, the coffee beans are heated and preferably mixed to distribute heat evenly between the beans.

Mixing can be carried out using a liquid layer of hot air or mechanically using mixing blades or by rotating a rotating drum.

Preferably the vessel is a hot air fluidized bed chamber. Inside such a vessel, heated air is forced through a sieve or perforated plate located under the coffee beans with sufficient force to lift the beans. Heat is transferred to the grains as they are mixed and circulated in this fluidized bed.

In an alternative embodiment, the vessel may be a drum chamber in which the coffee beans are mixed in a heated environment. The drum chamber may consist of a drum rotating about a horizontal axis, or the drum chamber may contain stirring blades for stirring the coffee beans in a heated environment.

The roasting apparatus contains a device for heating coffee beans contained in the vessel.

Preferably, the heating device is configured to generate a stream of hot air, said stream of hot air being directed at the coffee beans contained in the vessel to heat them. Typically, the heating device includes at least an air supply member and a heater for heating the air flow produced by the air supply member.

The apparatus preferably contains an electric heater as a heat source. This electric heater is usually an electrical resistance. The advantage of an electric heater is that the air pollutants produced during roasting are pollutants generated solely by heating the coffee beans themselves, and not by burning gases, as happens when the heating source is a gas burner with natural gas, propane, LPG petroleum gas (LPG) or even wood.

The apparatus contains a control system configured to control the heater and configured to apply a frying recipe. This roasting recipe (R) provides temperatures T _{at t1} , T _{at t2,} etc., applied at separate successive times _t1 , _t2, etc. respectively during the frying process. This roast recipe is typically a roast profile.

Typically, such control is implemented based on measurements of at least one temperature sensor located in the vessel in a feedback control loop.

The control is used in a heating device, usually for a heater and/or an air supply element.

When loading the number m of coffee beans into the vessel, the control system is configured to determine at least the number m of coffee beans loaded into the vessel.

The amount may be expressed by the weight or alternatively the volume or level of coffee beans present in the container. Preferably the amount is expressed as mass.

When a given quantity m of coffee beans is fed into the vessel, the control system of the apparatus is configured to determine the roasting recipe R, adapted for this specific quantity m of coffee beans.

The control system provides roasting of any number of beans, in particular quantities for which the roasting recipe has not previously been defined or is not available to the control system.

In the present apparatus, in the case of such a new quantity, the control system of the apparatus is configured to determine a frying profile adapted to the given quantity.

The control system of the apparatus is configured to have access to at least one series of frying recipes ( _Ri , Ri ₊₁ , etc.) adapted for frying various sequential preset quantities ( _Mi , Mi ₊₁ , etc.). d.) grains of the same type, i.e. in one series, all roasting recipes are tailored to roast the same type of bean, with the only difference between recipes being the weight of said beans. These preset quantities can be set to include different quantities between the minimum and maximum quantities that can be fried inside the machine. Preferably, the differences between two different successive predetermined amounts are the same from said minimum amount to said maximum amount.

In addition, the control system of the apparatus is configured to have access to preset quantities (M _i , M _i+1, etc.) associated with each recipe (R _i , R _i+1 , etc.) of the frying series respectively. Preferably, the quantities (M _i , M _i+1, etc.) are quantities expressed as mass.

Various roasting recipes ( _Ri , Ri ₊₁ , etc.) adapted to roast different preset quantities of beans are usually determined experimentally. Each of these recipes corresponds to the process of roasting one predetermined number of beans, and all of the specified preset number of beans are of the same type. Typically, roasting recipes are determined using a common type of coffee bean, such as Arabica coffee beans, but in a preferred embodiment, different series of roasting recipes are assigned to different types of coffee beans, wherein the control system is configured to determine the type of beans loaded into the vessel to accessing a series of roasting recipes appropriate for that particular bean type, as will be further described below.

Based on a certain number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, and based on a series of roasting recipes and a corresponding preset quantity, the control system is configured to determine a roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified certain number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel.

The objects of the invention are advantageously achieved because access to a series of different recipes, defined for different predetermined quantities of grains, allows the determination of a new recipe based on said existing recipes. As a result, regardless of the number of beans loaded inside the vessel, a new recipe can be determined that guarantees the correct roasting operation.

Preferably, the control system is configured to determine said roasting recipe (R) to be applied to said number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, based on one or two recipes from at least one available series of recipes ( _Ri , Ri ₊₁ , etc.) .d.) frying,

wherein each of said one or two recipes is adapted to roast one predetermined amount of beans, respectively, and said predetermined amount (in the case of one recipe) or number (in the case of two recipes) of beans represents the smallest difference in quantity (in in the case of determination by one recipe) or quantities (in the case of determination by two recipes) with a certain amount m.

Accordingly, the new recipe is calculated from one existing recipe or from two existing recipes that represent predetermined quantities that are closest to the new target quantity of beans.

The control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe (R) applied to the quantity m of coffee beans based on the determined quantity m and the available sequential preset quantities Mi, Mi+1, etc. existing recipes:

- or based on a roasting recipe (R _i ) adapted to roast a predetermined quantity (M _i ) of beans representing the smallest difference in quantity with a certain predetermined quantity m,

- or according to two roasting recipes (R _i , R _i+1 ), adapted for roasting successive predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1 ) of grains, and a certain predetermined quantity m is in the range between said successive predetermined quantities.

In one first embodiment, the control system is configured to determine a roasting recipe (R) applied to a specified number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel by selecting one of the recipes from at least one available series of recipes (R _i , R _i+1 etc.) roasting, wherein said selection consists of identifying a roasting recipe (R _i ) adapted to roast a predetermined number (M _i ) of beans, wherein said predetermined number of beans has a minimal difference from a certain predetermined number m.

In one second embodiment, the control system is configured to determine the specified roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, as follows:

- by identifying in said at least one series of roasting recipes two roasting recipes R _i and R _i+1 adapted for roasting two successive predetermined quantities M _i and M _i+1 of beans, the quantity m being in the range between these two successive predetermined quantities M _i and M _i+1 ,

- based on the two identified roasting recipes R _i and R _i+1 , respectively, ensuring the use of temperatures T _{Mi in t1} , T _{Mi in t2} , etc. and T _{Mi+1 in t1} , T _{Mi+1 in t2} , etc. respectively, at separate successive times t ₁ , t ₂ , etc., wherein the temperature T _m applied to a certain number m of grains at each of these separate successive times t ₁ , t ₂ , etc. is determined as follows :

Tm in tz = T _{Mi in z} + [(T _{Mi+1 in tz} - T _{Mi in tz} ). C. (m - M _i ) / (M _i+1 - M _i )],

with C ≤ 1.

This second embodiment allows for a more precise determination of the roasting formulation (R) applied to a specified quantity m of coffee beans compared to the first embodiment, since a specific roasting profile is determined for each specific quantity.

In one method of this second embodiment, C is equal to 1.

In one third embodiment, the control system is configured to determine a roasting recipe (R) applied to a specified number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, as follows:

- by identifying in said at least one series of roasting recipes two available roasting recipes R _i and R _i+1 , adapted for roasting two successive predetermined quantities M _i and M _i+1 of beans, the quantity m being in the range between these two successive preset quantities M _i and M _i+1 ,

- based on the two identified roasting recipes R _i and R _i+1 , respectively, ensuring the use of temperatures T _{Mi in t1} , T _{Mi in t2} , etc. and T _{Mi+1 in t1} , T _{Mi+1 in t2} , etc. respectively, at separate successive times t ₁ , t ₂ , etc., wherein the temperature T _m applied to a certain number m of grains at each of these separate successive times t ₁ , t ₂ , etc. is determined as follows :

- if m is closer to M _i , then T _{m in tz} = T _{Mi in tz} + [(T _{Mi+1 in tz} - T _{Mi in tz} ). C. (m - M _i ) / (M _i+1 - M _i )],

- if m is closer to M _i+1 , then T _{m in tz} = T _{Mi+1 in tz} – [(T _{Mi+1 in tz} - T _{Mi in tz} ). C. (M _i+1 - m) / (M _i+1 - M _i )],

with C ≤ 1.

