US20070283816A1 - Tea brewer with movable spout - Google Patents
Tea brewer with movable spout Download PDFInfo
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- US20070283816A1 US20070283816A1 US11/807,157 US80715707A US2007283816A1 US 20070283816 A1 US20070283816 A1 US 20070283816A1 US 80715707 A US80715707 A US 80715707A US 2007283816 A1 US2007283816 A1 US 2007283816A1
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- Prior art keywords
- tea
- steep
- control circuit
- brew chamber
- brewing
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- 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
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/52—Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus ; Timers for coffee- or tea-making apparatus; Electronic control devices for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
-
- 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
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/52—Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus ; Timers for coffee- or tea-making apparatus; Electronic control devices for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
- A47J31/525—Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus ; Timers for coffee- or tea-making apparatus; Electronic control devices for coffee- or tea-making apparatus the electronic control being based on monitoring of specific process parameters
- A47J31/5253—Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus ; Timers for coffee- or tea-making apparatus; Electronic control devices for coffee- or tea-making apparatus the electronic control being based on monitoring of specific process parameters of temperature
-
- 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
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/54—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines
- A47J31/56—Water boiling vessels in beverage making machines having water-level controls; having temperature controls
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for brewing liquids.
- the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for brewing tea.
- the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for brewing tea where such apparatus has a moveable spout.
- Tea consumption in the United States is increasing as the public discovers the health benefits of tea drinking.
- the public is also discovering a diverse assortment of teas, each with a unique flavor and aroma.
- the diversity of teas gives rise to diverse requirements for steeping time and temperature to extract the teas' unique flavors and aromas.
- tea packaged and brewed in portion-sized bags or tea bags which can be constructed of paper, silk, nylon, and/or other materials, extracts at a different rate than tea steeped as loose leaves.
- Current methods require that a tea preparer be aware that differences in steeping requirements exist, remember the optimal times and temperatures for each tea type, and use thermometers and/or heating devices to achieve and maintain the proper times and temperatures to produce the best tasting cup of tea.
- the important parameters of time and temperature may be left to chance and leave the tea drinker with a taste experience that fails to meet his/her expectations.
- Known methods and devices to help the tea drinker solve the problem of steeping a particular tea at the appropriate temperature for the appropriate amount of time include published tables in books and articles, instructions printed on the tea package by a tea provisioner, trial and error, and tribal knowledge.
- An apparatus and method for brewing tea in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes a brew chamber that holds water.
- An infuser disposed in the chamber holds tea leaves and allows the water to contact the tea leaves.
- a heater heats the water in the brew chamber.
- a control sets a tea characteristic of the tea leaves.
- a control circuit coupled to the control and the heater, controls power to the heater to heat the water to a steep temperature and then controls power to the heater to maintain the steep temperature for a steep time. The control circuit determines the steep temperature and the steep time based on the set tea characteristic. The tea leaves steep in the heated water to produce a brewed tea.
- the tea characteristic includes one or both of a tea leaf format and a tea type.
- the tea leaf format can be loose tea leaves or bagged tea leaves.
- the tea type can include one of a plurality of tea types, such as black, oolong, green, white and herbal teas.
- control includes a tea format control and a tea type control and the control circuit determines the steep temperature based on the tea type set by the tea type control and the steep time based on the tea format set by the tea format control.
- control further includes a tea strength control and the control circuit further determines the steep time based on the tea strength set by the tea strength control.
- control circuit includes a memory in which data for steep times and steep temperatures for different tea types and formats are stored.
- data further includes steep times for different tea strengths.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tea-brewing appliance and accessories in accordance with an aspect of the invention
- FIG. 2 shows a side view of the tea making appliance and accessories of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 shows a top view of the tea-brewing appliance and accessories of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the tea-making appliance and accessories of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 shows an electrical diagram of the tea-making appliance of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6A shows a method for steeping teas in accordance with an aspect of the invention
- FIG. 6B shows look-up tables for the method of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 7 shows a cross-section view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 through 3 along line A-A with the spout in its stored non-dispensing configuration
- FIG. 8 shows a cross-section view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 through 3 along line A-A with the spout in its dispensing configuration and interacting with an opening in the carafe.
- a tea-making appliance 10 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is shown with accessories such as cups 12 , a tea pot or carafe 14 , and a tray 16 .
- Tray 16 includes an hourglass-shaped recess including a first region 24 and a second region 26 .
- First region 24 receives a base of carafe 14 .
- Second region 26 receives a base of appliance 10 or cups 12 .
