Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2 1 8 1 227
~UTOMATIC BREWER
This application is a division of application Serial
No. 2,086,813 filed January 6, 1993 and is related to a U. S.
continuation-in-part of patent application Serial No.
07/946,960 filed September 17, 1992, issued July 27, 1993 as
U. S. Patent No. 5,230,278 which is a continuation-in-part of
patent application Serial No. 07/818,850 filed January 10,
1992, issued October 26, 1993 as U. S. Patent No. 5,255,593
which is a continuation-in-part of patent application No.
07/683,285 filed April 10, 1991, issued August 4, 1992 as
U. S. Patent No. 5,134,925.
Background and Summary of the Inv~ntion
This invention relates generally to an improved
beverage brewing device which automates many of the steps
involved in a beverage brewing operation.
Automatic brewing devices are known in the art but
have not overcome many of the problems associated with such
devices. For example, U. S. Patent No. 4,633,771 to Anderl
shows an automatic brewing device which incorporates a movable
piston to regulate the brewing cycle. The piston as shown in
Anderl is axially moved by a rod which is driven by a motor.
The rod advances or retreats based on its engagement with a
rotating cam disc. A problem arises with the device of Anderl
in that the notches in the cam disk are prone to cause improper
brewing if they become coated or clogged with foreign matter.
Foreign matter is likely to accumulate on the disc because of
the environment in which it operates which includes fines and
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powder from the beverage brewing substance as well as high
humidity from the brewing process.
Another problem with the device as shown in Anderl
is that it is difficult to keep the brewing chamber clean and
to exhaust spent brewing substance. Anderl shows only a
single spray head which proves inefficient and is not thorough
in flushing spent brewing substance from the brew chamber.
Another automatic brewing device is shown in U. S.
Patent No. 4,694,737 to Wittlinger. The device as shown in
Wittlinger is similar in its operation to the device in Anderl
but does not provide improvements resolving the problems of
Anderl. Rather, the device in Wittlinger shows improvements
to the filtering assembly as used in the brew chamber.
Another problem with known automatic brewing devices
is that they are capable of brewing only small quantities of
beverage. The devices shown in the references cited herein
indicate brewing small quantities of beverage such as a single
serving or single carafe. The typical arrangement of the
structure of the brewing apparatus provides space below a
dispensing spout which is sufficient to accommodate a
predetermined carafe size. Such a space may also accommodate
a single serving, since a single serving container will have
dimensions smaller than a multiple serving carafe. However,
large capacity remote reservoirs with one or two gallon
capacities are unable to receive brewed beverage due to the
dimensions of such reservoirs which are proportioned to
accommodate large volumes.
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It would be desirable to provide an automatic
beverage brewing device which would be capable of selectively
dispensing a large range of quantities of brewed beverage to
an appropriately sized container. For example, it is desirable
to be able to brew a single cup, as well as a carafe, as well
as a large capacity (1-2 gallon) volume of brewed beverage
using the same automatic brewing device. It is not desirable,
however, to provide a beverage brewing device which has a
single spout which will accommodate the largest size since such
accommodation may result in a beverage brewing device which
does not neatly and precisely dispense brewed beverage to
smaller capacity containers.
Another problem that arises with automatic beverage
brewers is that although they are generally automatic, they
nevertheless require periodic cleaning. Periodic cleanings
include removing a filter assembly disposed in a lower portion
of the brewing chamber. The filter assembly is used to support
a brewing substance for infusion during a brewing cycle and to
separate a brewed beverage created during the brewing cycle.
A problem is encountered in cleaning prior art filter
assemblies when the piston assembly includes a spool having an
enlarged head. A lower portion of the spool movably extends
through the drain with the enlarged head movably extending
through an inlet in a top portion of the brewed chamber. A
port used for delivering flush water is positioned underneath
the head between the head and a reduced diameter portion of
the spool. The lower portion of the spool is surrounded by a
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`
filter assembly which has an aperture through which the lower
portion of the spool projects. Since the lower portion of
the spool has a smaller diameter than the enlarged head, the
filter assembly cannot be installed or removed by positioning
it over the enlarged head. As such, removal of the filter
assembly in these devices typically requires removal of the
piston assembly.
Another problem with prior automatic brewing devices
is that once the brewing substance becomes saturated during
the brewing process it sinks to the bottom of the brewing
chamber. As the brewed beverage is drained off of the brewing
substance the moist brewing substance may become caked on and
plug the openings in the filter material. At the end of the
brewing cycle the brewing chamber is flushed, typically with
a spray of water, in order to remove the spent brewing
substance. However, because the brewing substance may be caked
on the filter material in the drained brewing chamber the rinse
water spray does not completely flush the spent brewing
substance out of the brewing chamber. Instead, a portion of
the spent substance remains in the brewing chamber on the
filter material. The remaining substance inhibits flow of
brewed beverage through the filter material and thereby
reduces the efficiency of the brewer. Further, depending on
the time between brewing cycles, the brewing substance remain-
ing on the filter material may become rancid and degrade the
flavour of the next serving of beverage to be brewed.
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Additionally, another problem with current automatic
brewing devices is that the mechanism for dispensing a brewing
substance into the brew chamber is inaccurate. One way to
controllably dispense a brewing substance into the brew
chamber is by means of an auger in a hopper. The auger is
positioned in the bottom of a hopper in an operative associa-
tion with an opening in the hopper through which the brewing
substance is moved. However, such auger arrangements are often
inaccurate and tend to dispense too much brewing substance.
Objects and Summary of t~ I~èntion
A general object of the present invention is to
provide an automatic beverage brewing device which accommodates
a wide range of brewing capacities.
A more specific cbject of the present invention is
to provide an automatic beverage brewing device which provides
means for selectively dispensing brewed beverages to a large
volume container independent of means for dispensing brewed
beverage to smaller volume containers.
Another general object of the present invention is
to provide an improved automatic beverage brewing device which
thoroughly and efficiently removes spent beverage brewing
substances from a brew chamber at the completion of a brewing
cycle.
Another object of the present invention is to
provide an automatic beverage brewing device which permits
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removal of a filter assembly without having to remove or
disassemble the piston assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to
provide an automatic beverage brewing device which has an
enlarged drain opening.
Another object of the present invention is to
provide a brewing substance dispenser in combination with the
present invention which dispenses a precise quantity of
brewing substance.
Another object of the present invention is to
provide an automatic beverage brewing apparatus which rinses
a beverage brewing substance from a receiving funnel to
assure complete use of the fresh beverage brewing substance
and thorough cleaning of the components of the beverage
brewing apparatus.
A further object of the present invention is to
provide a preliminary floating of the beverage brewing
substance prior to brewing.
Another object of the present invention is to
provide a beverage brewing apparatus for automatically brewing
beverages which generally evenly distributes brew water over
a beverage brewing substance to more thoroughly and efficiently
extract a brewed beverage therefrom.
Still another object of the present invention is to
provide a floating phase of a cleaning cycle to remove the
brewing substance from the filter material.