This third embodiment provides a more precise determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to a specified number m of coffee beans compared to the second embodiment.

In one preferred method of this embodiment, C is equal to 1.

Preferably, the control system is configured to:

- determination of the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the container, and

- based on a certain type Ny obtaining access to at least one series of recipes (Ryi, Ryi+1, etc.) of frying, adapted for frying different successive predetermined quantities (Mi, Mi+1, etc.) specified grains of type Ny, and to the specified preset quantities Mi, Mi+1, etc. and optionally to a Cy coefficient specific to said coffee bean type Ny, and

- determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified number m of coffee beans of type Ny loaded inside the vessel, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Ryi, Ryi+1, etc.) adapted for roasting beans of type Ny and specified predetermined quantities (Mi, Mi+1, etc.), and optionally based on a specified coefficient Cy.

The above embodiment allows the roasting apparatus to be controlled to apply a roasting profile depending on the quantity and type of coffee beans loaded inside the apparatus to ensure proper roasting of the beans regardless of the quantity and type.

Typically, bean type refers to at least one attribute of the bean that directly influences how the bean is roasted.

The type of coffee bean can refer to specific characteristics, such as:

- the origin of the beans (Arabica, Robusta, etc.) or a specific mixture or blend of beans of different origins. The mixture may be determined by the selection of specific grains and/or the ratio of these various specific grains.

- level of pre-roasting of beans. The coffee beans to be roasted may be green beans or pre-partially roasted beans, which are beans obtained by heating green coffee beans and stopping said heating process before completion of the first cracking. These pre-partially roasted beans may have varying degrees of pre-roasting, which directly affects the subsequent final roasting performed in the roaster.

- grain moisture content,

- grain size.

The bean type may explicitly indicate the basic properties of the beans, such as origin, degree of pre-roasting, etc., or may be a reference, such as an identification number, SKU number, or trademark.

The grain type Ny can be determined in various ways:

- from the user. In this case, the user interface of the apparatus may display a list of bean types and prompt the user to select the types of beans he/she has loaded inside the container. In an alternative embodiment, this list may be displayed through an interface of a mobile device configured to communicate with the control system of the device.

or

- by means of a code, such as the code printed on the packaging of grains. In this case, the apparatus may include a code reader, and the control system may be configured to prompt the operator to scan a code of the beans (eg, on a bean package) that he/she feeds into the container.

In this embodiment, in which the type Ny of coffee beans is determined, the control system of the apparatus is configured to have access to various roasting recipes. One series differs from another in the type of grains. In one series, all roasting recipes refer to the process of roasting the same type of bean.

In different series there are sequential preset quantities Mi, Mi+1, etc. may be the same or different, since the control system is configured to gain access to these quantities in any case.

Moreover, in this embodiment, in which the determination of the coffee bean type Ny is provided, the control system of the machine may be configured to:

- obtaining access to the coefficient Cy specific to the specified type Ny of coffee beans, and

- determining the roasting recipe (R) applied to a specified number m of coffee beans of type Ny loaded inside the vessel, by applying the above formulas to determine the temperature T _{m at t1} , T _{m at t2} , etc., applied to a certain number m of beans at each of the specified individual successive moments of time t ₁ , t ₂ with the specified specific coefficient Cy.

In another embodiment, the control system may be configured to:

- selecting an additional use ux of roasted beans from a list of predefined uses (uα, uβ, etc.), and

- based on a certain specific additional application ux obtaining access to at least a series of recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, etc.) of frying, adapted for frying different sequential predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc. .) beans for said specific additional use ux, and optionally to a Cx coefficient specific for said use ux of the coffee beans, and

- determining the roasting recipe (R) to be applied to said specified quantity m of coffee beans, based on a specified available series of roasting recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, etc.) adapted for the additional use ux of beans, and optionally based on a specified coefficient Cx.

Additional application of roasted beans refers to a coffee extraction method applied to coffee beans after they have been roasted in a roaster. This additional application, at the request of the user, can be, for example, preparing espresso, preparing coffee using the drip method, using a French press, preparing coffee using a cold method. You can also take into account the desire to use the coffee obtained by one of the above methods to prepare whitened coffee by mixing with milk, whitener, etc.

The advantage is that a specific number m of coffee beans can be roasted to adapt the organoleptic properties of the resulting roasted coffee beans to such subsequent preparation.

In this embodiment, in which the additional use of ux roasted beans is provided, the control system of the apparatus has access to different series of roasting recipes. One series differs from another in the possibility of additional use of grains. In one series, all roast recipes refer to roasting beans for the same additional use, while two series differ in the proposed additional uses of the beans roasted in each series.

In different series there are sequential preset quantities Mi, Mi+1, etc. may be the same or different, since the control system is configured to gain access to these quantities in any case.

Moreover, in this embodiment, in which the additional use of ux coffee beans is provided, the control system of the apparatus may be configured to:

- obtaining access to the Cx coefficient specific to the specified additional use of the coffee beans, and

- determining the roasting recipe (R) applied to a specified number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, by applying the above formulas to determine the temperature T _{m in t1} , T _{m in t2} , etc., applied to a certain number m of beans in each from the specified individual successive moments of time t ₁ , t ₂ with the specified specific coefficient Cx.

Similar to the above, the control system can be configured to:

- determination of the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel and additional application ux,

And

- based on a specific type Ny and additional application ux gaining access to at least one series of roasting recipes (Ryxi, Ryxi+1, etc.) adapted for roasting different sequential predetermined quantities (Mi, Mi+1, etc. .) beans for a specific additional use ux of said roasted beans of type Ny, and

- determining the roasting recipe (R) to be applied to said specified quantity m of coffee beans, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Rxyi, Rxyi+1, etc.) adapted for the specified additional use ux of said beans Ny.

According to one embodiment, the number m of coffee beans loaded into the container can be specified by the user. The user can set this amount through the user interface of the device or, in an alternative embodiment, through the interface of a mobile device configured to communicate with the control system of the device.

According to one embodiment, the number m of coffee beans loaded into the container can be obtained from the user. In this case, the apparatus may include a user interface allowing the user to set the number of beans she/he loads into the container. In an alternative embodiment, this amount may be entered through an interface of a mobile device configured to communicate with a control system of the apparatus, which means that the control system may include a communication interface for communicating with an external mobile device.

In one embodiment, the vessel of the apparatus may be transparent and there may be level indicators on the wall of the vessel that can be read by an operator.

Therefore, when the operator loads beans into a transparent container, he/she can determine the amount of beans in the container by observing the level indicator. This information can then be entered as input into the machine's control system, for example through a user interface.

In another embodiment, the number m of coffee beans loaded into the container can be determined using a measuring device configured to measure the number m of beans and connected to the control system of the device. In this case, the grain quantity value can be automatically transmitted to the device control system.

According to one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise said measuring device configured to measure the number m of beans loaded into the container, wherein in the step of signaling the number m of coffee beans to the controller, said number of coffee beans can be automatically measured by the measuring device and transmitted into the control system of the device.

