Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
Attorney Docket No.
~ 1 U O U ~ 1 969/32797A Case 219A
Ba~kground
The present invention relates to brewing app&. ~ s for producing a brewed
beverage from a beverage brewing substance. More particularly, the present invention
incl~ldes a beverage brewing app~ s having a brewing device and a substance
dispensing device.
In recent years it has become increasingly popular for restaurants, franchise
operations and other food service institutions to serve fresh brewed coffee from "fresh-
ground" coffee beans. This popularity has created an increasing dçm~nd for coffee bean
grinders to provide such fresh ground coffee. A variety of coffee grinders are available
from a variety of m~nuf~cturers which store a large quantity of beans for dispensing to a
grinding mech~nism In many settin~, one grinder will be used to grind both regular
coffee and deca~einaled coffee. These dual purpose grinders include two hoppers and a
meGh~nicm for selectively dispensing beans from one ofthe hoppers.
Many grinders provide structures for ret~ining a brewing funnel or receptacle
near the outlet of the grinder so as to catch the grounds as they are dispensed from the
grinder. User selectable controls are provided to allow a user to select a predetermined
2 o quantity of coffee. Also, grinders have been developed which interactively weigh the
ground coffee dispensed from the grinders so as to accurately produce a requiredquantity of coffee.
A problem with using prior art devices is that an operator is required to carry out
2 5 several steps in order to brew coffee. For example, the operator must prepare a brewing
funnel with a filter paper, position the brewing funnel on the grinder to catch the ground
coffee dispensed by the grinder, select a quantity of coffee to be ground, activate the
grinder, remove the brewing funnel and ground coffee from grinder and place the
9106_1.WPD Page 2
TReXLER, BUSHNELL, GlANalOR~ BLACKSl'ONe. L~D.
2 1 1; 8 5 2 7 Attorney Docket No.
969/32797A Case219A
brewing funnel in the b- ewing device, and set up the brewing device for the desired
volume of brewed coffee and initiate the bltwing cycle. The numerous steps in setting
up and i~ p the brew cycle as well as the plaçemçnt removal and replnc.onn~nt ofthe
brewing funnel create many OppGI lul ilies for probl~ nc to arise and errors to occur.
For example, if the funnel is not carefully moved from the grinder to the brewerthe grounds could be spilled or co~ ed Additionally, the quantity of coffee
ground by the grinder and the volume of coffee to be brewed at the brewer is prone to
operator error and could be incorrectly set up. In other words, if an operator selects a
quantity of ground coffee sufficient to brew a full pot of coffee, and then sets up the
brewer to brew a half pot of coffee, the half pot of coffee will be undesirably strong since
half the quantity of br~wing water is used with a 4ua ~liLy of ground sufficient to brew a
full pot. Similarly, too little ground coffee can be used with too much water res llting in
a weak and often times bitter tasting brewed beverage.
The food prepa.~lion industry is striving for greater and greater automation to
reduce errors, provide greater consistency, and increase efflciency. Current coffee
brewing technology generally provides a s~ticf~ctQry beverage when the coffee brewing
devices are properly operated. When an operator does not comply with the prescribed
2 o procedures, available technology may not provide optimal results. As such, it would be
desirable to provide a coffee brewing appa.~lus which l~;n;~ eS the potential for
operator error and increases efficiency.
Another problem with the prior art device is that the independent grinder and
2 5 brewer require considerable counter space. In many areas of the food prep~ ~lion
industry, store space and especially counter space is at a premium. If the footprint for
various essenti~l equipment such as coffee grinding and brewing devices could beminimi7es7 another food prepa.~lion device could placed in the excess space or the
9106_1.WPD Page 3
TREXI,ER, BUSHNELL, alANGlORal ~ BI~CKSI'ONE. LTD.
2 1 6 ~ b 2 7 Attorney Docket No.
969/32797A Case219A
excess space could be used for additional food prepa~alion or other product sales. As
such, it would be de~ble to ~,~;n;~ the counter space le~luire~enl, or footprint, of a
coffee blewing appa~al~ls and grinder so as to reduce the space re4uire~el~ls for coffee
brewing and thus provide more space for other purposes.
9106 l.WPD Page 4
TllEXLeR, BUSI~NeLL, GlANalORal ~ BLACKSlOt~!. LTD.
2 7 Attorney Docket No.
969/32797A Case219A
Objects and Summary
A general object satisfied by the present invention is to provide a coffee brewing
appa al~s which combilles a brewing device and brewing substance dispensing device in
one app~ s.
Another object satisfied by the present invention is to provide a coffee brewi.lg
appa~L~Is which ,..il~ es potential opel~lor error and incf~ases efficiency.
Yet a further object s~tisfied by the present invention is to provide a unitary
coffee blewiilg app~al~ls which int~ludes a brewing device and brewing substancedispensing device and which prevents moisture from arr~ g a store of coffee retained
in the dispensing device.
Still a further object satisfied by the present invention is a coffee br~wing
appa~ s which provides an indication to an operator whether a brewing funnel is
p.ope,ly positioned in the app~ s and whether the brewing funnel needs to be checked
before initi~ting a brew cycle.
Briefly, and in accordance with the rolegoh~g, the present invention envisions abeverage brewing appa-~ s which includes a sub~t~ce dispçn~ p device and a brewing
device. The brewing appa-~ s inc1~1des a receptacle for receiving a brewing substance
from the substance dispensing device, a movable chute positioned between the substance
dispensing device and the receptacle, and a water dispensillg device operatively2 5 associated with the brewing device and selectively commun;catinp. with the receptacle for
delivering water to a brewing substance retained therein. Additionally, a drive assembly
is provided to operatively ~icplace the water dispellsiilg device relative to the receptacle.
When the water dispensing device is positioned in communication with the receptacle,
9106 I.WPD Page 5
TRI~XLea, I~USlWeLL, a~ANaloaal h eL~CKSlY)Ne, Ll D.
Q ~ ~ 7 Attorney Docket No.