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Yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a beverage brewing apparatus for automatically brewing
beverages which thoroughly removes spent beverage brewing
substance from a brew chamber by employing a spray head
mounted in a spool member extending through the brew chamber
thereby thoroughly removing spent brewing substance from all
parts of the brew chamber.
Still a further object of the present invention is
to provide a beverage brewing apparatus for automatically
brewing beverages which include a rotatable piston and a spray
head mounted thereon for rotatably spraying and removing
beverage brewing substances from the brew chamber.
Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the
present invention comprises an automatic brewing apparatus for
automatically brewing beverages such as coffee. The apparatus
includes a brewing chamber assembly with a throat in a top
portion, a drain in a bottom portion, and a filter positioned
therebetween. A movable piston assembly is provided to
controllably open and close the throat and drain during brewing
and flushing cycles. A separate discharge line directs brewed
beverage from the brew chamber to a receiving container. A
valve is provided along the discharge line to control the
filling of the brewing chamber, to controllably dispense a
brewed beverage from the brewing chamber, and to prevent flush
water from flowing through a dispensing branch of the discharge
line.
63632-1359F
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At the initiation of the brewing cycle the piston
is moved downwardly to open the throat to permit the
introduction of brewing substance into the chamber. A
pressurized water line rinses the throat through which the
brewing substance is introduced into the brewing chamber.
Additionally, water is introduced through a water distribution
manifold to expedite the initial partial filling of the brewing
chamber. Water initially introduced into the chamber is used
to float the brewing substance permitting saturation and
steeping of the brewing substance. The piston is moved
upwardly so that the drain and the throat are closed during
the steeping step. After sufficient steeping time the
discharge valve on the discharge line, which is normally
deenergized, is energized to open a path through the dispensing
branch to direct the flow of brewed beverage into a collection
container. The discharge valve is also energized to close the
path to the drain sump. After dispensing the brewed beverage,
the discharge valve is positioned to close both the dispensing
and the drain paths.
After the brewing cycle is complete a flushing cycle
begins to flush the spent brewing substance out of the brewing
chamber. The valve on the discharge line blocks the discharge
line to retain water in the brewing chamber for floating the
spent brewing substance in order to float it off of the filter
material. Upon floating the brewing substance, the piston is
moved upwardly to drain the float water and the spent brewing
substance carried thereon. Next, the piston is moved
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downwardly to close the drain and water is introduced through
a spray opening in the piston. The piston is rapidly rotated
to spray down the sides of the chamber and to create a
swirling motion in the water which has accumulated in the
chamber. At a predetermined time the piston is moved to open
the drain and flush the swirling water from the chamber while
the piston continues to rotate.
The piston assemhly includes a spool which has a
head, a base, and a necked portion extending between the head
and the base. The spool is disposed in the brew chamber
assembly with the head controllably movahle through the throat
and the base controllably movable through the drain. The
spool controllably opens and plugs the throat and the drain.
The filter assembly has an aperture formed therethrough
through which the base of the spool projects. The head and
the base of the spool have an external dimension which is
less than or substantially equal to an inside dimension of
the aperture formed through the filter assembly with the head
having an external dimension which is smaller than or
substantially equal to an external dimension of the base.
The size and the dimension of the head and base allow the
filter assembly to be installed or removed over the spool
without removing the spool from the brew chamber assembly.
The brewing apparatus is programmable to control
the level of prefill water, steeping time, brewing temperature,
volume of brew water used, and amount of beverage brewed.
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The brewing chamber may be pressurized during the brewing
process.
The apparatus also includes a brewing substance
dispenser which is controlled to dispense a precise predeter-
mined quantity of brewing substance.
The invention also provides a structure and method
to produce large quantities of a desired brewed beverage.
Multiple substance dispensers are provided to selectively
com~ine a variety of substances to produce a desired brewed
beverage. Heated water is conserved by the present invention
by providing a control valve on the inlet line at the lower
portion of the heated water reservoir.
Br~ef. De.scription.of the ~ wi.ngs
The organization and manner of the structure and
operation of the invention, together with further objects 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 in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a
beverage brewing apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a partial fragmentary cross sectional
side elevational view of a brew chamber assembly of the
beverage brewing apparatus;
Figure 3 is a partial fragmentary crGss sectional
side elevational view of the brew chamber assembly as
illustrated in Figure 2 after a piston assembly projecting
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therethrough is downwardly axially displaced from an inlet
throat and illustrating a beverage brewing substance being
disposed therein through a funnel member and preliminary fill
water being introduced to rinse the funnel and initially
float the brewing substance in the brewing chamber;
Figure 4 is a partial fragmentary cross sectional
side elevational view of the brew chamber assembly after the
piston assembly is upwardly axially displaced to seal the
inlet throat and illustrating brew water flowing into the
brew chamber for infusing the brewing substance disposed
therein;
Figure 5 is a partial fragmentary cross sectional
side elevational view of the brew chamber assembly after the
piston assembly is upwardly axially displaced and further
illustrating rotary movement of the piston assembly spraying
the inside of the brew chamber to exhaust spent brewing
substance;
Figure 6 is a general hydraulic schematic diagram
of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a partial fragmentary side cross-
sectional view of a spool employed in the present invention
extending through an aperture formed through a filter assembly,
a drain formed through a bottom portion of the brew chamber
assembly, and a throat formed through a top portion of the
brew chamber assembly;
Figure 8 is a first alternate embodiment of the spool
of the piston assembly;
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Figure 9 is a second alternate embodiment of the
spool of the piston assembly of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a
beverage brewing device which is connected by means for
providing a beverage path to a remote beverage container;
Figure 11 is a plan view of the device as shown in
Figure 10 in which the beverage brewing device is connected
to the remote beverage container; and
Figure 12 is a left side view of the beverage brewin~
device as shown in Figure 10 in which a hose of the beverage
path means is connected to a first end and a second end of the
beverage brewing device.
Detailed De.scription of the Prefer.~.ed E~bodiment
While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment
in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will
be described in detail, a specific embodiment with the under-
standing that the present disclosure 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.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like parts are
designated by the same reference numerals throughout the
figures, an automatic beverage brewing apparatus or brewer 20
is diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 1. The brewer 20
includes a hopper assembly 22, a brew chamber assembly 24, a
piston assembly 26 (as better shown in Figures 2-5), a drive
means or apparatus 28, a water distribution system 30 and a
control system 32.
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As shown in Figure 1, the hopper assembly 22 includes
a hopper con~ainer 34 and a motor 36 driven auger 38 retained
therein. A brewing substance such as coffee is disposed inside
the hopper container 34 and stored therein for controlled
delivery to the brew chamber assembly 24. While the word
"coffee" may be used herein with regard to the beverage brewing
substance, it should be clear that brewing substances other
than coffee may be used in the present invention. Further,
although a hopper assembly 22 is shown, a grinding apparatus
(not shown) may be added to deliver a predetermined quantity
of freshly ground coffee or other beverage brewing substance
to the brew chamber assembly 24.