The measuring device may be

- scales for measuring the weight of coffee beans, or

- a device containing at least one cavity of a predetermined volume, or

- a level sensor that measures the volume of coffee beans inside the vessel.

The quantity is preferably a mass and the measuring device is a scale.

The device comprising at least one predetermined volume cavity allows the user to select a predetermined volume cavity and completely fill it with beans, thereby allowing the corresponding volume of beans to be measured. The control system of the roaster ensures this exact volume of beans. In one specific embodiment, the roasting apparatus may comprise a variety of different vessels designed to hold different volumes of coffee beans, such as small, medium and large volume vessels. In this embodiment, the control system may be configured to determine the number of coffee beans inside the vessel by recognizing which vessel (small, medium, large) is located inside the roasting apparatus.

The measuring device may be a level sensor that measures the volume of coffee beans inside the container. The vessel may be removed from the roaster during the priming operation, and after the vessel is placed back inside the roaster, a level sensor may measure the level of the beans. The process control is configured to determine the volume of grains based on the specified measured level.

If the volume of grains is measured, then based on the identification of the type of grains, their density and, accordingly, their exact mass can be determined.

According to another embodiment, the apparatus may comprise:

- a set of different vessels, each vessel being configured to store a certain number of coffee beans, and

- a vessel recognition device, and

- at the stage of determining the number m of beans loaded into the container, the specified number of coffee beans is automatically supplied by recognizing the container.

According to another embodiment, the apparatus may comprise:

- container for storing coffee beans,

- dosing device for dispensing and feeding coffee beans into the container,

furthermore, in the step of determining the number m of identified beans loaded into the vessel, the quantity of coffee beans dosed can be automatically transmitted to the control system.

In a specific embodiment, the apparatus may comprise an identification device configured to read identification means from a bean package, said identification means directly or indirectly providing the number m of beans inside the package.

In one embodiment, a given bean package may be configured to feed its entire contents into the vessel of the apparatus, and accordingly, the number of beans loaded into the vessel is determined automatically.

In another embodiment, a portion of the beans from the package may be fed into a vessel and measured in accordance with one of the above embodiments. The number of beans remaining in the package can then be determined automatically.

In a second aspect, a system for roasting coffee beans is provided, comprising:

- a frying apparatus such as described above,

And

- a device for measuring the number of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel,

and wherein the control system of the frying apparatus is configured to determine:

- the number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel and measured by the measuring device.

Communication means allow communication between the frying apparatus and the measuring device via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cable (USB, serial communication), optical communication, GSM communication.

In the third aspect, a method is proposed for roasting coffee beans using an apparatus such as described above and using a roasting recipe providing temperature values T _{at t1} , T _{at t2,} etc., applied at separate successive times t ₁ , t ₂ and etc. respectively, including:

- determination of the number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel,

- obtaining access to at least one series of recipes (R _i , R _i+1, etc.) for frying, said recipes being adapted for frying various sequential predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1, etc.). ) grains of the same type, and to the specified preset quantities Mi, Mi+1, etc., and

- based on a specified available series of roasting recipes (R _i , R _i+1, etc.), adapted for roasting various successive predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) of beans of the same type and on based on said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, determining a roasting recipe (R) applied to said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel.

Preferably the method includes:

- determination of the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, and

- access to at least one series of roasting recipes (Ryi, Ry _i+1, etc.) adapted for roasting different sequential preset quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) of beans of type Ny , And

- determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified number m of coffee beans of type Ny, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Ryi, Ry _i+1 , etc.) adapted for beans of type Ny.

In one embodiment, the method includes:

- selecting an additional use ux of the roasted beans loaded inside the vessel from a list of predefined uses (uα, uβ, etc.), and

- access to at least one series of frying recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, etc.) adapted for frying various sequential preset quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) for a specified additional application ux, and

- determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified specified quantity m of coffee beans, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, etc.), adapted for the additional application ux.

In a fourth aspect, a computer program is provided for a processing unit of a control system of a coffee bean roasting apparatus such as described above, the computer program comprising program code and/or program logic that, when executed by the processing unit, causes the following steps:

- determination of the number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel,

- obtaining access to at least one series of recipes (R _i , R _i+1, etc.) for frying, said recipes being adapted for frying various sequential predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1, etc.). ) grains of the same type, and to the specified preset quantities Mi, Mi+1, etc., and

- based on a specified available series of roasting recipes (R _i , R _i+1, etc.), adapted for roasting various successive predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) of beans of the same type and on based on said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, determining a roasting recipe (R) applied to said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel.

Preferably, this program code and/or program logic will perform the following steps:

- determination of the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, and

- accessing at least one series of roasting recipes (Ryi, Ryi+1, etc.) adapted for roasting different sequential preset quantities (Mi, Mi+1, etc.) of beans of type Ny, and

- determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified number m of coffee beans of type Ny, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Ryi, Ryi+1, etc.) adapted for beans of type Ny.

In one embodiment, this program code and/or program logic performs the following steps:

- selecting an additional use ux of the roasted beans loaded inside the vessel from a list of predefined uses (uα, uβ, etc.), and

- access to at least one series of frying recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, etc.) adapted for frying various sequential preset quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) for a specified additional application ux, and

- determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified specified quantity m of coffee beans, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, etc.), adapted for the additional application ux.

The above aspects of the invention can be combined in any suitable combination. Moreover, various elements described herein can be combined with one or more of the above aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically illustrated and described. Additional objects and advantageous elements of the invention will be apparent from the claims, detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Brief description of graphic materials

To better understand the characteristics and advantages of the invention, it is recommended to study the description of the following figures:

in fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a general frying apparatus which enables the method of the present invention to be implemented,

in fig. 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the general apparatus in accordance with FIG. 1,

in fig. 3 schematically shows a series of roasting recipes (R ₁ , R _2, etc.) adapted for roasting various successive predetermined quantities (M ₁ , M ₂ , etc.) of beans of the same variety,

in fig. Figure 4 shows the definition of the roasting recipe R for a given number m of grains from a series of recipes,

in fig. 5 and 6 schematically show a series of recipes (R ₁ , R ₂ , etc.) for frying,

in fig. 7a to 7d schematically illustrate various embodiments of a system in accordance with the present invention,

in fig. 8 and 9 schematically illustrate methods of using systems in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of graphic materials

Frying apparatus

In fig. 1 is a schematic view of a part of the frying apparatus 1. Functionally, the roasting apparatus 1 is configured to roast coffee beans held inside the vessel 11 by means of a stream of hot air supplied inside the vessel. At the first level, the apparatus contains: a housing 15, a frying unit 10 and a control system 180. The following is a sequential description of the listed components.

Roasting machine body

Housing 15 serves to house and secure the above components and includes a base 151 and a frame 152. The base 151 is configured to rest against a support surface, preferably by legs 154 that provide clearance between the base and the support surface. The frame 152 is used for mounting components thereon.

Roasting unit of frying machine

The roasting unit 10 is configured to receive and roast coffee beans.

The frying unit 10 generally contains, on the second level of the frying apparatus 1: a vessel 11 and a heating device 12, which are described in the order in which they appear.

The vessel 11 is configured to receive and hold coffee beans loaded by the operator. Removable lid 17 allows you to load and remove grains. The bottom of the vessel is designed to allow air to pass through, in particular it may be a perforated plate 14 on which the grains can be located and through which air can flow upward.