~ ~ ~ O ~ ~ 969t32797A Case 219A
the chute is moved out of communication with the receptacle. When the water
dispensing device is removed from co~ -ulication with the receptacle, the chute is
placed in comlllul ication with the receptacle. The present invention also incl~des a seal
att~hed to the water dispen~ g device to seal the water di~pen~ g device while
dispensing water to prevent the escape of moisture from the water dispensil-g device.
The appal~lus incl~ldes a sensor for detec~ g when a funnel is not present for brewing a
beverage or when the funnel has not been recharged and replaced after brewing a
beverage and upon i~ g a subsequent beverage brewing cycle.
9106_1.WPD Page 6
TIU~XLI~R,I~USHNeLL,al~NaloRalhRl A LTD.
~ 8 ~ 7 Anorne~,r Docket No.
- 21 2 969/32797A Csse219A
Brief Description of the I)rawin~
The o~ n~ ;on and manner ofthe structure and operation ofthe invention,
together with further objects and advantages thereof, may be understood by reference to
the following description taken in conl-e~;l;on with the acco"lpa"ying dl~wings, whelei
like reference numerals identify like ~lemPnt~, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage brewing appa,~ s incl~ltlin~ a brewing
substance dispenser and a brewer;
FIG. 2 is a partial fra~ .y, cross-sectional, side elevational view of the
beverage brewing appa~alus as shown in FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the partial fra~ nt~ry, cross-sectional, side
elevational view in FIG. 2 to show the details of a movable chute, sprayhead assembly
and drive assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial fr~,..~ .y, cross-sectional view of a portion of the
drive assembly to show how the drive assembly vertically displaces the sprayhead2 o assembly;
FIG. 5 is a partial fr~p~ y, cross-sectional, plan view taken along line 4-4 in
FIG. 2 showing the sprayhead assembly positioned over an aperture communicating with
a receptacle;
FIG. 6 is similar to the view as shown in FIG. 4 in which the drive assembly hasmoved the sprayhead assembly away from the aperture to f~.ilit~te movement of the
chute in position to coll"-~ul-icate with the aperture;
9106 I.WPD Page 7
lReXLeR, BusHNeLL, alANGlORGI & BLACKSI'ONE. Lll).
2 1 6 g ~ 2 7 Attorney Docket No.
- ~ 969/32797A Case219A
FIG. 7 is a schçm~tic diagram of the beverage b,t;wing appal al~ls of the present
invention;
FIG. 8 is a partial fr~ . y, cross-sectional, side elevational view similar to
that as shown in FIG. 3 showing another embo~liment of a water delivery s~ nce
dispensing appa,~lus used in the claimed invention showing details of the movable chute,
a retractable carriage assembly, a drive assembly, and position sensing assembly showing
a sp,~yl,ead assembly positioned over an aperture;
FIG. 9 is a partial fr~gm~ .y, cross-sectional, side elevational view similar tothat as shown FIG. 8 showing the sprayhead assembly retracted or rotated out of
position relative to the aperture;
FIG. 10 is a partial fragment~ry, plan view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 8
showing the retractable carriage assembly with the sprayhead assembly ~tt~çhed thereto
positioned over the ape,lule co.. ~-:c~ting with the receptacle;
FIG. 11 is a partial fr~mPnt~ry, plan view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 9
showing a view similar to the view as shown in FIG. 10 and in which the retractable
2 o carriage assembly has been operated by the drive assembly to move the s~)rayl,cad
assembly away from the aperture to f~ t~te movement of the movable chute in position
to co,-~".micate with the aperture; and
FIG 12 is an enlarged partial fra~ y, pe~ecli~/e view of a position adjuster
2 5 assembly which helps to .,,z;,~l~i,, a repeatable attitude to prope,ly position the sprayhead
assembly over the aperture.
9106_I.WPD Page 8
TReXLER. BUSi{NeLL, alANGlORal h BLACI~SlONe. LTD.
~ 1 6 ~ 6 2 7 Atto~ney Docket No.
- 969/32797A Case219A
Detailed I:~esc,i~tion ofthe Prerell~d Fmhodiment
While the invention may be susceptible to embodim~nt in di~erelll forms, there is
shown in the d.~wings, and herein will be desclil,ed in detail, embodimPnts with the
underst~ndin~ that the present description is to be considered an exemplification of the
principles ofthe invention and is not i~-lçn(~ed to limit the invention to that as illustrated
and desclibed herein.
With re~lence to FIG. l, a beverage blewillg apparalus 20 is shown which
incl~ldes beverage brewing device or brewer 22 and brewing substance dispensing means
or a brewing substance dispenser 24. As shown, the brewing substance dispenser 24 is
positioned above the beverage brewer 22 so as to dispense a brewing substance to the
beverage brewer 22 in a gravity fed manner. With re~rellce to FIG. 2, means for
delivering water and dispensing brewil~ substance or water delivery and subslai~ce
dispellsillg means 26 is provided in the beverage blewing app~alus 20 positionedgenerally between the brewing sl~b~ ce dispenser 24 and the beverage brewer 22 for
controllably directing a brewing substance from the dispenser 24 to the brewer 22 and
delivering water to the brewing device, or individually dispensing brewing substance to
the brewing device or delivering water to the bl~wii-g device.
The dispenser 24 incll~de~$ a receptacle 28 which is shown in the illustrated
embodiment as incl~ldin~ a first hopper 30 and a second hopper 32. The illustrated
embodiment shows whole bean coffee retained in the hoppers 30, 32 in a gravity feed
relationship with a grinder 34 (see FIG. 2). Whole bean coffee is fed from a selected one
2 5 ofthe hoppers 30, 32 into the grinder 34 which grinds the beans to a desired con.sistçncy
and dis~,enses the brewing substance through an outlet port 36. Brewing subsl~cedispensed through the outlet port 36 must be deposited in a brewil-g substance receptacle
or funnel 38 for infusion with water from a water distribution system 40. The hoppers
9106 I.WPD Page 9
lRE!~/Ll~R. BUSllNeLL, alANalORal h LLACKSI'ONE, Ln~.