- Appliance 10 includes a concave portion for receiving a side portion of carafe 14 .
- the concave portion of appliance 10 receives and positions one of the openings 22 - 1 and 22 - 2 in carafe 14 under a dispensing spout 27 ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) of appliance 10 .
- Openings 22 can be formed in a lid 29 of carafe 14 .
- the spout 27 is located in an overhanging portion 27 of appliance 10 and a valve 25 controls the flow of brewed tea through the spout 27 .
- Appliance 10 cooperatively and securely interfaces with an associated one of openings 22 by partial insertion of a portion of the spout 27 into the carafe 14 so as to maintain the carafe 14 in its interrelated position throughout the entirety of the tea dispensing process.
- Appliance 10 includes an indicator 28 , such as a buzzer, lamp, and/light-emitting diode (LED) that signals when the tea is brewing and/or ready. After appliance 10 dispenses the brewed tea into carafe 14 , appliance 10 may be removed from tray 16 and replaced with one or more cups 12 .
- indicator 28 such as a buzzer, lamp, and/light-emitting diode (LED) that signals when the tea is brewing and/or ready.
- first and second regions 24 and 26 of tray 16 serve to provide a user guidance in the positioning of the accessories with the carafe 14 remaining in the first region 24 and the cups 12 positioned in the second region 26 of the hourglass-shaped recess (best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 ).
- Appliance 10 includes a tea strength control switch 18 - 1 for selecting brewed tea strength, a tea format control switch 18 - 2 for selecting a tea leaf format, and a tea type control switch 18 - 3 for selecting a tea type.
- the tea leaf format and tea type are characteristics of the tea to be brewed, whereas the tea strength is a user preference.
- tea leaf formats include loose tea leaves and bagged tea leaves.
- tea types include black, oolong, green, white, and herbal teas.
- Appliance 10 also includes an on/off or power control switch 18 - 4 (shown in FIG. 2 ).
- Tea strength control switch 18 - 1 , tea format control switch 18 - 2 , tea type control switch 18 - 3 , and power control switch 18 - 4 are collectively referred to as controls 18 .
- Tea strength control switch 18 - 1 and tea type control switch 18 - 3 may illustratively be multi-position selector type switches and tea format control switch 18 - 2 and power control switch 18 - 4 may illustratively be on/off type switches. Each may be referred to herein as a switch. It should be understood that controls 18 could be devices other than switches.
- tea strength control switch 18 - 1 and tea type control switch 18 - 3 could be potentiometers.
- appliance 10 also includes a brew chamber 20 that rests upon a base 40 .
- Base 40 houses a control circuit 100 ( FIG. 5 ) that controls various aspects of appliance 10 .
- Appliance 10 dispenses the brewed tea into carafe 14 through one of openings 22 - 1 and 22 - 2 depending on an orientation of carafe 14 .
- FIG. 4 an exploded view is shown of appliance 10 and the accessories.
- carafe 14 and base 40 are positioned-.on tray 16 .
- Brew chamber 20 is then filled with a predetermined amount of water based on the amount of tea to be brewed.
- Brew chamber 20 is then placed on base 40 .
- Base 40 can include a shroud 41 that helps prevent a user from touching brew chamber 20 while appliance 10 is operating.
- brew chamber 20 and/or shroud 41 can be made of a translucent material.
- a tea infuser assembly 42 includes a perforated lid 44 that fits onto a tea basket 46 .
- the bottom of basket 46 includes a valve 48 that opens above a predetermined temperature.
- valve 48 includes a bimetal valve. Valve 48 prevents the water in the brew chamber 20 from entering infuser assembly 42 until the water is heated to a predetermined temperature to brew the tea. In some embodiments, the predetermined temperature is about 65° C.
- tea leaves (not shown) are placed in the basket 46 and lid 44 is then placed upon the basket 46 .
- Infuser assembly 42 is then lowered into brew chamber 20 .
- a lid 50 is positioned on top of brew chamber 20 and tea strength control switch 18 - 1 , tea format control switch 18 - 2 , and tea type control switch 18 - 3 are set accordingly.
- Power control switch 18 - 4 is then switched to an on position to start appliance 10 brewing tea as described in more detail below.
- Circuit 100 includes components attached to one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) 120 .
- PCBs 120 facilitate mounting circuit 100 within base 40 .
- Circuit 100 receives power through a secondary winding of a transformer 108 .
- a primary winding of transformer 108 connects to a wall plug 106 .