The chaff collector 16 communicates along the flow with the vessel 1 for receiving the chaff, which is gradually separated from the grains and, due to its low density, is blown into the chaff collector.

The vessel 11 includes a handle 112 that allows the user to remove the vessel from the body 15 and remove the roasted beans.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vessel 1 is at least partially transparent and includes a high level line 111b and a low level line 111a formed on the vessel. After loading the grains into the vessel 1, the user can check the amount of loaded grains at these levels 111a, 111b. In particular, the operator can check whether the product is below the lower level, between the lower and upper levels, or above the upper level.

In an alternative embodiment of the fryer shown in FIG. 7b-7d, the roasting unit may include a device for automatically determining the amount of beans loaded inside the vessel 1, such as a scale or a level sensor (capacitive or optical) inside the vessel.

In another embodiment of a roasting machine (not shown), the roasting unit may comprise a plurality of different vessels, each vessel being configured to hold a specific number of coffee beans. The frying unit may include a vessel recognition device.

The heating device 12 contains an air supply working element 121 and a heater 122.

The air supply working body 121 is configured to form an air flow towards the lower part of the vessel. The generated flow is designed to heat the grains, as well as mix and lift the grains. As a result, the grains are heated evenly. In particular, the air supply member may be a fan driven by the motor 13. Air supply openings 153 may be provided within the housing base 151 for supplying air to the interior of the housing, and the air supply member supplies the air towards the vessel. 11, as shown by the dotted arrow lines.

The heater 122 is configured to heat the air flow generated by the working body 121 of the air supply. In the particular illustrated embodiment, the heater is an electrical resistance located between the fan and the perforated plate 14, which heats the air stream before entering the vessel 11 to heat and lift the grains.

The heater 122 and/or the air supply member 121 is configured to apply a roasting profile to the grains, which roasting profile is defined as a temperature versus time curve.

Although the invention has been described for a hot air fluidized bed fryer, the invention is not limited specifically to this type of fryer. Drum fryers and other types of fryers can also be used.

The frying apparatus 10 typically includes a user interface 20 that allows information to be displayed and entered.

The roasting apparatus may include a code reader for reading a code corresponding to the type of coffee beans, such as those indicated on the coffee bean packaging. It is preferable that the code reader is located in the machine in such a way that the operator can easily bring the code to it. The code reader is preferably located on the front side of the device, for example, adjacent to the user interface 20 of the device. Accordingly, the information provided in the code can be instantly displayed on the display of the adjacent user interface 20.

Fryer control system

The control system 180 will be discussed later herein with reference to FIG. 1 and 2: the control system 180 is configured to control components of the roasting unit for roasting coffee beans. At the second level of the fryer, the control system 180 typically includes: a user interface 20, a processing unit 18, sensors 23, a power supply 21, a memory 19, optionally a communication interface 24 for remote connection, optionally a code reader 3, optionally a measuring device 4 , optional database 25.

The user interface 20 includes hardware that allows a user to interact with the processing unit 1 via a user interface signal. More specifically, the user interface receives commands from the user, the user interface signal transmits said commands to the processing unit 18 as input data. For example, such commands may be instructions for carrying out a frying method, and/or setting an operating parameter of the frying apparatus 1, and/or turning on or off the power of the frying apparatus 1. The processing unit 18 may also provide feedback to the user interface 20 as part of the roasting process, for example, to indicate the start of the roasting process, or to indicate the selection of a process-related parameter, or to indicate a change in a parameter during the process, or to provide a warning signal.

In a specific embodiment, the user interface may be used:

- for manually entering the number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel.

- to enable the identification of Ny coffee beans loaded inside the container through manual input, such as selecting an identification type from a list of pre-selected coffee beans, or by entering digital coffee reference data, such as reading data from a coffee bean package.

- to provide additional use of ux beans loaded into the vessel and to be roasted inside the vessel, through manual input, such as selecting an application from a list of predefined applications (uα, uβ, etc.).

The user interface hardware may comprise any suitable device(s), for example, the hardware comprises one or more of the following: a button such as a joystick button, a knob or push button, a joystick, LEDs, graphics or character LCD displays, graphic touch screen and/or buttons on the edge of the screen. The user interface 20 may be designed as a single block or a plurality of separate blocks.

Part of the user interface may also be in the mobile application if the apparatus has a communication interface 24, as described below. In this case, the input and output data may be transmitted to the mobile device via the communication interface 24.

The sensors 23 are configured to transmit an input signal to the processing unit 18 to monitor the frying process and/or the state of the frying apparatus. The input signal can be an analog or digital signal. The sensors 23 typically include at least one temperature sensor 231 and optionally one or more of the following sensors: a level sensor associated with the vessel 1, an air flow sensor, a position sensor associated with the vessel and/or chaff collector.

If the apparatus or system includes a measuring device 24, this device is configured to provide an input signal 22, in particular a signal of the number of coffee beans loaded inside the container 11. Such input signal 22 may be the mass of the beans, measured by weighing, or the volume or level of the beans. , measured using a level sensor associated with vessel 11.

The code reader 3 may be provided and configured to read a code from the coffee bean package, and it may also automatically provide an input signal that represents the identification of the coffee beans loaded into the measuring device 4 or into the container 11.

The processing unit 18 typically contains memory, system input/output components mounted on an integrated circuit, typically in the form of a microprocessor or microcontroller. The processing unit 18 may comprise other suitable integrated circuits, such as an ASIC, a programmable logic device such as a PAL, an SPLIC, an FPGA, a PSoC, a system on a chip (SoC), an analog integrated circuit, such as a controller. For such devices, if necessary, the above program code may be considered programmable logic or additionally contain programmable logic. The processing unit 18 may also include one or more of the above integrated circuits. As an example of the latter, multiple integrated circuits interact with each other in a modular design, for example, a slave integrated circuit controls a user interface 20 associated with a master integrated circuit for controlling the frying unit 10.

The power source 21 is configured to provide electricity to the specified controlled components and the processing unit 18. The power supply 21 may include various means, such as a battery or a unit, for receiving and regulating the mains power supply. The power source 21 may be operatively coupled to a portion of the user interface 20 to turn on or off power to the fryer.

The processing unit 18 typically includes a memory unit 19 for storing instructions in the form of program code and, optionally, data. To achieve this, the memory unit typically contains: a non-volatile memory device, such as EPROM, EEPROM or flash memory, for storing program code and operating parameters in the form of instructions; a volatile memory device (RAM) for temporary storage of data. The memory unit may contain separate and/or integrated (eg, on a semiconductor chip) memory. For programmable logic devices, instructions may be stored as programmable logic.

The instructions stored in the memory unit 19 are, in a simplified form, a program for roasting coffee beans.

The control system 180 is configured to apply this coffee bean roasting program by controlling the heating device 12, i.e. in the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1, by means of an air supply element 121 and/or a heater 122, typically using a signal from a temperature sensor 231.

When executing a coffee bean roasting program, these components may be controlled using selective information encrypted in code and/or other information that may be stored as data in the memory unit 19, or received from a remote source via a communication interface and/or as input data entered through the user interface 20 and/or the sensor signal 23.

In particular, the control system is made with the possibility of using a frying recipe (R), providing temperatures T _{in t1} , T _{in t2} , ... _{T in t final} , applied at separate successive moments of time t ₁ , t ₂ , ... _, t _{will finish} . respectively.

For this purpose, the processing unit 18 is configured to:

- receiving input data from temperature sensor 231,

- processing of initial data in accordance with the frying recipe R,

- providing output data representing the recipe R. More specifically, the output data includes control of at least the heater 122 and the air supply element 121.