~1~ Y 6 2 ~ 969/32797A Case219A
30, 32 and grinder 34, as well as the water distribution system 40, are of generally
known construction such as is used in coffee bl~we,~ and grinders m~nllf~ red byBunn-O-Matic Co,~o,alion of Springfiekl, Illinois, ~c~ ee of the present invention.
When the blewing ;,~l,i,t~ce, r~l~ined in the funnel 38, is infused with water from the
water distribution system 40 a brewed beverage is dispensed from the funnel into a
dec~rlter 42 positioned below the funnel 38.
The present invention focuses on the water delivery and substance dispensing
means 26 generally positioned between the sub~ ce di~penser 24 and the brewer 22.
o Generally shown in FIG. 2, and more specifically shown in FIGS. 3-6, the water delivery
and substance dispensing means 26 in~ des a chute 44, water di~pçn~ing means 46 and
drive assembly 48. The drive assembly 48 is ~tt~ched to a sprayhead assembly 50 of the
water ~lispemin~ means 46 to pivotally, ho.~onlally and vertically displace the sprayhead
asse...l~ly 50 relative to an ape. lul e 52 formed in the body 54 of the brewer 22.
Operation of the drive assen~ly 48 and the water dispensing means 46 will be described
in further detail hereinbelow.
In general terms, the chute 44 is pivotally ~ e.lled to the outlet port 36 and leans
or rests against the sprayhead assembly 50. When the drive assembly 48 moves thesprayhead assembly 50 away from its position over the ape lu-e 52 the chute 44, leaning
or resting against the splayl-ead assembly 50, moves into a position whereby the chute 44
provides a path from the outlet port 36 through the aperture 52 to the funnel 38.
R~ing now to FIGS. S and 6, FIG. S shows the sp-ayl-ead assembly 50 in
2 5 engagement over the aperture 52 with the chute (only a fr~gmetlt~ry portion of chute 44
is shown in FIG. 5) positioned away from the ape lure 52. The arrangement as shown in
FIG. 5 allows water to be dispensed from the sprayhead assembly 50 through the
aperture 52 to the funnel 38 below. When the drive assembly 48 is operated to move the
9106_1.WPD Page 10
lRl!XLBR. BUSHNEU. alANalORal ~ BI~C~ONE!. Ll~D.
- - At~ey Docket No.
~ 16 ~ ~ 2 7 969~2797A C~ 219A
sprayl.ead assembly 50 out of CG~ ;c~tiQn with the aperture 52, the chute 44 pivots
into position aided by a spring hinge 56 to mate with the outlet port 36 and provide a
path through which ground coffee may flow from the grinder 34 to the funnel 38.
In the general operation ofthe present invention, the funnel 38 iS removed and afilter material is placed in the funnel 38. The funnel is slidably ~o-~ed with funnel
~uppolling rails 58. The funnel sllppolling rails 58 retain the funnel 38 in a position
below the aperture 52 for receiving ground coffee and water therelhrough. A selection
switch 60 is operated to select the type of coffee from the hoppers 30,32. Next, a brew
switch is activated which operates a control device 62 to selectively control the water
delivery and s~sl~ce dispcnsing means 26. Generally, the control means 63 opelales
the drive assembly 48 to di~p1~ce the sprayhead assembly 50 allowing the chute 44 to
drop into position between the outlet port 36 and the aperture 52.
The grinder 34 is operated for a predetermined period oftime to grind whole
bean coffee and dispense coffee grounds through the outlet port 36. The grounds pass
from the outlet port 36 through the chute 44 and aperture 52 and into the funnel 38
positioned therebelow. At the end of the grind cycle, the control means 63 operates the
drive assembly 48 to position the sprayhead ass~bly 50 over the aperture 52 pu~lllng
2 o the chute 44 out the way while pivoting. The control means 63 then operates the water
distribution system 40 to dispense water through the s~-ayllead assembly SO onto the
freshly ground coffee retained in the fuMel 38. The ground coffee is infused with the
water and a brewed substance is dispensed into the decantçr 42.
2 5 The procee~iing description has presented the general structure and function of
the present invention and the following description will now discuss the specific structure
and function of the present invention. Turning to FIGS. 2-6, the drive assembly 48
incl-~des a motor 64, a crank or cam 65, a linkage or rod 68 connected at one end to the
9106_1.WPD Page 11
IRI~XLE!R, BUSIWBLL, (lUUlGIOR~I ~ BLACKSI'ONI!, LTD.
Attomey Docket No.
~ ~ 6 8 6 2 7 969/32797A Case 219A
cam 65 and at an opposite end to a pivot lever 67 of the carriage assembly 66a, a pivot
block 70 ~tt~rhed to the body 54 and positioned underneath the pivot lever 67, and a
vertical diSp~ ~ device or spring loaded plunger 72 retained in the pivot lever 67 and
abutting the pivot block 70. The pivot lever 67 is ~ rhçd to the pivot block 70 by a
pivot shaft 74 which allows rotary movement ofthe pivot lever 66 relative to the fixed
pivot block 70. The ;""a~l.cad ass_."l)ly 50 is carried on the pivot lever 67 so that the
sp,~l,ead asscn,bly 50 is pivoted into and out of comm~n:~?tiQn with the ape, lule 52
upon moving the pivot leva 67.
The linkage 68 is att~chçd to the cam 65 and the pivot lever 67 to provide
reciprocating pivotal movement of the lever 67 relative to the block 70 and the aperture
52. In other words, the eccentric pivotal attn^hment of a first end 76 of the linkage 68 to
the cam 65 reciprocates the pivot lever 67 ~ttarhçd to a second end 78 ofthe linkage 68.
Rotary movement ofthe cam 65 eccentrically moves the first end 76 towards and away
from the aperture 52. The size and dimension of the linkage 68 as well as the pl~cement
ofthe first and second end 76, 78 has been c~lcul~ted so that the ~layllead assembly 50
is positiQned over the aperture 52 when the pivot lever 67 is in an advanced position (as
shown in FIG. 5) and that the s~,~yl,ead a~sçmbly 50 is ~ e~ed from the ape,lule 52
to allow the chute 44 to con~n,unicate with the outlet port 36 and the aperture 52 when
2 0 the pivot lever 67 is in a retracted position (as shown in FIG. 6).