The brew chamber assembly 24 includes a housing
member 40 which is retained between a chamber top assembly 42
and a chamber bottom assembly 44. The housing member 40 is a
generally cylindrical member formed of a suitable material to
withstand the temperature, moisture and other conditions
present during the brewing process. As shown herein, the
housing member 40 is formed of a suitable transparent material
such as glass to permit inspection of the brew chamber assembly
24 without disassembly thereof. As can be seen in Figure 1,
the piston assembly 26 projects upwardly through a drain hole
41, the chamber bottom assembly 44, the housing member 40, and
through an inlet throat 43 in the chamber top assembly 42. A
brew chamber 45 is defined by the inside surface of the housing
member 40 when the top and bottom chamber- assemblies 42, 44
are attached thereto.
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A funnel portion 46 is mounted on the uppermost
portion of the chamber top assembly 42 having top and bottom
openings 47a, 47b coaxial with said inlet throat 43 and is
reinforced by support members 48 extending from the sides
thereof. A spray manifold assembly 50 is positioned between
the funnel portion 46 and the housing member 40.
The chamber bottom assembly 44 includes a filter
assembly 52 and a drain body 54. With further reference to
Figures 2-7, the filter assembly 52 helps to separate out a
brewed beverage 53 created during the brewing process from
water infused brewing substance 53a. A discharge line 55
extends from the filter assembly 52 to a pair of discharge
valves 55a, 55e which are controllable to direct flow through
a dispensing line 55b, through a waste line 55c, to prevent
flow through either line 55b, S5c, or to direct flow through
a large quantity discharge line 226. The disDensing line 55b
delivers a brewed beverage 53 collected from the brew chamber
to a container 57. The waste line 55c delivers waste water to
the waste sump 63. Spent grounds are transported through an
exhaust tube 59 and deposited in the waste pump 63 therebelow.
The other controllable valve 55e is positioned along
the discharge line 55 as discussed hereinabove. The controll-
able valve 55e is connected to the control system or means for
seiectively controlling control system 32 via line 222. The
controllable valve 55e controllably directs flow from the dis-
charge line 55 into the larqe quantity dischar~e line 226. When
the controllable valves 55a, 55e are controlled to dispense flow
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from the discharge line 55 into the dispensing line 55b, the
controllable valve 55e is closed and the controllable valve
55a is opened. When the flow through the discharge line 55 is
controlled by the controllable valves 55a, 55e to flow through
the large quantity line 226, the flow exits the brewing
apparatus for delivery to a remote beverage container 236
(see Figures 10-12). Various aspects of the structure and
function of the remote brewing capabilities will be discussed
in greater detail further hereinbelow.
The discharge valve 55a includes a separate solenoid
valve for the dispensing line 55b and the waste line 55c. The
solenoids in the valve 55a are normally deenergized with the
path to the waste line 55c open to allow drainage to the waste
sump 63 and the path to the dispensing line 55b closed. The
valve 55a is selectively energized to open the dispensing
line 55b and close the waste line 55c, or to close both lines
55b, 55c.
The controllable valve 55e includes a solenoid valve
similar to the discharge valve 55a to controllably direct flow
through the large quantity discharge line 226. The solenoid
of the controllable valve 55e is normally deenergized such that
the valve is closed. In this condition/ the path to the large
quantity discharge line 226 closed. The controllable valve 55e
is selectively energized to open the large quantity discharge
line 226. Valve 55e controls line 226 and valve 55a controls
the path to line 55b. Solenoid valve 55e and 55a are
controlled for preventing both paths 226, 55b, respectively,
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21~1227
from being open at the same time. More details regarding the
remote beverage dispensinq features of the present invention
will be presented hereinbelow.
As indicated above, the piston assembly 26 projects
upwardly through the bottom of the brew chamber assembly 24
along a central axis 56 extending therethrough. Included in
the piston assembly 26 is a spool portion 58 generally
positioned inside of the housing member 40, and a shank portion
60 attached to and extending downwardly from the spool portion
58.
The drive apparatus 28 includes a lead screw 62
which attaches to the shank portion 60 of the piston assembly
26 to operatively connect the drive apparatus 28 with the
piston assembly 26. A motor 64 associated with the drive
apparatus 28 moves the gears 65 to rotate and axially displace
the lead screw 62 and the attached piston assembly. The motor
64 is preferably a DC motor which may be reversed to reverse
the direction of rotation and travel of the ~iston assembly 26.
While various forms of the gears 65 may be employed
to drive the lead screw 62, the driving means 65 as illustrated
includes a driving gear 66 engaged with an operating gear 68,
both of these gears 66, 68 being cooperatively mating spur
gears, and an acme nut 70 attached to a fixed mounting member
72. Fixing the acme nut 70 to the mounting member 72 retains
the acme nut 70 in a fixed position relative to the driving
gear 66 to produce movement in the lead screw 62. Threads 74
of the lead screw 62 cooperatively engage threads formed on
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218i227
" _
the inside of the acme nut 70. The operating gear 68 is
nonrotatably fixed to the lead screw 62 so that when the
driving gear 66 is rotated the operating gear 68 is rotated
thereby rotating the lead screw 62. As the lead screw 62 is
rotated, it threadedly moves through the acme nut 70 resulting
in axial displacement of the piston assembly 26 through the
brew chamber assembly 24. Further,;since the operating gear
68 is fixed to the lead screw 62 the piston assembly 26 also
rotates as it is ax-ially displaced through the brew chamber
assembly 24.
A heated water reservoir 76 and a cold water inlet
line 78 supply water to the water distribution system 30. The
heated water reservoir 76 has a sealed top 76a to withstand
the incoming water pressure from the inlet line 78. Water
flowing from the heated water reservoir 76 and the cold water
inlet line 78 are controlled by a respective brew water
solenoid valve 80, a rinse water solenoid valve 82a, and a
flush water valve 82b. Water flowing into the reservoir 76
through the reservoir fill line 88 is quickly heated as it
passes over a heating element 93 which is located near the
point where the reservoir fill line enters the reservoir 76.
A pressure regulator 90c regulates the line pressure
on the inlet line 78 such that water flowing to a reservoir
fill line 88 and a flush water line 90 is at a predetermined
pressure. A flow control valve 82d on the brew water line 86
is positioned between the reservoir 76 and the brew water
valve 80 to control the rate of water flow through the brew
water line 86.
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2181227
`_
The brew water valve 80 controls the water flowing
from the heated water reservoir 26 which is caused to flow by
water being introduced into the reservoir 26 displacing the
heated water therein, which displaced water flows through a
brew line 86. The brew water line 86 provides brew water to
the spray manifold assembly 50 which then evenly distributes
the brew water over the beverage brewing substance 53a. The
flush water line 90 supplies water to the piston assembly 26
which thereby introduces water into the brew chamber 45 to
flush spent beverage brewing substance from-the brew chamber
45. The rinse water line 84 emits a controlled amount of
pressurized heated water to the funnel portion 46 to rinse any
beverage brewing substance 53a from the inside of the funnel
46 and into the brew chamber 24.