The temperature measured by the temperature sensor 231 is used to control the power of the heater 122 and/or the power of the motor 13 of the air supply element 121 in the feedback loop for the purpose of applying the bean roasting recipe R.

Depending on the type of control used in the fryer, the heater 122 can be turned on at one preset power, i.e. its temperature is constant, in which case the power of the motor 13 of the air supply element 121 can be adjusted based on the temperature monitored by the sensor 231, thereby changing the contact time of the air flow passing through the heater.

In an alternative embodiment, the power of the motor 13 of the air supply element 121 may be adjustable, i.e. the air flow rate is constant, in which case the power of the heater 122 can be adjusted based on the temperature monitored by the sensor 231, heating less or more air as it passes through the heating device.

In a final alternative embodiment, both heater 122 and motor 13 may be adjustable depending on the temperature monitored by sensor 231.

The processing unit may include a communication interface 24 for exchanging data between the frying apparatus 1 and another device and/or system, such as a server system, a mobile device, and/or a separate measuring device 2. The communication interface 24 may be used to transmit and/or receive information information related to the method of roasting coffee beans, such as information on roasting method, type of beans, number of beans. Communication interface 24 may include first and second communication interfaces for communicating with multiple devices simultaneously or for communicating across different media.

The communication interface 24 may be configured to employ wired or wireless communication means or a combination thereof, for example, a wired connection such as RS-232, USB, I2C, Ethernet in accordance with IEEE 802.3, a wireless connection such as a wireless local area network (eg , IEEE 802.11), or near field communication (NFC) or cellular communication system such as GPRS or GSM. The communication interface 24 interacts with the processing unit 18 via a communication interface signal. Typically, the communication interface includes a separate processing unit (examples of which are given above) for controlling communication hardware (eg, an antenna) designed to interact with the main processing unit 18. However, less complex configurations may be used, for example a simple wired connection for serial communication directly with the processing unit 18.

The processing unit 18 provides access to various roasting recipes (R ₁ , R ₂ , etc.) adapted to roast various sequential preset quantities (M ₁ , M ₂ , etc.) of beans and said preset quantities (M ₁ , M ₂ , etc.).

Recipes and parameters of a predetermined amount can be stored in the memory 19 of the processing unit 18. In an alternative embodiment, this data may be stored on a remote server, and the data processing unit 18 may be configured to access this remote server through a communication interface 24 directly or indirectly through a mobile device allowing a connection to be established between the remote server and the processing unit.

These formulations and quantities may form part of a database 25 stored in the memory unit 19 or remotely, as discussed above.

In one alternative embodiment, the control system may be provided with frying recipes and corresponding preset quantities M. During the code reading procedure, this data encrypted within the code is decoded by the control system.

In fig. Figure 3 schematically shows the types of frying recipes available for the processing unit. Each of the presented roasting recipes R ₁ , R ₂ , ... R ₅ provides a temperature profile applied to the corresponding designated number of beans M ₁ , M ₂ , ... M ₅ respectively, depending on time. For example, different predetermined quantities of grains M ₁ , M ₂ , ... M ₅ can have different weights, for example, 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g of the same type of grains or grains of the same mixture.

These temperature profiles are typically determined experimentally by calculating the optimal profile for a predetermined number of grains.

As a rule, one series of roasting recipes R ₁ , R ₂ , ... R ₅ is adapted for a specific type of coffee bean. The type of coffee bean can refer to specific characteristics, such as:

- the origin of the beans (Arabica, Robusta, etc.) or a specific mixture of beans of different origins. A mixture can be defined as a mixture of grains of different specific origins, as well as by the ratio of these grains of different specific origins,

- level of pre-roasting of beans. The coffee beans to be roasted may be green beans or pre-partially roasted beans, which are beans obtained by heating green coffee beans and stopping said heating process before completion of the first cracking. These pre-roasted beans may have varying degrees of pre-roasting, which directly affects subsequent roasting,

- grain moisture content,

- grain size.

In fig. Figure 5 shows three different series of recipes (R1;1, R1;2…R1;5), (R2;1, R2;2, …R2;5) and (R3;1, R3;2, …R3;5) frying , adapted for three different types of grains (grain 1, grain 2, grain 3) and for predefined quantities (M1, M2, ... M5), similar to FIG. 3.

In a particular embodiment, one series of roasting recipes R ₁ , R ₂ , ... R ₅ can be tailored for a specific additional use of the roasted beans. Depending on the desired use of the finished roasted beans, i.e. method of extracting a coffee beverage from roasted beans, the organoleptic profile of the roasted coffee beans can be adapted to such subsequent preparation.

Such additional uses could be:

- preparing espresso coffee with hot water under pressure,

- making coffee using a French press,

- making coffee using a drip filter,

- preparing coffee using cold brew method,

- preparing coffee independently of the extraction process with the ultimate goal of preparing a cup of whitened coffee, i.e. mixing the extracted coffee with a white component such as milk, whitener, etc.

In fig. 6 shows a series of roasting recipes R ₁ , R ₂ , ... R ₅ , adapted for different preset quantities (M1, M2, ... M5) of different types of beans (bean 1, bean 2, bean 3, etc. ) and various additional uses of these grains (grain 1 - application 1, grain 1 - application 2, grain 1 - application 3, ... and grain 2 - application 1, grain 2 - application 2, grain 2 - application 3, .. . and grains 3 - application 1, etc.).

These temperature profiles are typically determined experimentally by calculating the optimal profile for a predetermined number Mi of grains of a particular type Ny and for each specific additional application ux.

When introducing a predetermined number m of coffee beans for roasting into the vessel 11, the processing unit 18 of the apparatus of the present invention is configured to implement several stages.

First, the processing unit 18 of the apparatus of the present invention is configured to determine the number m of coffee beans of the specified type loaded inside the vessel.

Optionally and preferably, the processing unit is configured to determine the type Ny of said coffee beans.

Optionally, the processing unit is configured to determine an additional use ux of the coffee beans.

As mentioned previously, this identification, quantity and application information may be provided through the roaster user interface 20, with the user interface display configured to guide the user through the process of entering information for each type of coffee.

In an alternative embodiment, to identify the type of coffee, information can be obtained using the code reader 3, wherein the user has the option or will be prompted to scan the code of different bean types in front of the code reader.

In an alternative embodiment, the number of grains can be measured and automatically transmitted to the control system 180, for example, using a measuring device 4 connected to the machine directly or indirectly through a communication interface, as shown in FIG. 8 or 9.

Moreover, in a further step, the control system of the roasting apparatus is configured to gain access to information related to the roasting of coffee beans and, in particular, to at least one series of recipes ( _Ri , Ri ₊₁ , etc.) roasting, adapted for roasting different successive predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) of beans of the same type, and to the specified predetermined quantities Mi, Mi+1, etc., wherein the roasting recipes Ri provide temperatures TMi at t _z applied to a given number of grains at separate successive times t _z respectively. For example, based on FIG. 3, the control system is configured to access a series of recipes R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, adapted for frying predetermined quantities of M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 of the same type, respectively. Preset quantities are sequential quantity values.

In a further step, the control system is configured to determine a roasting recipe (R) to be applied to said specific predetermined quantity m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel.

In one very simple first embodiment, the processing unit 18 is configured to select one recipe from the available series of roasting recipes R1, R2, R3, R4, R5. The choice is to identify a roasting recipe R _i adapted to roast a predetermined number M _i of beans, wherein said predetermined number M _i of beans has a minimal difference from a predetermined number m.