The sprayhead assembly 50 as shown in FIG. 3 inchldes a ~Jl~l,ead 80 and a
skirt 82 ~ rhed to the pivot lever 67. A rim 84 of the skirt 82 extends radially away
from the edge of the aperture 52 to provide a seal between the body 54 and the skirt 82.
The seal prevents the escape of moisture into the brewer 22 and the ~ pen~r 24. It is
important to prevent the escape of moisture so that the components or co~lellls of the
appa,at~ls 20 are not adversely affected. One problem that occurs with the escape of
moisture is clu",l)ing or clustering ofthe brewing s~ll,sl~nce in the hoppers. If the beans
9106_1.WPD Psge 12
TRIIXLBR, BU511NeLL, GL NGIORGI ~ BLAQ~SI'ONI~, Lll).
~ 1 6 ~ ~ 2 i Attomey Docket No.
969/32797A Case219A
clump, they cannot flow from the hopper when a gate (not shown) is moved. Since the
beans do not flow, flow irregularly or slowly, the lllea;~uling ofthe beans for grinding will
be inaccurate. By relducing the escape of moisture from the s~,~head assembly, bean
mping is kept to a .. ;~ n.. and operational problems are prevented.
~cco,.. o~latiQnc must be made for the skirt 82 such that the s~ ra~l,ead ~cse.~bly
50 must be slightly vertically ~ e d when moving the pivot lever 67 to ~ eng~e the
rim 84 from the body 54. The spring plunger 72 mentioned hereinabo~e is r~ ed inthe pivot lever 67 and acts against the block 70 to f~çilit~te vertical displnc~mçnt ofthe
0 pivot lever 67 and ~tt~çhed ~la~head asse",bly 50. The spring plunger 72 is of known
construction having a generally threaded body portion 86, a plunger head 88 and a
biasing r-eçl~ --- ret~ed within the body 86 which acts against the plunger head. The
biasing meçhAnism 1~ inlAil-.C the plunger head in an advanced position generally
e- Iç~ g from the body 86. A recess 90 is formed in the surface 92 of the pivot block
70. The recess 90 is sized and d;~ oned to receive the plunger head 88 and is
positioned on the surface 92 such that the plunger head 88 is received therein when the
pivot lever 67 is positioned in the advanced position (as shown in FIG. 5) in which the
~la~Lcad assembly 50 cG",-"unicates with the ape~lure 52. When the pivot lever 67 is
reciprocated, the plunger head 88 rotates out of the recess 90 to slightly vertically
2 o displace the pivot lever 67 as it rides across the top surface 92 of the pivot block 70.
The slight vertical ~ii~!nGçment tii~ges the rim 84 from the body 54 thereby breaking
the seal between the sprayhead asse."bly 50 to allow ease of movement.
A sensor assembly 90 is associated with the drive assembly 48 and is coupled to
2 5 the control means 63 to sense the position of the pivot lever 67. A receptacle sensor 92
is also provided to sense the position ofthe funnel 38 in the funnel rails 58. The sensor
assembly 90 incl~ldec a sensor shutter or sensor disk 94 att~c.hed to a shaft 96 coupling
9106_l.WPD Page 13
TRIIXLBR, BUSI~LL, alANalORal ~ BLAC~SI ONe. LTD.
~ 1 6 8 6 2 7 Attomey Docket No.
969/32797A Case219A
the cam 65 to the motor 64. Rotation of the cam 65 by the motor 64 results in the
co,l.~ond-ng rotation ofthe shutter or sensor disk 94.
A first and a second detector 98, 100 are provided on the sensor assembly 90 to
sense the position ofthe disk 94 by delec~ the position of a first and second in~1icator
or first and second notch 102, 104. With rererence to FIGS. 5 and 6, the detectors 98,
100 sense the second in~irætor second notch 104 thereby in~licatin~ that the spla~l,cad
ass~ bly 50 is positioned over the ape,lure 52. When the second detector 100 senses
the first indicator or first notch 102, the sp,ayl,ead assembly 50 is inficated as being
0 di~çn~ged from the ape,lu,t; 52. The sensor asse.,ll~ly 90 provides feedbaçl~ i,~""alion
to the control means 63 to in~lir~te the position ofthe sl"a~l,ead assembly 50. The
sensors 92 are also couç,led to the control means 63 to provide ;,~",.alion about the
position of the funnel 38.
The receptacle sensor 92 in~ des a pivoting lever 106 associated with a switch
108. When the funnel 38 is in the fo,v~drd most position in the funnel rails (as shown in
FIG. 3) a forward lip 110 ofthe funnel di~pllcçs the lever 106 thereby cont~Gtin~ an
act~l~tor 112 of the switch 108 indicating the position of the funnel 38.
2 o A switch panel 114 is provided in an easily accçssible location such as on the
front surface ofthe brewing apparal~ls 20 as shown in FIG. 1. The switch panel 114
in~1-ldes a number of switches which are conl-ecled to the control means 63. A v~almer
switch 116 is provided to activate and deactivate a warmer plate 118 for ~ull~ing the
dec?nter 42. By coupling the wa~"ler switch 116 to the control means 63, the v~alllle
switch 116 acts to control the brew cycle. The warmer switch 116 must be activated
before the brew cycle is initi~ted
9106 I.WPD Page 14
lllEXLER, BIISHNELL, alANGlOlWI d~ LLAC~ )NII, Lll).
Attorney Docket No.
~ 1 0 ~ ti h ~ 969/32797A Case 219A
A funnel check inrlic~tor 120 is a safety intlic~tQr which warns an operator to
check the funnel before i~ P a ble~ cycle. The check funnel indic~tor 120 is
preferably a light of known construction conllP,cled to the control means 63. The check
funnel indicator 120 prevents blt;wh~g two cycles in a row without first removing the
funnel and ~ posing of spent grounds. This i.~;c~l or 120 is coupled to the control
means 63 which will ill.. i~ e the in-lic~or if the funnel sensor is not triggered between
br~;wing cycles. In other words, if the funnel 38 is not removed at the end of a blewing
cycle and an operator tries to initiate a new brewing cycle, the control means 63 will
min~te the check funnel since the sensor 92 has not been reset by removal and
repl~cçmPnt ofthe funnel 38.