The automatic beverage brewer 20 is controlled by
the control system 32. The control system 32 includes a
central controller 96 which coordinates control signals between
it and the components of the brewer 20 over numerous control
lines. The control lines are shown diagrammatically as single
lines but may include multi-wire lines depending on the
requirements of the particular component. The apparatus, as
disclosed herein, may be adjusted to brew a range of quantities
of brewed beverage and may be adjusted to deliver a larger or
smaller quantity of beverage to a carafe or other container,
not shown, from which the beverage can be subsequently
dispensed. Additionally, the controller 96 is programmable to
control the level of prefill water dispensed into the brewing
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2181227
chamber; the period of time during which infused brewing
substance is steeped; brewing water temperature; the volume
of brew water used for a predetermined quantity of brewing
substance and the volume of brewed substance dispensed through
the dispensing line.
The hopper assembly 22 includes the hopper motor 36
which is controlled by the controller 96 over the line 106, a
hopper container 34, and the auger 38 which extends through
the hopper container 34 and is driven by the motor 36. The
hopper motor 36 is controlled by a triac and a microprocessor
(not shown) of known construction. The microprocessor turns
the triac on and off to control the hopper motor 36. The
microprocessor applies 120 VAC to th~e motor 36 when the motor
36 is to operate to drive the auger 38 to deliver a quantity
of brewing substance to the brew chamber 24. In order to stop
the motor 36 the microprocessor determines when the waveform
across the motor 36 is of one polarity. When the polarity is
sensed, the microprocessor turns on the triac only when the
AC waveform is of the same polarity. For example the micro-
processor senses when the voltage across the motor windings isalways + to - and then turns on the triac. Thus, the motor 36
is driven with a direct current and produces a braking action
on the motor 36. As the braking action is over very small
periods of time, the microprocessor may be set to deliver
precise quantities of brewing substances 53a from the hopper
container 34 to the brewing chamber 24.
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The present inv:ention also includes means 230 for
selectively combining two or more substances for brewing,
flavouring and mixing a brewed beverage. The combining means
230 includes a plurality of controllable substance dispensers
or hopper assemblies 22 which are positioned to communicate
with the brew chamber 24 by dispensing a desired substance
lnto the funnel 47 leading into the brewing chamber 24. Each
of the plurality of substance dispenser 22 includes the hopper
motor 36, controller 96 over control lines. The substance
dispensers 22 further include the hopper container 34 in
conjunction with the auger 38 extending through the hopper
container 34 and driven by the motor 36 in accordance with the
details provided hereinabove. The selectively controlling
means 32 controls the plurality of controllable dispensers 22
for dispensing a predetermined quantity of a selected type of
substance from at least two of the controllable dispensers 22
for producing a predetermined selected beverage.
An example for selectively combining two or more
substances while brewing may include dispensing an appropriate
beverage brewing substance in combination with a sweetening or
flavouring additive. The user selects a desired resultant
beverage at the control means 32 which then activates the
controllable substance dispensers 22 to dispense an appropriate
quantity of substance from the respective hopper containers 34
to achieve the desired resulted beverage.
To provide a more specific illustration of the
selectively combining means 230, the present invention may be
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_
used to produce a sweetened cafe mocha. Cafe mocha includes
coffee, a cocoa substance and a sweetening substance. In
this case, at least three controllable substance dispensers 22
are required for this application. In use, the user selects
the desired beverage, in this case sweetened cafe mocha, at
the control means 32. The control means then activates each
of the three controllable dispensers 22 to dispense the
appropriate quantity of substance therefrom. A first substance
dispenser 22 is activated to dispense a desired quantity of
coffee meal into the brew chamber 24. A second substance
dispenser 22 is activated to dispense an appropriate quantity
of cocoa into the brew chamber 24. Finally, a third substance
dispenser 22 is activated to dispense an appropriate quantity
of sweetening additive such as sugar or an artificial sugar.
Another example would be if a user desires sweetened mocha with
a touch of another spice such as cinnamon. The procedure
described hereinabove would be carried out but an additional
substance dispenser 22 would be provided which would contain
cinnamon and an appropriate quantity of cinnamon would be
dispensed into the brewing chamber 24 upon selection of the
desired beverage.
It is clear that a series of substance dispensers 22
can be arranged to deliver appropriate quantities of desired
substances to the brew chamber for brewing, flavouring and
mixing a desired brewed beverage.
Figure 1 provides a diagrammatic representation of
the hydraulic and electrical organization of the present
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invention. Figure 6 provides a schematic diagram of the
water flow circuit, including the electrical control lines 108,
102, 111 interconnected between the controller 96 and the
control valves 80, 82a, 82b, respectively.
Since the inlet line 78 is constantly open and
imposing inflowing water pressure on the reservoir 76, the
reservoir is constantly topped-off even when not in use. Such
topping off maintains the reservoir 76 in a filled condition
and ready to brew upon demand at any time.
An additional feature of the present invention is
the ability to conserve heated water in the reservoir 76.
While the inlet line 78 is constantly open and imposing inflow-
ing water pressure on the reservoir 76, the reservoir also
develops a certain degree of pressure caused by heating and
subsequent expansion of water retained in the reservoir 76.
As the cool water enters the bottom of the reservoir, the
heating element 93 heats the water which causes heated water
to rise toward the top of the reservoir 76 and cooler water to
remain towards the bottom of the reservoir 76. The control
valves 80, 82, 82a, 82b prevent expansion of water in the
reservoir into any of the lines which they control. A pressure
relief valve 82c is provided on the cold water line 88 such
that expanding water from the reservoir 76 which is at a
pressure in excess of a predetermined reservoir pressure is
released through the relief valve 82c and is drained into the
collection sump 63 through drain line 232. By relieving
excessive pressure through the bottom of the reservoir 76, the
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heated water towards the top of the reservoir 76 is conserved
thereby conserving the energy and the time required to heat
the reservoir water.
The rinse water solenoid valve 82a is controlled
over line 102 to control flow through the rinse water line 84
for providing controlled pressurized water flow to the funnel
portion 46 to rinse any brewing substance 53a off of the
funnel 46. After a quantity of brewing substance 53a is
dispensed by the hopper assembly 22, the controller 96 signals
the rinse water valve 82a and brew water valve 80 over lines
102, 108, respectively, to open and allow water to flow
through the rinse water line 84 and the brew water line 86.
The water dispensed from the rinse line 84 by the valve 82a
rinses the funnel 46 and then~collects in the brew chamber 45
making up part of the water which is used to float the brewing
substance before the brewing water is dispensed. The water
from the brew water line 86 provides additional water to float
the brewing substance. Both sources of water 84, 86 are
utilized so as to expedite the step of dispensing float water
into the brewing chamber 45. After a predetermined period of
time the controller 96 signals the rinse water and brew water
valves 82a, 80 to close thereby terminating the flow of water
into the brew chamber 45.