- a motor 114 drives both the dispense valve 25 and the dispensing spout 27 that are located in base 40 .
- motor 114 is associated with a position feedback circuit that indicates a rotational position of motor 114 , dispense valve 25 , and/or dispensing spout 27 .
- a heating element 102 heats the water in brew chamber 20 .
- a temperature sensor 116 generates an electrical temperature signal based on the water temperature in brew chamber 20 .
- the temperature sensor 116 includes a resistive thermal device (RTD).
- RTD resistive thermal device
- a central processing unit (CPU) 110 communicates with an associated memory 112 .
- Memory 112 includes program instructions that are executed by CPU 110 to control appliance 10 , such as in accordance with a control method 200 that is described below.
- Control method 200 begins at block 202 and immediately proceeds to block 204 .
- a timer illustratively implemented in CPU 110 , is reset and it is assured that motor 114 has closed dispense valve 25 .
- the movement of the dispensing spout 27 between the stored and dispensing positions are coordinated with the closed and open positions of the dispense valve 25 , respectively.
- Signals from tea strength control switch 18 - 1 , tea format control switch 18 - 2 , and tea type control switch 18 - 3 are read at blocks 206 , 208 , and 210 .
- on/off power control switch 18 - 4 is checked. If on/off power control switch 18 - 4 is off then control returns to block 206 and repeats blocks 206 - 210 . If on/off power control switch 18 - 4 is on then control branches to block 214 where heater 102 is turned on and indicator 28 is activated. Control then proceeds to block 216 to execute water heating mode.
- CPU 110 In the water heating mode, CPU 110 repeatedly compares the temperature signal to a set-point temperature, referred to herein as steep temperature.
- the steep temperature is determined by CPU 110 based on the tea type set by tea type control switch 18 - 3 .
- CPU 110 could further determine the steep temperature based on the tea format set by tea format control switch 18 - 2 .
- CPU 110 obtains the steep temperature from steep temperature data in tables 218 - 1 and 218 - 2 , which are shown in FIG. 6B . Tables 218 - 1 and 218 - 2 are stored in memory 112 and read by CPU 110 .
- Tea type control switch 18 - 3 and/or tea format control switch 18 - 2 is also monitored to determine if they changed from their settings read in block 206 . If the tea format control switch 18 - 2 and/or tea type control switch 18 - 3 settings change, the set-point temperature is updated based on the new settings.
- valve 48 opens, allowing the heated water to enter infuser assembly 42 ( FIG. 1 ) and begin to soak the tea leaves.
- the infuser assembly 42 slowly sinks towards the bottom of the brew chamber 20 as the infuser assembly 42 fills with the water in the brew chamber 20 soaking/steeping the tea leaves.
- the soaking/steeping mode begins in block 224 when the water temperature in brew chamber 20 reaches the predetermined temperature which triggers the opening of valve 48 .
- CPU 110 cycles heater 102 on and off to maintain the water at steep temperature.
- the soaking/steeping mode continues for a steep time that is determined by CPU 110 based on one or more of tea type, tea format, and tea strength.
- CPU determines the steep time based on the settings of tea type control switch 18 - 3 , tea format control switch 18 - 2 , and tea strength control switch 18 - 1 .
- the appropriate steep time is obtained from steep time data from tables 218 - 1 and 218 - 2 . In the embodiment shown in FIG.
- tea strength control switch 18 - 1 can be set to provide three tea strengths for each tea type and tables 218 - 1 and 218 - 2 include data of each of the tea strengths. It should be understood, however, that more or less than three tea strengths for each tea type can be provided.
- tea strength data such as steep time, is provided in tables 218 - 1 and 218 - 2 for the tea strengths that can be set with tea strength control switch 18 - 1 .
- the settings of tea strength control switch 18 - 1 , tea format control switch 18 - 2 and tea type control switch 18 - 3 are also monitored to determine if any of them have changed from their settings in blocks 206 - 210 . If any of their settings change, then the steep time is updated accordingly. In an aspect, steep time begins when the temperature of the water in brew chamber 20 reaches the steep temperature.
- appliance 10 is physically configured as shown in FIG. 7 in which the dispensing spout 27 is in its stored configuration and the dispensing valve 25 is closed.
- the brewed tea is ready when the steep time expires.
- Heater 102 is turned off in accordance with block 230 .
- motor 114 rotates a cam 131 .
- the cam's shape causes it to mechanically engage a stroke shaft 133 forcing it to extend upward such that it interacts with the underside of the distal end of a valve pointer arm 135 .