To illustrate: based on a series of formulations R1, ... R5 (Fig. 3), applied to grains of different preset weights M1, ... M5, such as: 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g , if the input value for the number m of grains is 210 g, then the processing unit 18 is configured to select the roasting recipe R4 corresponding to a predetermined number M4 of grains weighing 200 g, since the smallest difference between the value 210 and five preset quantities is 50 g, 100 g , 150 g, 200 g, 250 g is the difference between the values 210 g and 200 g.

In the second embodiment, the processing unit 18 is configured to calculate a specific roasting recipe (R) applied to a specified specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, based on the available series of recipes (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5), as shown in fig. 4 and described below.

In fig. 4 schematically shows a series of roasting recipes R1, R2, ... R5, which ensures the application of a temperature profile for the corresponding assigned amount of beans M1, M2, ... M5, respectively, for example 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250 d, as a function of time for one type of bean, for example, pure Arabica beans.

In the first stage of determining the roasting recipe (R), the processing unit identifies in a series two roasting recipes R _i and R _i+1 , adapted for roasting two successive predetermined quantities M _i and M _i+1 of grains, the quantity m being in the range between these two consecutive preset quantities M _i and M _i+1 . For example, if the determined quantity m is 160 g, then roasting recipes R3 and R4 are identified, corresponding to the values of 150 g and 200 g of coffee beans, respectively.

In the second stage, at separate successive times t ₁ , t ₂ , ..., t ₆ , the temperature T _m applied to a certain number m of grains at each of these separate successive times t ₁ , t ₂ , ... t ₆ , calculated from the roasting recipes R3 and R4 as follows:

T _{m in tz} = T _{Mi in tz} + [(T _{Mi+1 in tz} - T _{Mi in tz} ) . C. (m - M _i ) / (M _i+1 - M _i )],

with C ≤ 1.

In particular, for time t ₁ the temperature T _{m at t1} is used:

T _{M3 at t1} + [(T _{M4 at t1} - T _{M3 at t1} ) . C. (m - M ₃ ) / (M ₄ - M ₃ )],

this means, for example, for the masses given in the example above:

T _{M3 at t1} + [(T _{M4 at t1} - T _{M3 at t1} ) . C. (160 - 150) / 50].

The calculation is repeated for each time t ₂ –t ₆ , determining the complete roasting recipe R for the number m of grains.

These individual sequential times can be preset to provide the final frying recipe with a sufficient number of values to be realized by the frying apparatus. For example, successive times may differ by approximately 20 to 40 seconds.

In the above formula, the C factor is typically determined experimentally and may vary depending on the specifications of the roaster (power, vessel size, heater type, etc.), the type of beans and/or the subsequent application of the roasted beans.

In one embodiment, the C factor may be set only in accordance with the specifications of the fryer.

In another embodiment, the C factor may be set according to the type of beans. In this case, the coefficient C can be set:

- as a rule, with a high level of identification of beans, in particular by the origin of the beans, for example, for Arabica or Robusta varieties, a CA coefficient is provided when roasting Arabica beans and a CR coefficient when roasting Robusta beans,

- or, more precisely, for each Ny grain type by reference to the Cy coefficient adapted to the specific Ny grain type, with more precise criteria than the two general origin criteria.

In these cases, the control system is configured to determine the type of bean (Arabica, Robusta or Ni) loaded into the vessel and then access the CA, CR or Ci coefficient corresponding to this type of bean.

The C factor is preferably set according to the roaster specifications and bean type.

In a particular embodiment, the C factor may be set in accordance with the additional use of the grains. In this embodiment, the C factor is preferably also set in accordance with the technical characteristics of the roaster, and even more preferably in accordance with the type of beans.

In the absence of information on roaster, bean type, or additional application, the default C factor is 1.

In the third embodiment, the processing unit 18 is configured to calculate a specific roasting recipe (R) applied to a specified specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel based on the available series of recipes (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) similar to the second embodiment implementation, except that in the second stage of determining the roasting recipe (R), the temperature T _m applied to a certain number m of grains at each of the specified individual successive times t ₁ , t ₂ , ... t ₆ is calculated based on the recipes R3 and R4 roast as follows:

if m is closer to M3, then T _{m in ti} = T _{M3 in ti} + [(T _{M4 in ti} - T _{M3 in ti} ) . C. (m - M ₃ ) / (M ₄ - M ₃ )],

if m is closer to M4, then T _{m in ti} = T _{M4 in ti} - [(T _{M4 in ti} - T _{M3 in ti} ) . C. (M ₄ - m) / (M ₄ - M ₃ )],

with C ≤ 1.

As a result, this means that if a certain quantity m is 160 g, then m is closer to M3, which is 150 g, and the temperature applied at time t1 is T _{M3 at t1} + [(T _{M4 at t1} - T _{M3 at t1} ) . C. (160 - 150) / 50].

But if a certain quantity m is 180 g, then m is closer to M4, which is 200 g, and the temperature applied at time t1 is T _{M4 in ti} - [(T _{M4 in ti} - T _{M3 in ti} ) . C. (200 - 180) / 50].

Typically, if a measuring device is used to determine volume rather than mass, then the mass can be calculated from the average density of the coffee beans or, more preferably, identification of the bean type provides access to the exact density of said beans, allowing the mass of the beans loaded into the container to be calculated.

In the output processing stage, the processing unit 18 controls the heating device 12, typically via a closed loop control, via an input signal from the temperature sensor 231 as feedback to apply a roasting profile to the coffee beans corresponding to the defined roasting recipe (R).

If the processing unit is configured to determine the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, the control system of the roasting apparatus may be configured to have access for each of the different types of beans (bean 1, bean 2, etc.) to a series of roasting recipes, for example, those shown in Fig. 5:

- "bean 1" series (R1;1, R1;2, R1;3, etc.), adapted for roasting different successive preset quantities (M1, M2, M3, etc.) of coffee beans of bean type 1 , And

- "bean 2" series (R2;1, R2;2, R2;3, etc.), adapted for roasting different successive preset quantities (M1, M2, M3, etc.) of coffee beans of bean type 2 , And

- "bean 3" series (R3;1, R3;2, R3;3, etc.), adapted for roasting different successive preset quantities (M1, M2, M3, etc.) of coffee beans of bean type 3 .

In this case, the first, second or third embodiment described above can be implemented to determine the roasting profile of a given number m of Ny type beans loaded inside a vessel by accessing a series of roasting recipes (Ryi, Ryi+1, etc.) adapted for roasting beans of the specified type Ny. For example, if beans of bean type 2 are loaded inside a vessel and identified, then the step of determining the roasting profile for the number m of beans 2 is based on a series of roasting profiles (R2;1, R2;2, R2;3, etc.) as shown in fig. 5.

It should be noted that the present invention extends to embodiments in which different series of curves have preset amounts of Mi, Mi+1, etc. are different in all series.