Since the controller may be programmed for a steep
time, there may be a period of time between dispensing the
float water and dispensing additional brew water. At the
appropriate time, for example after the preset steep time, the
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controller 96 signals the brew water valve 80 over line 108
to open and allow water to flow through the brew line 86.
Water flows through the inlet line 78 simultaneous therewith
to introduce non-heated water into the bottom of the reservoir
76 thereby displacing the heated water in the reservoir 76
upwardly and out through the brew line 86. With the brew water
valve 80 opened, water flows through the brew line 86 and into
the brewing chamber 45 for infusion with the brewing substance.
At the end of the brew water dispensing cycle the controller
96 signals the brew water valve 80 to close thereby ceasing
the flow of brew water into the brewing chamber 45.
As further shown in Figure 6, a pressure switch 90a
is provided on the inlet line 78 and is connected with the
controller 96 via line lOOa. The pressure switch 90a may be
calibrated to a predetermined pressure setting so that a
prespecified minimum pressure level must be developed in the
inlet line 78 for the apparatus 20 to operate. This pressure
switch 90a prevents back pressure and improper brewing.
A flow meter 90b is used to measure the amount of
water the apparatus is using during each brewing cycle and is
in communication with the controller 96 via line lOOc. A
primary pressure regulator 90c maintains the inlet line 78 at
a consistent predetermined pressure level, for example 20
p.s.i. dynamic. The primary pressure regulator 90c establishes
and assures a consistent working water pressure for the entire
hydraulic circuit.
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The heated water reservoir 76 also includes the
thermostatically controlled heating element 93 which is
controlled over control line 105 by a thermostatic device of
known construction.
In summary, when operation of the brewer 20 is
activated by switch means 104 the controller 96 activates the
discharge valve 55a to close the waste line 55c. The
controller 96 activates the motor 36 through control line 106
to measure out a predetermined amount of beverage brewing
substance 53a from the hopper assembly 22 into the funnel
portion 46. A plurality of substance dispensers 22 can be
provided to dispense a variety of substances into the brewing
chamber 24 to achieve a predetermined desired mix to a resulted
brewed beverage.
After a predetermined amount of beverage brewing
substance 53a has been dispensed into the funnel portion 46,
the controller 96 activates the rinse water valve 82a, the
brew water valve 80 for a predetermined period of time over
control lines 102, 108, respectively, to introduce rinse water
through the rinse water line 84 into the funnel portion 46 and
to quickly prefill the brewing chamber. At the end of
dispensing prefill or float water, the controller 96 may allow
the brewing substance to steep for a predetermined period of
time. At the end of the steep time, the controller 96 opens
the brew water valve 80 to dispense brew water into the brew
chamber which results from water flowing through the inlet line
and into the heated water reservoir 76 to displace heated
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water thereby lntroducing brew water into the brew chamber 45
through the brew line 86.
The present invention also provides the ability to
brew large quantities of brewed beverage thereby eliminating
the need to brew multiple smaller quantities of a desired
beverage. With reference to Figures 10, 11 and 12, the
automatic beverage brewing apparatus 20 can be connected by
means 234 for providing a beverage path to dispense a desired
brewed beverage to a remote beverage container 236. The
remote beverage container 236 provides a receptacle for large
quantities of brewed beverage produced in the brewing chamber
24.
It should be noted that the brewing chamber 24 as
shown in the present invention may be capable of producing
upwards of a gallon or more of brewed beverage. Additionally,
since the present invention is highly automated, multiple
brewing cycles can be employed to produce~quantities of brewed
beverage greater than a quantity which would be produced by a
single brewing cycle using a maximum amount of brewing
substance in the brewing chamber 24.
The ability to brew beverage and dispense the
beverage to a remote container 236 provides the ability to
increase the utilization of the beverage brewer beyond the
capacity of ]ust the vessels or containers 57 which are
positionable in the brewing apparatus 20 itself. This ability
is especially important to large volume users which may need
to transport brewed beverage to a variety of locations yet
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are not capable of providing an individual beverage brewing
apparatus at each location.
The means 234 for providing a beverage path includes
a dispensing hose or line 238 having a first end 240 which is
removably attaohed to the automatic beverage brewing
apparatus 20 and receives a brewed beverage through the large
quantity discharge line 226. A second end 242 is removably
couplable with the remote beverage container 236. The second
end 242 includes a quickly releasable coupling of a known
design to provide coupling and decoupIing without the use of
tools and which also provides a stop valve or non-drip valve
when the couple is disconnected.
As shown in Figure 12, the dispensing line 238 can
be connected to a drain conduit 244 (see Figure 1) which is
connected to the primary drain line 59. This feature allows
the dispensing line 238 to be connected to the drain conduit
244 so that fluid or material passing through the dispensing
line 238 drains into the drain conduit 244 and therefore the
primary drain line 59. The dispensing line as shown in
Figures 10, 11 and 12 has a hose having a length dimension
such that gravity induced positive drainage is provided
between the first end 240 and the second end 242 when the
second end 242 is attached to the drain conduit 244. The
quickly releasable coupling on the second end 242 of the
dispensing line 238 also provides the advantage of quickly
coupllng and decoupling when attaching to the free end of the
drain conduit 244.
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.~
The remote beverage container capability of the
present invention may be used in a manual capacity such that
a user disconn-ects the hose 238 from the drain conduit 244 and
connects it to a remote beverage container 236. After
selecting a desired brewed substance and a desired quantity
on a control panel 245 which is coupled to the controller 96,
a desired quantity of the brewed beverage is dispensed into
the beverage container 236. The controller 96 includes a
microprocessor which is preprogrammed and programmable to
operate the apparatus 20 through one or more brewing cycles
of a selected brewing substance to achieve a desired brewed
beverage. The user selects a beverage type whereupon a
quantity and the programming in the microprocessor carries out
the functions and operates the apparatus 20 to produce the
desired quantity of the selected beverage.
The remote brewing capabilities can also be used
in a more highly automated capacity such that the present
invention also provides for a means for controllably indexing
246 a series of remote beverage containers 236. The means
for indexing 246 is coupled to the controller 96 by control
line 248. The means for indexing 246 is a moving device of
known design which is capable of moving objects in either a
rotary or linear path as well as a horizontal or vertical
direction. The driving mechanism of the means for indexing
246 is coupled to the controller 96. The progr~mm;ng in the
microprocessor in the controller 96 provides commands to
operate the means for indexing 246. The commands from the
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.
controller 96 incrementally index a remote beverage container
236 into position for receiving a brewed beverage from the
apparatus 20 upon receiving an appropriate command during a
brewing cycle.
The present invention also provides means for
controllably connecting and disconnecting 250 the second end
242 of the dispensing line 238 to the remote beverage container
236. The means for connecting and disconnecting 250 is a
controllable placing mechanism such as a simplified robotic
arm of a known design. The means for controllably connecting
and disconnecting 250 also receives commands from the
controller 96 such that the programming in the microprocessor
of the controller 96 activates and controls the means for
controllably connecting and disconnecting 250.