- the dispensing spout 27 and the valve pointer arm 135 have at their distal ends a co-linear axis of rotation 137 .
- the stroke shaft 133 upon impinging on the underside of the valve pointer arm 135 forces the axis of rotation 137 to translate upward such that the valve pointer arm 135 engages the dispensing valve 25 .
- the upward translation of the axis of rotation 137 is sufficient to allow the proximal end of the dispensing spout 27 to lower into an engaged position with a properly placed receiving vessel or carafe 14 .
- Brewed tea is drains from the brewing chamber 20 through dispensing valve 25 into a receiving tray 139 located at the proximal end of the dispensing spout 27 .
- Opening 141 located at the bottom of the extreme proximal end of dispensing spout 27 inside the receiving tray 139 allows the draining tea to be dispensed into an associated receiving vessel 14 .
- dispense time a predetermined period of time sufficient to allow appliance 10 to dispense the brewed tea into carafe 14
- motor 114 rotates cam 131 such that stroke shaft 133 reverses thus allowing rotational axis 137 to return to its beginning position.
- Such process disengages valve pointer arm 135 from dispense valve 25 allowing it to close and causes axis of rotation 137 to translate back to its original position effectively retracting dispensing spout 27 from its dispense configuration the stored configuration depicted in FIG. 7 .
- the timer is reset at block 240 .
- Indicator 28 is then turned off at block 242 .
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Abstract
An apparatus for brewing tea in accordance with an aspect of the invention includes a brew chamber that holds water. An infuser disposed in the chamber holds tea leaves and allows the water to contact the tea leaves. A heater heats the water in the brew chamber. A control sets a tea characteristic of the tea leaves. The tea characteristic can include one or both the tea format (loose or bagged) and tea type. The control can also set tea strength. A control circuit communicated with the heater. The control circuit controls power to the heater to heat the water to a steep temperature and then controls power to the heater to maintain the steep temperature for a steep time. The control circuit determines the steep temperature and the steep time based on the set tea characteristic or characteristics. It can further determine steep time based on the set tea strength. The tea leaves steep in the heated water until expiration of the steep time to produce a brewed tea.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 11/450,730, filed Jun. 6, 2006, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for brewing liquids. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for brewing tea. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for brewing tea where such apparatus has a moveable spout.
- The statements of this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
- Tea consumption in the United States is increasing as the public discovers the health benefits of tea drinking. The public is also discovering a diverse assortment of teas, each with a unique flavor and aroma. The diversity of teas gives rise to diverse requirements for steeping time and temperature to extract the teas' unique flavors and aromas.
- Steeping times and temperatures to extract optimal flavor from each of the five principle tea types, of which each includes many varieties, are different. Additionally, tea packaged and brewed in portion-sized bags or tea bags, which can be constructed of paper, silk, nylon, and/or other materials, extracts at a different rate than tea steeped as loose leaves. Current methods require that a tea preparer be aware that differences in steeping requirements exist, remember the optimal times and temperatures for each tea type, and use thermometers and/or heating devices to achieve and maintain the proper times and temperatures to produce the best tasting cup of tea. The important parameters of time and temperature may be left to chance and leave the tea drinker with a taste experience that fails to meet his/her expectations. Known methods and devices to help the tea drinker solve the problem of steeping a particular tea at the appropriate temperature for the appropriate amount of time include published tables in books and articles, instructions printed on the tea package by a tea provisioner, trial and error, and tribal knowledge.
- An apparatus and method for brewing tea in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes a brew chamber that holds water. An infuser disposed in the chamber holds tea leaves and allows the water to contact the tea leaves. A heater heats the water in the brew chamber. A control sets a tea characteristic of the tea leaves. A control circuit, coupled to the control and the heater, controls power to the heater to heat the water to a steep temperature and then controls power to the heater to maintain the steep temperature for a steep time. The control circuit determines the steep temperature and the steep time based on the set tea characteristic. The tea leaves steep in the heated water to produce a brewed tea.
- In an aspect, the tea characteristic includes one or both of a tea leaf format and a tea type. In an aspect, the tea leaf format can be loose tea leaves or bagged tea leaves. In an aspect, the tea type can include one of a plurality of tea types, such as black, oolong, green, white and herbal teas.
- In an aspect, the control includes a tea format control and a tea type control and the control circuit determines the steep temperature based on the tea type set by the tea type control and the steep time based on the tea format set by the tea format control. In an aspect, the control further includes a tea strength control and the control circuit further determines the steep time based on the tea strength set by the tea strength control.