A "grind/brew" or "brew only" switch 122 allows an operator to choose to grind
and brew coffee or to only brew coffee by SP1Pcti~ one ofthe two choices at the switch
122. If the "grind/brew" selection is made at the switch 122, once the brew cycle is
activated the dispensing device 124 will dispense a quantity of ground coffee sufficient to
brew a required quantity of coffee into the funnel 38. If the "brew only" selection is
made at switch 122, the tli51~e~f ~ 24 will be locked out and prevented from operation.
The "brew only" sç1ectiQn at the switch 122 re.luiles a user to place user sçlected
grounds in the funnel 38 or the appar~ s 20 to brew a beverage.
A "funnel out" in-lic~tor 124 is coupled to the control means 63 to in~ic~te when
the funnel is not in place belween the funnel rails 58. When the funnel 38 is not in place,
the "funnel out" indicator will be ill.. ;~ P~d by the control means which is coupled to
the funnel sensors 92. If the control means 63 illunlin~tes the "funnel out" indic~tor 124,
2 5 the dispenser 24 and brewer 22 are locked out from operation until the funnel condition
is chP,rl~P~d and the funnel sensor 92 int~ tçs that the funnel is in place.
9106_1.WPD ~ P~qge 15
llUIXLIIR, eUSllNELL, GlANalORal ~ HLACKSI ONe, LTD.
- ~ 2 1 6 ~ 6 2 ~ Attomey Docket No.
969/32797A Case219A
A "start brew" cycle switch 126 must be pressed to initiate a brew cycle. The
switch 126 will send a signal to the control means 63 in-lic~tin that the operator wishes
to initiate a b,ewhlg cycle. If the other conditions tliccussed hereinabove have not been
met, the control means will not allow a brew cycle to begin. This will require the user to
check the pr~ced;l~g switches and in-lic~tors to make sure that the applop-iate selections
have been made. If all the plcceding co~litiQns have been met, the brew cycle will
initiate upon ~GtU~ting the start switch 126.
A final ind;c~tor on the switch panel 114 is a "ready" light 128 which in(lic~tes
lo when the water in the water distribution system 40 is at an appropliate temperature. The
"ready" indicator 128 is co~lpled to the control means 63 which senses tel,-pe,~lule in the
water distribution system 40 by well known te,nper~ re sensing techniques such as
thermocouples or thermostàts.
Turning now to FIG. 7, the control means 63 is shown col~ne.iled to the
numerous switches and devices of the beverage brewing app~l-ls 20. As shown in FIG.
7, a thermostat 130 is coupled to the control means 63. A thermostat is disposed relative
to the water distribution system 40 to sense the temperature of the water used in brewing
the beverage. A reservoir heater 132 is conl-e~iled to the overall circuit. The reservoir
2 o heater is ~soci~ted with the water distribution system 40 in a known manner so as to
heat the water relained in a l es~ oir of the water distribution system. The "ready"
indicator 128 is collplc~ to the controller 63 and is les~onsive to the thermostat 130 such
that when the thermostat in~ic~tes a desired te"~pe,~ re is achieved, the "ready" light
128 is activated. When the te"~pe~ re falls outside of a desired range oftempe~al~lres~
the thermostat 130 senses the deviation and the controller 63 activates the reservoir
heater 132 in response to the thermostat 130.
9106_l.WPD Page 16
'IREXLeR, IlUSllNeLL, GlANalORGI ~ LLACKSI ONL, LTD.
-- ,, Attorney Docket No.
6 2 ~ 969/32797A Case219A
The ~ ner switch 116 is coupled to the controller 63 which activates the
v~a..ner 118 when the switch 116 is ope.~ted
The funnel switch 92 is coupled to the controller 63 and indicates when the
funnel 38 is in the funnel rails 58 The controller activates the "funnel out" indic~tor 124
when the funnel switch 92 indic~tes that the funnel is missing from the rails 58
The grinder selection switch 60 is ope.~led to select one ofthe hoppers 30, 32
Hopper solenoids 134, 136 operate a dispensing ,.,~ ", (not shown) in
corresponding hoppels 30, 32, respectively The dispensing meGh~nicm~ are of known
construction such as slide gates which are ope. aled by solenoids When the grinder
selection switch 60 is activated, one ofthe disl)~"~ g ...ech~ 134, 136 will operate
to dispense beans from the sele-cte~ hopper 30, 32 to the grinder 34 The grinder 34 is
coupled to the control means 63 and is ope.ated for a predete ~..ined period oftime to
grind the beans dispensed from one ofthe selected hoppel~ 30, 32
Prior to the operation of the grinder 34, the drive motor 64 which is coupled tothe controller 63 must be operated to move the ;,p-~l.ead assembly 50 away from the
aperture 52 The sp.~l.cad position sensor assembly 90 is coupled to the controller 63
2 o to in~ic~te the position ofthe pivot lever 67 and provide feedbaclf to the controller 63
Once the sprayhead assembly 50 is positioned away from the aperture 52, the chute 44
drops into place When the sensor assembly 90 indic~tes that the sprayhead asse,..bly is
thus positioned, the grinder 34 is ~ J~ted to start g.indil~g beans from the selected
hopper
The grinder 34 operates for a predetermined period oftime corresponding to the
selecled quantity of coffee to be brewed whereupon the di~e..~ing device 134, 136 for
the s~lected hopper is . ctll~ted to close the feed from the seleGted hopper The grinder
9106_I.WPD P~ge 17
lRllXLBR, BUSHNBLL, alANGlORal 1~ BLACKSI~Ne. LTD.
L~ c Attomey Docket No.
~ 7 969/32797A Case219A
34 is ope, ~led to clear out the dispellsed bean and, if desirable, provide an overgrind to
clear out any fines or chaff.~ Mer a preset dwell time, the motor 62 is nc~l~ted to
position the spl~he ~d assell.bly 50 over the apel lure 52 in prepal~lion for infil.~ing the
freshly ground brt;wing i.~s~ce with heated water from the water distribution system
40.