When the controller 96 commands the indexing means
246 to position a remote container 236 in position for
receiving a brewed beverage, the controller 96 also commands
the means for controllably connecting and disconnecting 250 to
connect the second end 242 to the remote container 236. The
means for controllably connecting and disconnecting 250 is
fitted with an attachment to which the second end 242 is
attached. In this way, the means for controllably connecting
and disconnecting 250 merely needs to lift up or push down on
the end 242 to properly position it with respect to a remote
beverage container 236 positioned therebelow. Figure 11
provides a plan view of the elevational view as shown in
Figure 10.
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In use, the user selects a type of beverage to be
brewed and a desired quantity of the beverage. The user
selects the quantity and type of beverage by means of the
control panel 245 which is connected to the controller 96.
The controller 96 includes the microprocessor and programming
to control the means for indexing 246 and the means for
controllably connecting and disconnecting 250 the second end
242 of the dispensing line 238.
When the brewing cycle is started, the controller 96
indexes a remote container 236 in position below the coupling
242 whereupon the means for controllably connecting and
disconnecting 250 attaches the coupling 242 to the remote
container 236 after a predetermined quantity of beverage is
dispensed into the remote container 236l the means for
controllably connecting and disconnecting 250 may be signaled
to disconnect the coupling 242 from the container 236. At
this point, the controller 96 may control the indexing means
246 to index another remote container 236 into position below
the coupling 242. The cycle of indexing and connecting and
disconnecting as well as dispensing a brewed beverage is
repeated for as many cycles as is required to achieve the
preselected quantity of the predetermined type of brewed
beverage as selected by the user on the control panel 245.
The drive apparatus 28 is also controlled by the
central controller 96 by means of a power control line 110
and an optical sensor 112 (as shown in Figure 1) associated
with the central controller 96 by control line 114. Movement
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of the components of the drive apparatus 28 are regulated by
signals generated by the optical sensor 112. The sensor 112
employs a light transmitter device 112a and a receiver device
112b and a disc 112c. The disc 112c is attached to the end
of the lead screw 62 between the transmitter 112a and the
receiver 112b. A number of holes (not shown) having
predetermined spacing therebetween are formed through the
disc 112c to permit the light (as represented by dotted line
112d) from the transmitter 112a to pass therethrough. ~Ihen
light 112d passes through the holes the receiver 112b senses
the light 112d, essentially in the form of "on" and "off"
signals indicating the number of holes that have passed the
beam path, and sends a signal over line 114 to the controller
96. The controller 96 uses the signals from the receiver 112b
to control the drive apparatus 28.
The piston assembly 26 includes the spool 58 and a
shank portion 60 extending therefrom. As discussed herein-
above, the piston assembly 26 also includes means for
controllably moving the spool 28. As shown in Figures 1-5
and 7-9, the spool 58 includes a head 122 which terminates in
a domed surface 124, a base 125, and a necked portion 127.
Figures 7, 8 and 9 show three different embodiments of the
spool 58, 58a, 58b of the present invention. Regardless of
the embodiment, the spool 58 is disposed in the brew chamber
with the head 122 controllably movable in the inlet 43 and
the base controllably movable in the outlet 41. As shown in
Figure 5, an outside surface 123 of the head 122 projecting
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through the inlet 43 seals against a gasket 130 retained in
the inlet 43. Similarly, a gasket 134 positioned inside the
outlet 41 seals the base when positioned in the outlet 41.
The outlet 41 communicates with the drain body 54.
With reference to Figure 7, the head 122 also
includes an undercut portion 131 formed between the head 122
and the necked portion 127. The necked portion extends from
the base 125 upwardly and slightly inwardly towards the
undercut portion 131. The embodiment of the necked portion 127
as shown in Figure 7 has a frusto-conical shape. The combina-
tion of the undercut portion 131 and the necked portion 127
provides a concealed location for a port 178 formed in an
outer surface of the undercut portion 131. The port 178
connects to a bore 176 of the water distribution system.
With reference to Figures 8 and 9, portions of the
embodiment shown therein which are substantially similar or
are identical to the embodiment as shown in Figure 7 will use
the same reference numeral with the addition of a suffix
added thereto. For example, such numbers used in Figure 8
will include a "a" suffix while the reference numerals employed
in Figure 9 will use a "b" suffix.
As shown in Figure 8 a first alternate embodiment of
a spool 58a as employed in the present invention is shown
therein. The head 122a includes an undercut portion 131a, a
base portion 125a and a necked portion 127a. A first segment
133a of the necked portion 127a includes an exterior surface
which is substantially parallel to the central axis 56. A
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second portion 135a of the necked portion 127a extends radially
outwardly from the first portion 133a to the base 125a defining
a frusto-conical surface.
With reference to Figure 9, the necked portion 127b
extending between the head 122b and the base 125b has an
exterior surface 137b which defines a continuously curving
concave surface. The curvature of the necked portion 127b as
shown in Figure 9 begins at an uppermost portion 139b of the
base 125b and curves upwardly towards the undercut portion 131b.
Once again, regardless ~f the embodiment of the spool
58, 58a, 58b as presented in the drawings (see Figures 7, 8 and
9), the head 122 and the base 125 are sized and dimensioned to
perform controllable opening and sealing functions during the
brewing process. With reference to Figures 3 and 4, an
exterior surface 141 of the base 125 has a dimension 143 which
maintains the outlet in a sealed condition over a predetermined
range of travel of the spool 58 within the brew chamber.
Similarly, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the outer surface
123 of the head 122 has a dimension 145 which maintains the
inlet 43 in a sealed condition over a predetermined desired
range of movement of the spool 58.
The filter assembly 164 is positioned in the lower
portion 44 of the brew chamber assembly. An aperture 147 is
formed through the filter assembly 164 and is sized and
dimensioned to allow the base 125 to pass therethrough during
the brewing process. Additionally, when the top assembly 42
is removed from the brew chamber assembly 24, the filter
63632-1359F
2181227
assembly 164 can be removed therefrom by sliding the filter
assembly 164 upwardly over the outside surface 141 of the
base 125 past the necked portion 127 and upwardly over the
outside surface 123 of the head 122. As can be seen from the
spool 58, 58a, 58b, as shown in Figures 7-9, the head 122 and
the base 125 of the spool 58 have external dimensions 151,
153, respectively, which are less than or substantially equal
to an inside dimension 155 of the aperture 147. Further, it
should be noted that the exterior dimension 151 of the head
122 is less than or substantially equal to the exterior
dimension 155 of the base 125. As such, the filter assembly
164 can be easily installed or removed by simply moving it
over the spool 58.