- In an aspect, the control circuit includes a memory in which data for steep times and steep temperatures for different tea types and formats are stored. In an aspect, the data further includes steep times for different tea strengths.
- The organization and manner of the structure and function of the present invention, together with further aspects and advantages thereof, may be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, corresponding part and/or features and in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tea-brewing appliance and accessories in accordance with an aspect of the invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a side view of the tea making appliance and accessories ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 shows a top view of the tea-brewing appliance and accessories ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the tea-making appliance and accessories ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 shows an electrical diagram of the tea-making appliance ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6A shows a method for steeping teas in accordance with an aspect of the invention; -
FIG. 6B shows look-up tables for the method ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 7 shows a cross-section view of the apparatus ofFIGS. 1 through 3 along line A-A with the spout in its stored non-dispensing configuration; and -
FIG. 8 shows a cross-section view of the apparatus ofFIGS. 1 through 3 along line A-A with the spout in its dispensing configuration and interacting with an opening in the carafe. - While the present invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, embodiments with the understanding that the present description is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein. Instead, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications and equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a tea-makingappliance 10 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is shown with accessories such ascups 12, a tea pot orcarafe 14, and atray 16. Tray 16 includes an hourglass-shaped recess including afirst region 24 and asecond region 26.First region 24 receives a base ofcarafe 14.Second region 26 receives a base ofappliance 10 orcups 12.Appliance 10 includes a concave portion for receiving a side portion ofcarafe 14. Whencarafe 14 andappliance 10 are positioned infirst region 24 andsecond region 26, respectively oftray 16, the concave portion ofappliance 10 receives and positions one of the openings 22-1 and 22-2 incarafe 14 under a dispensing spout 27 (FIGS. 7 and 8 ) ofappliance 10. Openings 22 can be formed in alid 29 ofcarafe 14. Thespout 27 is located in an overhangingportion 27 ofappliance 10 and avalve 25 controls the flow of brewed tea through thespout 27. Further, spout 27 cooperatively and securely interfaces with an associated one of openings 22 by partial insertion of a portion of thespout 27 into thecarafe 14 so as to maintain thecarafe 14 in its interrelated position throughout the entirety of the tea dispensing process.Appliance 10 includes anindicator 28, such as a buzzer, lamp, and/light-emitting diode (LED) that signals when the tea is brewing and/or ready. Afterappliance 10 dispenses the brewed tea intocarafe 14,appliance 10 may be removed fromtray 16 and replaced with one ormore cups 12. Here again the first andsecond regions tray 16 serve to provide a user guidance in the positioning of the accessories with thecarafe 14 remaining in thefirst region 24 and thecups 12 positioned in thesecond region 26 of the hourglass-shaped recess (best seen inFIGS. 1 and 3 ). -
Appliance 10 includes a tea strength control switch 18-1 for selecting brewed tea strength, a tea format control switch 18-2 for selecting a tea leaf format, and a tea type control switch 18-3 for selecting a tea type. In this regard, as used herein, the tea leaf format and tea type are characteristics of the tea to be brewed, whereas the tea strength is a user preference. Examples of tea leaf formats include loose tea leaves and bagged tea leaves. Examples of tea types include black, oolong, green, white, and herbal teas.Appliance 10 also includes an on/off or power control switch 18-4 (shown inFIG. 2 ). Tea strength control switch 18-1, tea format control switch 18-2, tea type control switch 18-3, and power control switch 18-4 are collectively referred to as controls 18. Tea strength control switch 18-1 and tea type control switch 18-3 may illustratively be multi-position selector type switches and tea format control switch 18-2 and power control switch 18-4 may illustratively be on/off type switches. Each may be referred to herein as a switch. It should be understood that controls 18 could be devices other than switches. For example, tea strength control switch 18-1 and tea type control switch 18-3 could be potentiometers. - As best seen in
FIG. 2 ,appliance 10 also includes abrew chamber 20 that rests upon abase 40.Base 40 houses a control circuit 100 (FIG. 5 ) that controls various aspects ofappliance 10.Appliance 10 dispenses the brewed tea intocarafe 14 through one of openings 22-1 and 22-2 depending on an orientation ofcarafe 14. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , an exploded view is shown ofappliance 10 and the accessories. Prior to operation,carafe 14 andbase 40 are positioned-.ontray 16.Brew chamber 20 is then filled with a predetermined amount of water based on the amount of tea to be brewed.Brew chamber 20 is then placed onbase 40.Base 40 can include ashroud 41 that helps prevent a user from touchingbrew chamber 20 whileappliance 10 is operating. In some embodiments brewchamber 20 and/orshroud 41 can be made of a translucent material. - A