Likewise, if the processing unit is configured to determine the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel and the additional application ux required by the operator, then the control system of the roasting apparatus may be configured to obtain access for each different type of beans (beans 1, beans 2, etc.) and for each additional application of said beans (application 1, application 2, etc.) to a series of roasting recipes, such as those presented in FIG. 5:

- series (R1;1;1, R1;1;2 +, R1;1;3, etc.) adapted for roasting various successive preset quantities (M1, M2, M3, etc.) of coffee beans 1 grain type for 1 additional application, and

- series “beans 1 - application 2” (R1;2;1, R1;2;2, R1;2;3, etc.), adapted for roasting various sequential preset quantities (M1, M2, M3, etc.) .d.) coffee beans of bean type 1 for additional use 2, and

- series “beans 2 - application 1” (R2;1;1, R2;1;2, R2;1;3, etc.), adapted for roasting various sequential preset quantities (M1, M2, M3, etc. .d.) coffee beans of bean type 2 for additional use 1, and

- series “beans 2 - application 2” (R2;2;1, R2;2;2, R2;2;3, etc.), adapted for roasting various sequential preset quantities (M1, M2, M3, etc.) .d.) coffee beans of bean type 2 for additional use 2, and

- series “beans 3 - application 1” (R3;1;1, R3;1;2, R3;1;3, etc.), adapted for roasting various sequential preset quantities (M1, M2, M3, etc.) .d.) coffee beans of bean type 3 for additional use 1, and

- series “beans 3 - application 2” (R3;2;1, R33;2;2, R3;2;3, etc.), adapted for roasting various sequential preset quantities (M1, M2, M3, etc.) .d.) coffee beans of bean type 3 for additional use 2.

System

In fig. 7a shows a system 10 of the frying apparatus 1 and the measuring device 4, which is preferably a scale. The roasting apparatus contains a vessel 11 configured to hold the grains during the roasting process. The measuring device 2 is configured to measure the amount of coffee beans and transmit the input data 22 of the measured amount via a communication interface to the control system 180 of the roasting machine.

In fig. 7b shows an alternative system 10 of the frying apparatus 1 and the measuring device 4, which is preferably a scale. The measuring device 2 is part of the frying apparatus and, together with the frying apparatus, is built into the same frame as the frying apparatus. The measuring device 2 is configured to measure the amount of coffee beans and transmit the measured amount input data 22 to the control system 180 of the roasting machine.

In fig. 7c shows an alternative system 10 of the frying apparatus 1 and the measuring device 4. The measuring device 4 is part of the frying apparatus. In one embodiment, the measuring device may be a scale, and in the frying position, the vessel 11 may be suspended from the scale. In this embodiment, the vessel is weighed before it is completely locked in the fryer to apply the frying process.

In another embodiment, the measuring device may be a level sensor and provide a measurement of the level of the beans in their own roasting position. The measuring device 2 is configured to transmit measured quantity input data 22 to the control system 180 of the frying apparatus.

In fig. 7d shows an alternative system 10 of the frying apparatus 1 and the measuring device 4. The measuring device 4 is a scale that is part of the frying apparatus. Precisely in the frying position, the vessel 11 rests on a scale. The scale 4 is configured to weigh coffee beans and transmit the measured weight as input data 22 to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus. The vessel is then sealed inside the fryer, after which frying can begin.

In fig. 8 shows a system 100 in which the frying apparatus 10 and the measuring device 4 are constructed separately. In this system, coffee beans 5 are loaded and measured in an intermediate container 6 before being loaded into the vessel 11 of the roasting apparatus 1.

This system is especially useful if the vessel is not removed from the fryer, for example in the case of drum fryers.

The measuring device 6 is connected to the roaster via a cable (USB, serial data) and ensures that the measured amount of beans 22 is transmitted to the control system of the roaster. In an alternative embodiment, the connection may be established via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology.

In fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 8, wherein the vessel 11 is removable from the fryer and can be mounted on the measuring device 4 in a fill and measure position before being moved back into the fryer in the frying position. The measuring device 4 preferably includes a receiving area configured to hold the fryer vessel 11 so that the vessel is securely fixed during the filling and measuring process. For example, the measuring device may have a contact surface that coincides with the bottom of the container. Preferably, the measuring device is configured to automatically weigh the grains without taking into account the own weight of the vessel.

The advantage for the operator of the roaster according to the present invention is greater flexibility in the number of beans to be roasted while guaranteeing consistent roasting quality.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the illustrated embodiments above, it should be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in any way to these illustrated embodiments.

Changes and modifications are possible without going beyond the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Moreover, if equivalents to specific features exist, such equivalents are included as if they were specifically mentioned herein.

As used herein, the words “comprises,” “comprising,” and similar words are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are supposed to mean “including without limitation.”

List of symbols on graphic materials:

fryer 1

frying block 10

vessel 11

levels 111a, 111b

handle 112

heating device 12

working element of air supply 121

heater 122

engine 13

perforated plate 14

building 15

base 151

skeleton 152

air supply hole 153

Legs 154

chaff compilation 16

cover 17

processing unit 18

control system 180

memory 19

user interface 20

power supply 21

measured quantity input data 22

sensor 23

temperature sensor 231

communication interface 24

database 25

measuring device 2

measured quantity input data 22

code reader 3

measuring device 4

coffee beans 5

intermediate container 6

system 100

Claims (72)