As shown in the cross section of Figure 2, the spray
manifold assembly 50 includes a circular manifold plate 136
in which is formed a distribution channel 138 and a channel
covering ring 140 which sealably covers the distribution
channel 138 with an inside and an outside O-ring 142, 144,
respectively. A gap 146 is formed between the channel cover
ring 140 and the bottom of the distribution channel 138. The
brew line 86 extends through the channel cover ring 140 and
communicates with the gap 146 to distribute water throughout
the distribution channel 138. Water is distributed over the
beverage brewing substance through a series of manifold
apertures 148 formed through the distribution channel 138.
As will be seen in Figure 4, water flowing through the
manifold apertures 148 is distributed generally evenly over
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2181227
the surface of the beverage brewing substance retained in the
brew chamber assembly 24 to maximize the infusion of such
substance.
Rod members 150 extend between the manifold plate
136 and a basket member 152 of the filter assembly 52. The
rod members 150 have a head 154 at one end and threadedly
engage a wingnut 156 at the other end. This arrangement
sealably clamps the housing member 40 between the manifold
plate 136 and the basket member 152. A seal is effected ~y
sealing members 158 positioned between edges of the housing
member 40 and corresponding surfaces of the manifold plate
and the basket member 152.
A structural sieve 160 is cooperatively retained in
the basket member 152 of the filter assembly 52 for supporting
an overlying cover filter material 164. Perforations 162 are
formed through the structural sieve 160 to permit fluids to
pass therethrough. Pores 166 extending through the filter
material 164 permit fluid to pass therethrough and subsequently
through the perforations 162 formed through the structural
sieve 160. It should be noted that the perforations 162 and
the pores 166 shown in Figures 2-5 have been exaggerated for
illustrative purposes. Fluid which passes through the filter
material 164 and the structural sieve 160 collects in a
collection space 168 formed between the structural sieve 160
and the basket member 152. Fluid collected therein flows
through the dispensing line 55b and into an appropriate
collection container 57.
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A "Y" intersection is formed in the drain body
between the exhaust tube 59 and the piston housing 61. The
downwardly oriented direction of-the exhaust tube 59 promotes
the flow of spent brewing substance out of the brew chamber 45
during the flushing phase of the brew cycle. The shank portion
60 of the piston assembly passes through a sealed chamber 170
in the piston housing 61. The sealed chamber 170 is sealed at
a top end and a bottom end.
The sealed chamber 170 forms a displaceable coupling
with the flush water line 90 to permit water to flow from the
flush water line 90 through a flush water bore 172 formed
generally coaxial with the central axis 56 extending through
the piston assembly 26. Flush water flowing from the flush
water line 90 flows into the sealed chamber 170 and through an
inlet aperture 174. Water flows through the flush water bore
172 upwardly towards the enlarged~head 122 and is forced
through a downwardly directed port 176 formed on an underside
of the enlarged head 122 and out through a nozzle 178 attached
to the end of the port 176. A top gasket and a bottom gasket
180, 182, respectively, form a seal between the sealed chamber
170 and the shank portion 60 and prevent leaking while the
piston assembly 26 is rotated and axially displaced by the
drive apparatus 28. A bottom portion of the piston housing 61
is sealed by a cap member 184 threadedly retained thereon.
Figure 2 provides further detail as to the configura-
tion and operation of the drive apparatus 28. As shown, the
lead screw 62 has a male portion 186 which couples with a
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2181227
"_
recess 188 formed in the operating gear 68. A pin 190
projecting through a collar 191 retains the lead screw 62 in
engagement with the operating gear 68. Similarly, the shank
portion 60 has a male portion 186a which couples with a
recess 188a in an opposite side of the operating gear 68. A
pin l90a projecting through a collar l91a retains the shank
portion 60 in engagement with the operating gear 68. The lead
screw 62 threadedly engages the acme nut 70 which is securely
retained on the mounting member 72.
Referring now to Figures 3-5, the function of the
present invention during the brewing operation is discussed.
As shown in Figure 3, upon activation of the brewer 20 at the
control panel 245, the controller g6 signals the motor 64 of
the drive apparatus 28 over line 110 to downwardly displace
(as indicated by arrow 201) the spool portion 58 to displace
the enlarged head portion 122 from the throat 43 to open the
throat for receiving a quantity of beverage brewing substance tas
indicated by particles 53a) to be disposed into the funnel
portion 46 and pass into the brew chamber 45. A variety of
substances may be dispensed by the substance dispensers 22 to
produce a desired beverage having a mixture of substances as
discussed hereinabove. The controller operates the necessary
substance dispensers 22 to dispense the substances necessary
to achieve the desired beverage selected by the user at the
control panel 245.
The controller 96 next signals the discharge valve
55a over line 55d to close the waste line 55c and the rinse
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2181227
-
water valve 82a over line 102. Dispensing line 55b is normally
closed and therefore does not need to be closed at this point
of the brewing operation. The controller also signals the
brew water valve 80 over line 108 to dispense a predetermined
quantity of heated water. Use of both the rinse line 84 and
the brew water line 86 expedites the step of dispensing prefill
or floating water into the chamber.
The rinse water line 84 will dispense water at a
higher pressure than the brew water line 84 since the brew
water line 84 pressure is limited by the flow control valve
82d. The higher pressure rinse water acts to flush the
particles 53a out of the funnel portion 46 and down through
the throat 4 into the brew chamber 45. Further, the rinse
water washes particles off of the enlarged head portion 122
and the domed surface 124 thereby providing a better seal
between the gasket 130 and the enlarged head portion 122 when
the spool 58 is upwardly displaced. The rinse water, brew
water, and the beverage brewing substance 53a collect in the
filter assembly 52 with the substance 53a floating on the
heated water.
As shown in Figure 4, the spool 58 is moved upwardly
(as indicated by arrow 206) to seal the throat 43 formed
through the chamber top assembly 42. Note also that the drain
hole 41 formed through the chamber bottom assembly 44 is
sealed by the spool portion 58 at this point in the brew cycle.
Sealing the brew chamber at the top and bottom prevents the
escape of steam during the steeping step.
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Control of the steeping time allows for controlled
variable extraction of oils and sediments from the brewing
substance providing predetermined brewed beverage results.
For example, a smaller quantity of brewing substance which is
allowed to steep for a longer period of time may produce the
same quantity and intensity of brewed beverage as would a
greater quantity of brewing substance which is not allowed
to steep.
After a predetermined period of time, or pause, the
steeping step is concluded and the brewing procèss continues.
Water is introduced through the inlet line 78 and dispenses
water into the heated water reservoir 76 to displace the
heated water retained therein once the brew water valve 80 is
opened. Water displaced from the heated water reservoir 76
flows through the brew water line 86 and flows through the
gap 146 formed between the distribution channel 138 and the
channel cover ring 144. Brew water flows through the gap 146
and is dispersed over the beverage brewing substance 53a upon
flowing through the plurality of annularly arranged manifold
apertures 148 formed through the distribution channel 138.
The circle of manifold apertures 148 generally evenly
distribute the brew water thereby assuring that all of the
beverage brewing substance is thoroughly infused with brewing
water to maximize the efficiency of the brewing operation.