Once the sensor ass~llll)ly 90 in~ .ates that the s~ yllcad 50 is in the proper
position over the aperture 52 an inlet water solenoid valve 138 coupled to an inlet water
line 140 is operated to allow water to enter a reservoir 142 of the water distribution
0 system 40 thereby forcing water through a water line 144 connected to the spl~llead 80.
Water is dispensed through the sprayhead 80 over the grounds relained in the funnel 38
for a predetell...ned period oftime at which point the solenoid valve 138 is operated by
the controllers 63 to stop the inflow of water through the inlet line 140. Stopping the
infiow of water from the inlet line 140 ceases the ~ çn~ g of water over the brewing
substance thereby colllple~i~ the water dispensillg portion ofthe brewing cycle. A
general power switch 146 is coupled to the circuit shown in FIG. 7 to provide power to
the circuit.
In use, the beverage brewing app~alus 20 ofthe present invention is designed to
2 o grind whole bean coffee directly into the funnel 38 and brew up to a full dec~nter 42 of
final product. First, the opel~or loads whole bean coffee into the hoppers 30, 32. Next,
the operator selects the type of bean to be ~;~p~nsed by use of the selection switch 60.
The brew funnel 30 is removed from the rails 58 to remove any spent beverage brt;wing
substance and place a fresh coffee filter therein. The funnel 38 is reinserted between the
2 5 rails 58 and the lower wa-l.ler switch 116 is moved into the on position.
The "grind/brew-brew only" switch 122 is operated to grind coffee from the
selected hopper. The start switch 126 is activated to initiate the brewing cycle. The
9106 l.WPD P~ge 18
~ TRI~XLI~R, BUSHNILL, alANalORal h BLACI~SI ONE. LTD.
Att~meg Docket No.
6 2 7 969/32797A C~se219A
brewil1g cycle will start as long as the prèlè~uisites for blewh~g are met and the control
means 63 acknowledges the s~ti~fnction ofthese prerequi~itçs
In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-6, the drive assembly 48 will then pivot
the pivot lever 66 to move the sp,~he ad assembly 50 out of engagement with the
apêl~ure 52. As the motor 64 drives the drive assembly 48, the pivot lever 66 is slightly
upwardly displ~ced by way ofthe spring loaded plunger 72 Ope~ g against the pivot
block 70. The slight vertical displ~cçment ofthe ~ layllcad assembly 50 dis~p~es the
seal formed between the rim 84 and the body 54.
As the sprayhead assc.llbly 50 is pivoted away from the aperture 52, the chute 44
swings into position to di~pen~e ground coffee from the grinder 34 directly through the
aperture 52 into the funnel 38. Ground coffee is dispensed into the funnel 38 asdescribed hereinabove. A~er a suffiriPnt c~lalllily of ground coffee has been dispensed,
the grinder 34 is stopped and the motor 64 operates the drive assembly 48 to reposition
the splayLead ~s~mbly 50 over the ap~;llule 52. As the pivot lever 67 rotates, the spring
loaded plunger 72 moves until it çng~es the recess 90 formed in the upper surface 92 of
the pivot block 70.
The sensor assembly 90 will indic?te that the spl~llead assembly 50 is in the
applopliate location whereupon the water distribution system 40 will deliver water
through the water line 144 to the Spl~' ~?d 80 ofthe sprayhead assembly 50.
Dis~ens.l1g water onto the grounds in the funnel 38 will produce a brewed beverage
which is dis~,ensed into the dec~ntP,r 42 therebelow. At the completion of the brewing
2 5 cycle, the check funnel in-lic?tQr 120 will be activated to inform the operator that the
funnel needs to be G~-er,1~ed before a new brewh1g cycle can begin. As previously
di~c~-~sed the "grindtbrew-brew only" switch 122 allows the app~l~ls 20 to be used as
a brewer only or as grinder brewer as ~ sed more specifically hereinabove. The
9106 l.WPD Page 19
lREXLeR, BUSIINBLL, alAN(ilOR~11 h BLACKSlY)Ne, LTD.
Attorney Docket No.
` ` ~ 1 6 8 6 2 7 969/32797A Case 219A
interlock switch or funnel sensor 92 will lock out ope.~lion ofthe appdlallls 20 if the
fiunnel 32 is not plopc,ly positioned
Turning now to FIGS. 8-12, a second embodiment ofthe present invention is
illustrated and shall be de3c-il.ed hereinl)elow. It should be noted, that co~-~ponenls or
c1c ,~nls ofthe second embodiment which are identiG~I to those as in the first
embo-iim~nt are reples~lted by the same rtrelel ce numerals and those which vary in
some charactrri~tic but provide ç~enti~lly the same or a similar fimction are replese.~led
by the same rererence numerals with the addition of an alphabetic suffix. For e.~..lp!e, in
FIG. 3 the carriage assembly is i~lentified by reference numeral 66 whereas the carriage
assembly in FIG. 8 is identified by reference numeral 66a.
As shown in FIGS. 8-12, the water delivery and substance dispensing means 26a
is generally positioned bcl~n~c~ the s~bst~nce dispenser 24 and the brewer 22. As
shown, the water delivery and substance .1ispç~ g means 26a inr.1~ldes the chute 44,
water ~i~p~ncing means 46, carriage asse..,bly 66a, and drive assembly 48a. The drive
assembly 48a is attached to the carriage assembly 66a to pivotally, hol.,olllally and
vertically di~pl^^e the water Ji~pensmg assembly 46 relative to the aperture 52 formed in
the body 54 ofthe blew;llg device 22. Operation ofthe drive asse.-ll)ly 48a and the
2 o water dispensing assembly 46 will be described in further detail hereinbelow.