tea infuser assembly 42 includes aperforated lid 44 that fits onto atea basket 46. The bottom ofbasket 46 includes avalve 48 that opens above a predetermined temperature. In someembodiments valve 48 includes a bimetal valve.Valve 48 prevents the water in thebrew chamber 20 from enteringinfuser assembly 42 until the water is heated to a predetermined temperature to brew the tea. In some embodiments, the predetermined temperature is about 65° C. - To brew tea, tea leaves (not shown) are placed in the
basket 46 andlid 44 is then placed upon thebasket 46.Infuser assembly 42 is then lowered intobrew chamber 20. Alid 50 is positioned on top ofbrew chamber 20 and tea strength control switch 18-1, tea format control switch 18-2, and tea type control switch 18-3 are set accordingly. Power control switch 18-4 is then switched to an on position to startappliance 10 brewing tea as described in more detail below. - Referring to
FIG. 5 ,electrical circuit 100 ofappliance 10 is shown.Circuit 100 includes components attached to one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) 120.PCBs 120 facilitate mountingcircuit 100 withinbase 40.Circuit 100 receives power through a secondary winding of atransformer 108. A primary winding oftransformer 108 connects to awall plug 106. Amotor 114 drives both the dispensevalve 25 and the dispensingspout 27 that are located inbase 40. In some embodiments motor 114 is associated with a position feedback circuit that indicates a rotational position ofmotor 114, dispensevalve 25, and/or dispensingspout 27. Aheating element 102 heats the water inbrew chamber 20. Atemperature sensor 116 generates an electrical temperature signal based on the water temperature inbrew chamber 20. In some embodiments thetemperature sensor 116 includes a resistive thermal device (RTD). - A central processing unit (CPU) 110 communicates with an associated
memory 112.Memory 112 includes program instructions that are executed byCPU 110 to controlappliance 10, such as in accordance with acontrol method 200 that is described below. - Referring now to
FIG. 6A ,control method 200 thatCPU 110 executes in controllingappliance 10 is described.Control method 200 begins atblock 202 and immediately proceeds to block 204. In block 204 a timer, illustratively implemented inCPU 110, is reset and it is assured thatmotor 114 has closed dispensevalve 25. In some embodiments of the present invention, the movement of the dispensingspout 27 between the stored and dispensing positions are coordinated with the closed and open positions of the dispensevalve 25, respectively. Signals from tea strength control switch 18-1, tea format control switch 18-2, and tea type control switch 18-3 are read atblocks decision block 212, on/off power control switch 18-4 is checked. If on/off power control switch 18-4 is off then control returns to block 206 and repeats blocks 206-210. If on/off power control switch 18-4 is on then control branches to block 214 whereheater 102 is turned on andindicator 28 is activated. Control then proceeds to block 216 to execute water heating mode. - In the water heating mode,
CPU 110 repeatedly compares the temperature signal to a set-point temperature, referred to herein as steep temperature. In an aspect, the steep temperature is determined byCPU 110 based on the tea type set by tea type control switch 18-3. In another aspect,CPU 110 could further determine the steep temperature based on the tea format set by tea format control switch 18-2. In an aspect,CPU 110 obtains the steep temperature from steep temperature data in tables 218-1 and 218-2, which are shown inFIG. 6B . Tables 218-1 and 218-2 are stored inmemory 112 and read byCPU 110. Tea type control switch 18-3 and/or tea format control switch 18-2 is also monitored to determine if they changed from their settings read inblock 206. If the tea format control switch 18-2 and/or tea type control switch 18-3 settings change, the set-point temperature is updated based on the new settings. - The water temperature reaches the opening temperature of
valve 48 at some time during water heating mode. Upon reaching some predetermined temperature less than steep temperature,valve 48 opens, allowing the heated water to enter infuser assembly 42 (FIG. 1 ) and begin to soak the tea leaves. Theinfuser assembly 42 slowly sinks towards the bottom of thebrew chamber 20 as theinfuser assembly 42 fills with the water in thebrew chamber 20 soaking/steeping the tea leaves. - The soaking/steeping mode begins in
block 224 when the water temperature inbrew chamber 20 reaches the predetermined temperature which triggers the opening ofvalve 48. During the soaking/steppingmode CPU 110cycles heater 102 on and off to maintain the water at steep temperature. The soaking/steeping mode continues for a steep time that is determined byCPU 110 based on one or more of tea type, tea format, and tea strength. In an aspect, CPU determines the steep time based on the settings of tea type control switch 18-3, tea format control switch 18-2, and tea strength control switch 18-1. The appropriate steep time is obtained from steep time data from tables 218-1 and 218-2. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6B , tea strength control switch 18-1 can be set to provide three tea strengths for each tea type and tables 218-1 and 218-2 include data of each of the tea strengths. It should be understood, however, that more or less than three tea strengths for each tea type can be provided. In which case, tea strength data, such as steep time, is provided in tables 218-1 and 218-2 for the tea strengths that can be set with tea strength control switch 18-1. The settings of tea strength control switch 18-1, tea format control switch 18-2 and tea type control switch 18-3 are also monitored to determine if any of them have changed from their settings in blocks 206-210. If any of their settings change, then the steep time is updated accordingly. In an aspect, steep time begins when the temperature of the water inbrew chamber 20 reaches the steep temperature. - At this time,