The discharge valve 55a is selectively controlled to open a
path through the dispensing line 55b for a predetermined period
of time as set at the controller 96.
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2l8l227
Once the beverage brewing substance 53a is infused,
a brewed beverage (as indicated by arrows 53) flows through
the pores 166 formed through the cover filter material 164
and through the perforations 162 formed through the structural
sieve 160. The brewed beverage 53 collects in the collection
space168 and flows into the discharge tube 55 and through the
discharge valve 55a, the dispensing line 55b and into the
container 57.
Of course, the large quantity brewing feature may be
utilized to brew larger quantities of a brewed beverage. As
discussed hereinabove, the user may select a larger quantity
of a desired beverage and the controller 96 will operate the
indexing means 246 and the means for connecting and disconnect-
ing 50 the coupling 242 to provide an automated production of
large quantities of a brewed beverage. Of course, the user
can select only a single remote container 236 of a brewed
beverage and as such~may manually couple or disconnect the
coupling 242 to the remote container 236. Whether the coupling
242 is attached manually or automatically, the controllable
valve 55e will operate to direct the flow through the dlscharge
line 55 into the large quantity line 226 to dispense the large
quantity of brewed beverage into the remote beverage container
236.
After the brewing process i5 completed, the next
step is to flush the brew chamber 45 with water to remove the
spent beverage brewing substance 53a therefrom and scrub the
brew chamber. As a first step, at the completion of the
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`
brewing cycle the controller 96 signals the valve 55a to close
both the dispensing line 55b and the waste line thereby
preventing flush water from the flush cycle from draining
through the discharge tube 55.
At the end of the flush cycle, a quantity of cold
water is introduced through the spool 58 via the line 90 to
break the vacuum created inside of the chamber by the unheated
water used during the flush cycle. The additional cold water
breaks the vacuum by slightly increasing the internal pressure.
By increasing the internal pressure, the seals between the
piston at the throat are easily uncoupled and therefore makes
breaching the vacuum easier.
Next, the spool 58 is raised (as shown in Figure 5)
to open the drain 41 and allow a substantial portion of the
slurry of the spent brewing substance and remaining brewing
water to flow out through the exhaust tube 59. Shortly before
the opening of the drain 41, the controller 96 signals the
brew water valve 80 to close and terminate the flow of brewing
water therethrough.
Next, the flush water valve 82b which initiates the
flow of water through the flush water line 90 and out through
the bore 178 formed in the spool 58. The spool 58 is rotated
while the flush water is flowing therethrough to quickly rinse
the chamber while the spool 58 is in the raised position.
Water from this flush step is allowed to drain. The flush
water is terminated by closing the flush water valve 82b and
the spool 58 is lowered to seal the drain 41 and open the
throat 43.
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A floating flush step is initiated by introducing
water into the chamber by means of the brew water, rinse water
and flush water lines, 84, 86, 90, respectively. Because both
paths 55b, 55c through the valve 55a and the drain hole 41
are sealed, the incoming water accumulates in the chamber 45.
As a result of the accumulation of water in the chamber 45,
the spent brewing substance is floated off of the filter
material thereby preventing clogging of the pores in the filter
material.
When the flush water valve 82b is opened, water flows
through the flush water line 90 into the sealed cha~ber 170
and up through the flush water bore 172. Water flows from the
bore 178 and onto the inside surface 214 of the housing member
40 for rinsing and removing beverage brewing substance 53a and
other matter therefrom. Additionally, the spray of water from
the bore 178 is directed towards the inside surface 214 which
results in driving the floating brewlng substance 53a towards
the center of the brewing chamber 45 where it flows down the
drain hole 41 without clinging to any of the surfaces of the
brewing chamber 45. The bore 178 as used in the present
invention provides at least a 90 spray angle so that the water
flushes the top edge of the inside surface 214 of the housing
member 40. Further, because the spool portion 58 rotates (as
indicated by arrow 216) about the central axis 56, a single
bore 178 may be employed to spray the entire brew chamber 45
during the flushing operation. It should`be noted, however,
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-
that multiple bores 178 or nozzles may be used to further
enhance the flushing operation.
As the spool 58 rotates and emits a spray of flush
water, it moves upwardly to a position just before it unseals
from the drain 41. In this position, the spool 58 begins to
rotate at high speed while it continues to emit flush water.
Flow from the rinse and brew water lines 84, 86 are
terminated. The rapid rotation of the spool 58 and the spray
of flush water being emitted therefrom induce the accumulated
water to swirl within the chamber and agitate any material
free from the filter material as well as scrub clean the
interior surfaces of the chamber. This dramatic swirling
and agitation action continues for a period of approximately
2 or 3 seconds before the spool 58 is finally raised to the
point at which it unseals from the drain 41. Once unsealed
from the drain 41, the spool 58 continues to rotate for a
brief period of time.
The spool 58 is moved upwardly (as indicated by
arrow 210) as shown in Figure 5 for moving the enlarged head
portion 122 upwardly through the throat 43 thereby disengaging
a lower portion 212 of the spool 58 from the draln hole 41.
Once the drain hole 41 is opened, the accumulated water
swirling in the chamber under the influence of the rotating
spool 58, including the spent brewing substance 53a which was
floated or agitated off of the filter material, flows out of
the brewing chamber 45 through the drain hole 41.
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2181227
The beverage brewing substance 53a is flushed
through the exhaust tube 59 and into the waste sump 63. Waste
water (as indicated by arrows 218 in Figure 5) which flows
through the filter assembly 52 flows into the discharge tube
55. Because it would be highly undesirable to have waste
water flowing into the freshly brewed beverage or into the
collection container area, the discharge valve 55a is
selectively controlled to maintain the path through the
dispensing line 55b closed~and to open the path through the
waste line 55c.
After the spool 58 is moving upward, spool 58
continues to spray flush water for at least another rotation
to provide a final rinse of chamber. At the completion of
the flushing cycle, the lower portion 212 of the spool portion
58 is sealably seated in the drain hole 41.
The spool 58 is axially displaced as well as rotated
during the flushing cycle because of the thread arrangement
on the lead screw 62. The lead screw 62 and the acme nut 70
are essentially self-cleaning and therefore this arrangement
is not susceptible to build up of foreign matter as does the
prior art.
When cleaning or repairing the filter assembly 164,
the top assembly 42 is removed from the brew chamber 24.
With the top assembly 42 removed, the filter assembly 164 may
be lifted upwardly off of the bottom assembly 44 and along
the spool 58. Since the aperture 147 of the filter assembly
164 has an internal dimension 155 which is greater than or
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substantially equal to the corresponding exterior dimensions
155, 151 of the base 125 and the head 122, the filter assembly
164 may be removed from the apparatus without removing or
disengaging the spool 58.
While a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is shown and described, it is envisioned that those
skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the
present invention without departing from the spirit and scope
of the appended claims. The invention is not intended to be
limited by the:foregoing disclosure, but only by the following
appended claims.
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