1. An apparatus for roasting coffee beans, containing: - vessel (1) for placing coffee beans, - heating device (12) for heating the coffee beans contained in the vessel, - a control system (180) configured to control the heating device and configured to apply a frying recipe (R) providing temperatures T _{in t1} , T _{in t2,} etc., applied at separate successive moments of time t ₁ , t ₂ etc. respectively, moreover, for any given number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, - the control system is configured to determine at least a predetermined number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, and - the control system is configured to have access to at least one series of frying recipes (R _i , R _i+1 , etc.) adapted for frying different sequential preset quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.). d.) grains of the same type, and to the specified predetermined quantities M _i , M _i+1 , etc., and - based on a specified available series of roasting recipes ( _Ri , Ri _+1, etc.), adapted for roasting different successive predetermined quantities ( _Mi , Mi ₊₁ , etc.) of the same type of beans, and based on said specific predetermined number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine a roasting recipe (R) applied to said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel. 2. The coffee bean roasting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to determine said roasting recipe (R) to be applied to said number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, based on one or two of at least one recipe available series of roasting recipes ( _Ri , Ri _+1, etc.), wherein each of said one or two recipes is adapted to roast one predetermined number of beans, respectively, and said preset number or quantities of beans have(s) a minimum (s) difference(s) from a certain amount m. 3. The coffee bean roasting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system is configured to determine said roasting recipe (R) to be applied to said number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel by selecting one of the recipes from at least one available series of recipes (R _i , R _i+1 , etc.) for frying, wherein said selection includes identifying a roasting recipe (R _i ) adapted to roast a predetermined number (M _i ) of beans, wherein said predetermined number of beans has a minimal difference from the predetermined number m. 4. The coffee bean roasting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system is configured to determine said roasting recipe (R) applied to said number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel as follows: - by identifying, in said at least one series of roasting recipes, two available roasting recipes R _i and R _i+1 , adapted for roasting two successive predetermined quantities M _i and M _i+1 of beans, respectively, the quantity m being in the range between those two consecutive preset quantities M _i and M _i+1 , - based on said two identified frying recipes R _i and R _i+1 , wherein said frying recipes R _i and R _i+1 provide temperatures T _{Mi at t1} , T _{Mi at t2} , etc. and T _{Mi+1 in t1} , T _{Mi+1 in t2} , etc. respectively, applied at separate successive times t ₁ , t ₂ , etc., with the temperature T _{m at t1} , T _{m at t2} , etc. applied to a certain number m of grains at each of these separate successive times t ₁ , t ₂ , etc., are determined as follows: T _{m in tz} = T _{Mi in tz} + [(T _{Mi+1 in tz} - T _{Mi in tz} ) ⋅ C ⋅ (m - M _i ) / (M _i+1 - M _i )], with C ≤ 1. 5. Apparatus for roasting coffee beans according to the previous paragraph, wherein C is equal to 1. 6. The coffee bean roasting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system is configured to determine said roasting recipe (R) applied to said number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel as follows: - by identifying in said at least one series of roasting recipes two available roasting recipes R _i and R _i+1 adapted for roasting two successive predetermined quantities M _i and M _i+1 of beans respectively, the quantity m being in the range between these two consecutive preset quantities M _i and M _i+1 , - based on the two identified roasting recipes R _i and R _i+1 , respectively, ensuring the use of temperatures T _{Mi in t1} , T _{Mi in t2} , etc. and T _{Mi+1 in t1} , T _{Mi+1 in t2} , etc. respectively, at separate successive times t ₁ , t _{2 ,} etc., with the temperature T _{m at t1} , T _{m at t2} , etc. applied to a certain number m of grains at each of these separate successive times t ₁ , t _2, etc., are determined as follows: if m is closer to M _i , then T _{m in tz} = T _{Mi in tz} + [(T _{Mi+1 in tz} - T _{Mi in tz} ) ⋅ C ⋅ (m - M _i ) / (M _i+1 - M _i )], if m is closer to M _i+1 , then T _{m in tz} = T _{Mi+1 in tz} - [(T _{Mi+1 in tz} - T _{Mi in tz} ) ⋅ C ⋅ (M _i+1 - m) / (M _i+1 - M _i )], with C ≤ 1. 7. Apparatus for roasting coffee beans according to the previous paragraph, wherein C is equal to 1. 8. The apparatus according to any of the preceding paragraphs, in which the control system (180) is configured to: - determination of the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel (1), and - based on a certain type Ny, obtaining access to at least one series of frying recipes (Ry _i , Ry _i+1, etc.) adapted for frying different sequential predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1, etc.). d.) the specified grains of type Ny, and to the specified predetermined quantities M _i , M _i+1 , etc. and optionally to a Cy coefficient specific to said coffee bean type Ny, and - determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified number m of coffee beans of type Ny loaded inside the vessel, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Ry _i , Ry _i+1 , etc.) adapted for roasting beans of type Ny , and said predetermined amounts (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.), and optionally based on said coefficient Cy. 9. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the control system (180) is configured to: - selecting an additional use ux of roasted beans from a list of predefined uses (uα, uβ, etc.), and - based on a certain specific additional application ux obtaining access to at least a series of recipes (Rx _i , Rx _i+1 , etc.) of frying, adapted for frying different sequential predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc. .d.) beans for the specified specific additional use ux, and optionally to the Cx coefficient specific for the specified application ux of the coffee beans, and - determining the roasting recipe (R) to be applied to said specified quantity m of coffee beans, based on a specified available series of roasting recipes (Rx _i , Rx _i+1 , etc.) adapted for the additional use ux of beans, and optionally based on the specified coefficient Cx. 10. The apparatus according to the previous paragraph, in which the control system (180) is configured to: - determination of the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel and additional application ux, And - based on a specific type Ny and the additional application ux of gaining access to at least one series of roasting recipes (Ryx _i , Ryx _i+1 , etc.) adapted for frying different sequential predetermined quantities (M _i , M _{i+ 1} , etc.) beans for a specific additional use ux of said roasted beans of type Ny, and - determining the roasting recipe (R) to be applied to said specified quantity m of coffee beans, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Rxy _i , Rxy _i+1 , etc.) adapted for the specified additional use ux of said beans Ny. 11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the quantities are quantities given by weight. 12. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a measuring device (4) configured to measure the number m of beans loaded into the container, wherein said number m of coffee beans is automatically measured by the measuring device at the stage of determining the number m of beans loaded into the container. 13. Apparatus according to the previous paragraph, in which the measuring device (4) is: - scales for measuring the weight of coffee beans, or - a device containing at least one cavity of a predetermined volume, or - a level sensor that measures the volume of coffee beans inside the vessel. 14. A system for roasting coffee beans, comprising: - apparatus (1) for frying according to any one of claims. 1–13, And - device (4) for measuring the number of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, and wherein the control system (180) of the roasting apparatus is configured to determine the number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel and measured by the measuring device. 15. Method of roasting coffee beans using the apparatus according to any one of paragraphs. 1–13 and using a frying recipe that provides temperatures T _{at t1} , T _{at t2} , etc., applied at separate successive times _t1 , t2 _, etc. respectively, including: - determination of the number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, - obtaining access to at least one series of recipes (R _i , R _i+1, etc.) for frying, said recipes being adapted for frying various sequential predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1, etc.). ) grains of the same type, and to the specified preset quantities M _i , M _i+1 , etc., and - based on a specified available series of roasting recipes ( _Ri , Ri _+1, etc.), adapted for roasting different successive predetermined quantities ( _Mi , Mi ₊₁ , etc.) of the same type of beans, and based on said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, determining a roasting recipe (R) applied to said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel. 16. The method of roasting coffee beans according to the previous paragraph, including: - determination of the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel (1), and - access to at least one series of roasting recipes (Ry _i , Ry _i+1, etc.) adapted for roasting different sequential preset quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) of beans of the type Ny, and - determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified number m of coffee beans of type Ny, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Ry _i , Ry _i+1 , etc.) adapted for beans of type Ny. 17. The method of roasting coffee beans according to claim 15 or 16, including: - selecting an additional use ux of the roasted beans loaded inside the vessel (1) from a list of predefined uses (uα, uβ, etc.), and - access to at least one series of frying recipes (Rx _i , Rx _i+1, etc.) adapted for frying various sequential preset quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) for a specified additional application ux, and - determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified specified quantity m of coffee beans, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Rx _i , Rx _i+1 , etc.), adapted for the additional application ux. 18. A computer-readable recording medium containing a computer program for a processing unit of a control system of the coffee bean roasting apparatus according to any one of claims. 1–13, containing program code and/or program logic, which, when executed by the processing unit, ensures the execution of the following stages: - determination of the number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, - obtaining access to at least one series of recipes (R _i , R _i+1, etc.) for frying, said recipes being adapted for frying various sequential predetermined quantities (M _i , M _i+1, etc.). ) grains of the same type, and to the specified preset quantities M _i , M _i+1 , etc., and - based on a specified available series of roasting recipes ( _Ri , Ri _+1, etc.), adapted for roasting different successive predetermined quantities ( _Mi , Mi ₊₁ , etc.) of the same type of beans, and based on said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel, determining a roasting recipe (R) applied to said specific number m of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel. 19. The computer-readable recording medium of the preceding claim, wherein the program code and/or program logic performs the following steps: - determination of the type Ny of coffee beans loaded inside the vessel (1), and - access to at least one series of roasting recipes (Ry _i , Ry _i+1, etc.) adapted for roasting different sequential preset quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) of beans of the type Ny, and - determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified number m of coffee beans of type Ny, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Ry _i , Ry _i+1 , etc.) adapted for beans of type Ny. 20. The computer-readable recording medium of claim 18 or 19, wherein the program code and/or program logic performs the following steps: - selecting an additional use ux of the roasted beans loaded into the vessel from a list of predefined uses (uα, uβ, etc.), and - access to at least one series of frying recipes (Rx _i , Rx _i+1, etc.) adapted for frying various sequential preset quantities (M _i , M _i+1 , etc.) for a specified additional application ux, and - determination of the roasting recipe (R) applied to the specified specified quantity m of coffee beans, based on the specified available series of roasting recipes (Rx _i , Rx _i+1 , etc.), adapted for the additional application ux.