appliance 10 is physically configured as shown inFIG. 7 in which the dispensingspout 27 is in its stored configuration and the dispensingvalve 25 is closed. The brewed tea is ready when the steep time expires.Heater 102 is turned off in accordance withblock 230. Inblock 234,motor 114 rotates acam 131. As it rotates, the cam's shape causes it to mechanically engage astroke shaft 133 forcing it to extend upward such that it interacts with the underside of the distal end of avalve pointer arm 135. - As best seen in
FIGS. 7 and 8 , the dispensingspout 27 and thevalve pointer arm 135 have at their distal ends a co-linear axis ofrotation 137. Thestroke shaft 133 upon impinging on the underside of thevalve pointer arm 135 forces the axis ofrotation 137 to translate upward such that thevalve pointer arm 135 engages the dispensingvalve 25. Further, the upward translation of the axis ofrotation 137 is sufficient to allow the proximal end of the dispensingspout 27 to lower into an engaged position with a properly placed receiving vessel orcarafe 14. Brewed tea is drains from thebrewing chamber 20 through dispensingvalve 25 into a receivingtray 139 located at the proximal end of the dispensingspout 27. Opening 141 located at the bottom of the extreme proximal end of dispensingspout 27 inside the receivingtray 139 allows the draining tea to be dispensed into an associated receivingvessel 14. - After a predetermined period of time (a dispense time) sufficient to allow
appliance 10 to dispense the brewed tea intocarafe 14,motor 114 rotatescam 131 such thatstroke shaft 133 reverses thus allowingrotational axis 137 to return to its beginning position. Such process disengagesvalve pointer arm 135 from dispensevalve 25 allowing it to close and causes axis ofrotation 137 to translate back to its original position effectively retracting dispensingspout 27 from its dispense configuration the stored configuration depicted inFIG. 7 . The timer is reset atblock 240.Indicator 28 is then turned off atblock 242. - Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for brewing tea, comprising:
a brew chamber that holds water;
an infuser disposed-in the brew chamber that holds tea leaves to be brewed in the water, wherein the infuser includes a temperature sensitive valve that prevents flow of the water into the infuser until said water reaches a predetermined temperature;
a control that sets a tea characteristic of the tea leaves; and
a control circuit in communication with the control and wherein the control circuit is suited to determine a steep temperature and a steep time based on the set tea characteristic.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensitive valve is a bimetal valve and the predetermined temperature is lower than a steep temperature.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the settable tea characteristic includes at least one of a tea type, tea format, or tea strength.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the settable tea characteristic is a tea type and includes at least two of a black, oolong, green, white, or herbal tea.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the settable tea characteristic is a tea format and includes bagged or loose tea.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein control circuit includes a memory in which data is stored for steep times and steep temperatures for each settable tea characteristic, the control circuit determining the steep time and steep temperature from the data stored in the memory based on the set tea characteristic.
7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein control circuit includes a memory in which data is stored for steep times and steep temperatures for each settable tea characteristic, the control circuit determining the steep time and steep temperature from the data stored in the memory based on the set tea characteristic.
8. A tea brewing and serving system, comprising:
a brewing apparatus;
a carafe suited for receiving brewed tea;
at least one serving cup; and
a tray.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the tray has an hourglass-shaped recess for positioning of the brewing apparatus and carafe in an interactive relationship.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the hourglass-shaped recess includes a first region for receipt of the brewing apparatus and a second region for receipt of the carafe, wherein the brewing apparatus and carafe are shaped so as to fit together such that the brewing apparatus upon completion of a brewing cycle can dispense the brewed tea into the carafe.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein after dispensing the brewed tea, the tray can function as a serving tray by removal of the brewing apparatus from said first region of the hourglass-shaped recess and the insertion of said at least one serving cup therein.