In general terms, `the chute 44 is pivotally attalched to the outlet port 36 and leans
or rests against the sp-dyl,ead asse,..bly 50 ofthe water dispenser 46. When the drive
assembly 48a moves the carriage ass~ ",bly 66a and the attached water dispensing means
2 5 46 away from the position over the apc. lulc 52, the chute 44, leaning or resting against
the sprayhead assc..,bly 50 of the water di;,~ens" g means 46, moves into a position
wLelcl)y the chute 44 provides a path from the outlet port 36 through the aperture 52 to
the funnel 38.
9106_I.WPD Page 20
laeXLeR, BUSllNeLL, alANalORal h BLACKSIONE, LTD.
~ 1 6 ~ 6 ~ 7 Atto~ey Docket No.
969/32797A Case219A
Refe.ling now to FIGS. 8-l l, FIGS. 8 and lO show the ~pl~l,ead assel--l)ly 50 in
ç~ement over the ape,lul~; 52 with the chute (the chute 44 is shown in phantom line
in FIGS. lO and l l), positioned away from the aperture 52. The arr~ng~om~nt as shown
in FIGS. 8 and lO allows water to be d;~c.-~ed from the s~,.a~l.ead assen~ly 50 through
the ape lu~ 52 to the funnel 38 below. When the drive ass~.--l)ly 48a is ope.~led to
move the sp-~' ~ P~d assembly 50 out of co.. ~ ;c~tion with the aperture 52, the chute
44 pivots into position aided by the spring hinge 56 to mate with the outlet port 36 and
provide a path through which ground coffee may flow from the grinder 34 to the funnel
38.
In the general operation of the present invention, the funnel 38 is removed and a
filter material is placed in the funnel 3 8. The funnel is slidably eng~ed with the funnel
supporting rails 58. The funnel suppc.ling rails 58 retain the funnel in a position below
and communicating with the aperture 52 for receiving ground coffee and water
ll.e e~ ollgh. A selection switch 60 is operated to select the type of coffee from the
hoppers 30, 32. Next a brew switch is activated which ope ales a control device 62 to
selectively control the water delivery and s~slai~e dispensing means 26. Generally, th
control means 63 opelates the drive asse...l)ly 48a to disp~ce the carriage assembly 66a
allowing the chute 44 to drop into position between the outlet port 36 and the aperture
2 o 52. The carriage assembly 66a and chute 44 move form the positions shown in FIGS. 8
and lO to the position as shown in FIGS. 9 and l l.
The grinder 34 is operated for a predett;. ~ ned period of time to grind whole
bean coffee and dispense coffee grounds through the outlet port 36. The grounds pass
from the outlet port 36 through the chute 44 and aperture 52 and into the funnel 38
positioned therebelow. At the end of this grind cycle, the control means 63 operates the
motor 62a of the drive assembly 48a to position the water delivery and substancedispensing assembly 26a in position over the aperture 52 pushing the chute 44 out of the
9106_1.WPD Page 21
lREXLER, IIUSNNELL, GlANOlORal ~ IILACI~SI'ONE. LlD.
p~ Attomes~ Docket No.
969/32797A Case 219A
way while pivoting. The carriage assembly 66a and chute 44 are moved from the
position as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 to the position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. The
control means 63 then opelales the water ~ llil ulion system 40 to dispense water
through the water dis~,ens"lg means 46 onto the freshly ground coffee retained in the
funnel 38. The ground coffee is infused with the water and a brewed sul.~l~ ce is
~p~ ed into the de~nt~r 42.
Turning now to a desv~ ion ofthe second embodiment in which greater detail is
provided as to the specific co,l.ponenls ofthe embodiment with reference to FIGS. 8-12.
As shown, the drive assembly 48a inr,ll1des a motor 62a, a crank 65a, a linkage or rod
68a. The retractable carriage assembly 66a includes a mounting bracket 146 which is
connected to the body 54 by pivot links 148 pivotally conllecled to opposite ends ofthe
mounting bracket 146.
The ~,l~head ~s~ ly 50 as shown in the figures in~ des the sprayhead 80 and
the skirt 82 attnched to the carriage ass_ll,bly 66a. The rim 84 of the skirt 82 extends
radially away from the opening of the aperture 52 to provide a seal between the body 54
and the skirt 82. The seal prevents the escape of moisture into the brewer and the
dispenser 24.
It is important to prevent the escape of moisture so that the components or
contents ofthe appal~lus 20 are not adversely affected. One problem that occurs with
the escape of moisture is~the clumring or clustering ofthe brewing substance in hoppers.
If the beans clump, they cannot flow from the hopper when a gate (not shown) is moved.
2 5 Since the beans do not flow, flow irregularly or slowly, the n~eas. ling of the beans for
grinding will be inaccurate. By reducing the escape of moisture from the Spl ayllead
assembly, bean sl~."; il~g is kept to a minimum and operational problems are prt:ve"~ed.
9106_1.WPD P~ge 22
lReXLl~R. BUSHNE!LL, alANalORGI J~ BLAC~ONI~, LlD.
A~c%ney Docket No.
~ ~ 6 ~ 6 2 7 969132797A Case 219A
AccGn-...odatir~ns must be made for the skirt 82 in the same manner as describedhereinabove with regard to the first embodiment such that the skirt 82 of the sprayhead
ass~ l,ly 50 must be slightly vertically dis~ ed when moving the carriage assembly 66a
to d~ gA~e the rim 84 from the body 54. The retractable carriage as3_mbly 66a
liscussed opcl~tes to vertically lift the water d:~,cn~ g assembly 46 upwardly away
from the apellure 52 and then arcuately dig~ e the assembly 46 attached to the carriage
as3embly 66a away from the apellure a predele~ ...;I)ed hol~onlal and vertical dimension.
The initial vertical movelllelll of the water d;sl,ellsing asse,llbly 46 ~iSç~ees the rim 84
from the body 54 thereby breaking the seal bctween the sprayhead assembly 50 to allow
easeofmovement.
A guide bracket 150 is ~tt~c~ed to the mounting bracket 146 having a first
elongated openil-g formed therethrough and a bearing plate 152 having a coll~,~onding
second openil~g 154 formed theretlllough. The rod 68a ofthe drive assembly extends
through the first and second~ openll,gs 154, 156 and att~ches to the mounting bracket
146. The splayllcad assembly 50 is carried on the mounting bracket 146 so that the
spl~yllead ass_,llbly 50 is pivoted into and out of comm-ln:-~tion with the aperture 52
upon eYtçndine and rct~ g the carriage assembly 66a under the influence of the drive
assembly 48a.