12. An apparatus for brewing tea, comprising:
a brew chamber that holds water;
an infuser disposed within the brew chamber that holds tea leaves;
a base for supporting said brew chamber, wherein said base includes a dispensing spout, a valve in fluid communication with the brew chamber, and a control circuit, said control circuit in communication with both the valve and the dispensing spout; and
wherein the control circuit signals the dispensing spout to cooperatively interface with a receiving vessel for dispensing the brewed tea and signals the valve to open such that the tea is dispensed.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said dispensing spout is rotated between stored and dispensing positions by a motor in the base controlled by said control circuit.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the cooperative interface between the dispensing spout and the receiving vessel includes the partial insertion of an end portion of the dispensing spout into a corresponding opening in the receiving vessel to prevent relative movement between the base and the receiving vessel during dispensation of the brewed tea.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the infuser further comprises a temperature dependent valve that allows the water in the brew chamber into the infuser upon reaching a predetermined temperature.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the temperature dependent valve is a bimetal valve and the predetermined temperature is less than a steep temperature.
17. An apparatus for brewing tea, comprising:
a brew chamber having a dispensing valve, said brew chamber operative to receive water;
an infuser disposed within said brew chamber for holding tea leaves; and
a base for supporting said brew chamber, wherein said base includes at least two user operable control switches and a control circuit, wherein said control circuit operates to open the dispensing valve after a predetermined time.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising a carafe for receiving the brewed tea.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein said base aides in aligning the brew chamber and the carafe to ensure dispensation of the brewed tea into the carafe.
20. A tea brewing apparatus, comprising a dispensing spout for automatic selective physical engagement with a vessel suited for receipt of brewed tea.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/807,157 US20070283816A1 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2007-05-25 | Tea brewer with movable spout |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/450,730 US7594469B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2006-06-09 | Method to steep teas for the optimal times and at the optimal steeping temperatures |
US11/807,157 US20070283816A1 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2007-05-25 | Tea brewer with movable spout |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/450,730 Continuation-In-Part US7594469B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2006-06-09 | Method to steep teas for the optimal times and at the optimal steeping temperatures |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070283816A1 true US20070283816A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
Family
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Family Applications (2)
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US11/450,730 Expired - Fee Related US7594469B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2006-06-09 | Method to steep teas for the optimal times and at the optimal steeping temperatures |
US11/807,157 Abandoned US20070283816A1 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2007-05-25 | Tea brewer with movable spout |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/450,730 Expired - Fee Related US7594469B2 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2006-06-09 | Method to steep teas for the optimal times and at the optimal steeping temperatures |
Country Status (2)
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US (2) | US7594469B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007142735A1 (en) |
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US20160213194A1 (en) * | 2009-11-07 | 2016-07-28 | Joseph P Webster | Multiple compartment decanter for brewer having a rinsing system and versatile pivot |
US9427106B2 (en) * | 2009-04-01 | 2016-08-30 | Rancilio Group S.p.A. | Machine for infusion preparation, in particular espresso coffee, supplying group and manufacturing method thereof |
DE102020125295A1 (en) | 2020-09-28 | 2022-03-31 | Habibullah Habibi | Tea infuser for portioned brewing of tea and ready-to-use tea infuser unit |
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US20080216664A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-11 | Taylor Precision Products, Inc. | Electronic tea thermometer and timer device |
US8387517B2 (en) * | 2010-04-07 | 2013-03-05 | National Presto Industries, Inc. | Tea kettle with detachable infuser and integrated thermometer |
EP2446790A1 (en) * | 2010-10-27 | 2012-05-02 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Semi-automatic tea maker |
EP2446788A1 (en) * | 2010-10-27 | 2012-05-02 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Tea maker with symbol-selectable tea brewing program |
JP2018521737A (en) | 2015-06-17 | 2018-08-09 | ティアンゴ テクノロジーズ,インク. | Portable device for preparing and transporting extractable beverages |
CN110545700B (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2021-12-21 | 特安戈科技公司 | Portable beverage brewing and beverage analyte tracking devices and systems |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007142735A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
US20070283815A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
US7594469B2 (en) | 2009-09-29 |
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