A first end 158 ofthe rod 68a is attached to a distal end 160 ofthe crank 65a
with an opposite end 162 ofthe crank ~tt~c~ed to a shaflc 96 ofthe motor 62a. A second
end 166 ofthe rod 68a is ~ttached to the mountine plate 146. The connections ofthe
first and second ends 158, 166 to the crank 65a and the mounting bracket 146,
2 5 respectively, is made by a swivel or ball joint connection. As shown in FIG. 10, when
the crank 65a is rotated by the motor, the rod 68a will reciprocally pivot (168) relative to
the second end 166 and reciprocally extend and retract (170) relative to the aperture 52
to place the water di~enslllg assembly 46 in colllllluni~tion with and di~çn~g~-m~nt
9106_1.WPD Page 23
TRBXLeR, BusHNeLL, a~NalORal ~ BLACR~llONE, L'rD.
-
s ~ "i Attor~ey Docket No.
b ~ ~ 969/32797A Case219A
from the aperture 52. The first and second openil-gs 154, 156 are elon~ted to
allow freedom of...oveme,~ f~rilit~ting pivoling (168) ofthe rod 68a. As shown in
FIGS. 8 and 10, when the distal end 160 ofthe crank 65a is positiQned 52, rod 68a is
fully eYtended to~a ds the aperture 52 and hence, the carriage asse...bly 66a coupled to
the rod 68a is positioned with the water distribution assembly 46a over the aperture 52.
In this position, the skirt 82 which extends around the sp.~ha ~d 80 is positioned to seal
the aperture against the escape of .,.oi~ture. When the crank 652 is rotated to the
position as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the rod 68a is fully retracted away from the
aperture 52 thereby pivoting the carriage assembly 66a away from the ape, lure 52.
0 Retraction ofthe rod 68a (~ ng~es the water di~en~ing assembly 46.
A protruding annular rib 172 is provided on the base plate of the app&.~lus
through which the aperture 52 is formed. The annular rib 172 is open-ended towards the
motor 62 and tel~ ales in angular arms 174 providing an obtuse angle opel ing away
from the apel~ult; 52. The annular rib 172 is spaced away from the edge ofthe aperture
52 a sufficient tii~t~nce to allow the outer edge ofthe skirt to seat within the boundaries
ofthe annular rib 172. Water which con~len~es in the area inside the annular rib or which
drips from the water dispel-s;i-g assembly 46 is conlained and directed by the annular rib
172, angular arms 174 and a flared fiange 176 formed around the inside edge of the
2 o aperture 52. As such, any such water drains into the aperture 52 and into the funnel.
A sensor assembly 90a is positioned plo~ e to the drive assembly 48a and is
coupled to the control means 63 to detect and provide ".ro....alion ofthe position ofthe
water dispensing assembly 90a relative to the aperture 52. The sensor assc...bly incl~ldes
2 5 a sensor shutter 94a att~ ed to the shaft 96 coupling the crank 65a to the motor 64a.
Rotation of the crank 65a by the motor 64a results in the corresponding rotation of the
shutter 94a.
9106_1.WPD Pllge 24
llUIXLE!R, IIIISNNEILL, alANaloRal ~ A ~ . , Lll).
A~omey Docket No.
969/32797A Case219A
~168627
First and second detectors 98, 100 are provided on the sensor assembly 90a to
sense the position ofthe shutter 94a by delec~ g the position offirst and secondindicators 102a, 104a thereby indic~tin~ that the ~-~h2ad ~Q-sembly is in a
predelel.,lined position. First ind;c~tor 102a has a width d;...en~;on 180, which is less
than a co--~sponding width d~ e~. -on 182 ofthe second indic?tor 104a. ~n~lic?tQrs
102a, 104a are flanges which extend dow~ dly from an elong~ted panel 184. The
indic.~tors 102a, 104a revolve around the shaft 164 as the motor 64a drives the drive
asse..ll~ly. As the in~ tQrs pass the ~detectors they in-licate the position of the
sp-~' ea1 As shown in~FIG. 10, indicator 104a is positioned plox;...~le to the detectors
1 o 98, 100 which is interpreted by the detectors as the position in which the ~- ayl.ead is
positioned over the ape.~ure. When the motor is operated and the crank rotated thereby,
the att~clled shutter 94a is rotated to pass the intlic~tor 102a pro,c;...~e to the first
detector 98. Once the first detector 98 senses the indicator 102a passing a signal is
I~n~ ;lled to the motor which stops the motor's rotation. FIG. 11 shows the res lting
condition in which the s~"~' 2 ~d is positioned away from the ape. IUI~.
The guide bracket 150 is ~ttn~hed to the mounting bracket 146. The bearing
plate 152 is attnthed to the guide bracket 150 by way of fasteners 186 which extend
through elongated ape.lures 188. The elongated apertures allow the bearing bracket to
2 o be ~dj~lsted upwardly and dOwll~aldly relative to an adjusted position of the rod 68a
~Yten~li~ through the first and second openings 154, 156. The first and second
openings 154, 156 have width dimPnQ;on 190, 192, respectively. The width dimension
190 ofthe first opening 154 is greater than the width dimens;on 192 ofthe secondopening 156 to accommodate the adj~lstm~-nt range provided by the screws and
2 5 elongated adj~1stm~nt apertures 188.
While p-e~lled embodiments ofthe present invention are shown and described, it
is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications and
9106_1.WPD Page 25
IRBXLeR, BUSHNeLL GlANalORGI 1~ BLACKSI'ONII. LTD.
Attorney Docket No.
2 1 6 8 6 2 7 969/32797A Case 219A
equivalents without dep~ ling from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The
invention is not intçnded to be limited by the rolegoing ~isclos~re.
9106_I.WPD
lReXLeR. BUSI~leLL, GL~NalORGI h BLACKSI ONE, LTD. Psge 26
