Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
LIQUID BEVERAGE DISPENSING MACHINE
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to beverage making machines and more
particularly
relates to improvements in such machines for dispensing hot beverages such as
coffee. Widespread consumption of coffee has spawned production of various
machines for dispensing and brewing coffee. These machines can be generally
divided into two main categories namely vending machines which may be operated
by
consumers on demand and which dispense coffee and other hot beverages
according
to a mix prescribed by the consumer and generally at the touch of a button.
Those
machines provide a generally Iow standard of beverage, but they are quick and
convenient and therefore have satisfied a particular market. The second
category of
machine is the brewing type which brews coffee beans and produces a higher
quality
of coffee such as cappuccino. There is a wide class of coffee consumers which
are
discerning as to quality and demand a high standard of coffee. Coffee brewing
machines have been able to satisfy this market. The present invention is
directed
towards improvements in vending and expresso machines and particularly the
latter
category of machines which have primarily been adapted for brewing coffee from
coffee ground. More particularly, the present invention provides a coffee
dispensing
machine capable of dispensing hot beverages such as coffees including
cappuccino
using soluble coffee and means for controlling and monitoring the delivery
temperature of the beverage.
PRIOR ART
Known hot beverage dispensing machines employ a source of hot water which is
mixed with a beverage such as hot chocolate or coffee. These machines include
a
1
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
mixing station at which the mixing of the beverage takes place. Vending
machines
allow the consumer to select the beverage and the machine does the rest. The
beverages delivered by these machines are usually low quality and are not
monitored
by an operator.
Known coffee brewing machines are more sophisticated than the vending machines
and normally require an operator. Traditionally these machines are known as
expresso
machines and utilise coffee beans but the quality of coffee is largely
dependent upon
techniques in making the coffee. Till now, technological developments in the
coffee
industry have focused on the fresh coffee (espresso and cappuccino) segment
ignoring
the soluble coffee segment. However, fresh coffee developments have failed to
address significant issues in both milk-based and filter varieties. The known
brewing
machines are effective with potentially high output when operated by a skilled
barista.
A typical prior art coffee brewing machine is disclosed in US patent 4,681,028
which
teaches a simple coffee machine having a housing, a fresh water supply
reservoir
mounted therein, a heating element adapted to heat fresh water supplied to a
brewing
chamber under pressure. The brewing chamber includes an inlet and an outlet
for the
coffee and further includes a water pump and driving control.
US patent 4,491,063 discloses an automatic coffee machine which distributes
hot
water under pressure from a tank,. boiler or the like and delivers it to a
chamber
where coffee powder is contained. The machine includes filtration of the
infusion
obtained by the passing of the hot water through the coffee powder. Some of
the
prior art in this field has been directed to means for avoidance of clogging
of the inlet
holes of the hot water to the chamber holding the coffee powder.
2
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
US patent 6,035,762 discloses an expresso coffee machine which operates with
filter
capsules and includes a brewing unit with two brewing chamber parts which are
connected to a brewing water heater and being provided with a multiple nozzle.
US patent 6,003,435 discloses a coffee making machine of the type to deliver
hot
water during a brewing cycle to ground coffee supported in a removable filter
unit and
includes a heated reservoir for water heating and storage and a spray head to
deliver
heated water from the reservoir to the filter unit. The unit includes a valued
conduit
which delivers a first amount of heated water from the reservoir to the spray
head and
a second valve conduit which delivers a second amount of heated water from the
reservoir to the spray head. Selection switches allow an operator to select an
amount
of coffee to be brewed. The unit further includes a controller in
communication with
the selection switches and controls actuation of the first and second valued
conduit
during a brewing cycle to deliver an appropriate amount of heated water to the
spray
head for delivery to ground coffee in the filter unit thereby to brew the
selected
amount of coffee.
Another known expresso coffee machine is disclosed in US patent 5,388,502
which
discloses an expresso coffee machine including an electric water heater and a
filter
basket holder which has a brewing chamber for receiving coffee grounds in a
pouring
device arranged at its' bottom. The coffee machine fixrther includes a first
duct and a
second duct having a steam outlet. The first duct opens into the filter basket
holding
device so as to connect the brewing chamber to the water heater and it
includes a
through flow controlling valve arranged therein which is always closed when
the filter
basket holder is not inserted. After the filter basket is inserted into the
machine the
filter basket holder causes the filter valve to move from its closed position
into an
open position. Another coffee making machine is disclosed in US patent
5,063,836.
3
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
and described therein comprises a reservoir connected to a mains water supply
and
including a level sensor controlling the water refill valve to the reservoir.
The
machine further includes a thermostatically controlled heating element wherein
the
thermostat and refill valve are controlled by a single modular replaceable
solid state
circuit board. The level sensor functions cause refill of the reservoir to the
appropriate
level sensor functions to cause refill of the reservoir to the appropriate
level for
subsequent brewing of coffee irrespective of the mains water pressure and the
route
by which water may previously have been removed from the reservoir. The
electronically controlled thermostat allows only small drops in temperature
for
example 3 deg F before operating to reheat the water in the reservoir. This
allows the
water to be stored at closer to the boiling point and delivered to contact
coffee for
brewing purposes at temperatures of not less than 200 deg.
Traditionally, coffee brewing machines employ coffee beans or grounds in
making the
coffee and to the best of the applicant's knowledge there has been no use
previously
of instant coffee in coffee brewing machines. Soluble coffee could not
previously be
used in expresso brewing machines due to the method of operation expresso
machines
operate. Coffee ground or beans is identified in the industry as non soluble
coffee
wherein the grounds do not spontaneously dissolve in water . instant coffee is
described as soluble coffee. Traditionally, soluble coffee has not been used
in coffee
brewing machines as no effective techniques have been achieved and no
appropriate
equipment developed to enable use of this grade of coffee in the production of
brewed
coffee by brewing machines. If instant coffee was used in traditional expresso
machines it would become an amorphous mass of congealed coffee which could not
be used In conventional expresso machines, coffee grounds are subject to steam
under pressure which forces the flavour from the coffee grounds. Grounds can
4
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
withstand steam but due to the physical nature of soluble coffee it cannot be
used with
steam pressurisation necessitating substantial changes to known machines of
soluble
coffee is to be dispensed
There is a need to provide coffee to the quality of brewed coffee in a much
faster
time than can be now achieved using conventional machines. Traditionally,
brewed
coffee takes a number of minutes to prepare but there are occasions where
consumers
may demand coffee in less thin 30 seconds. Conventional machines are not
adapted
for use with soluble coffees nor for speedy production of coffee beverages so
the
market in fast production of high quality coffee from brewing machines has not
hitherto previously been exploited.
Traditional coffee brewing machines have two boilers one which generates hot
water
for making the coffee and the other for making steam. Conventional wisdom has
been
to date that it is not possible to produce brewed coffee from machines using
only one
boiler within the foot print of the same size as or in a space smaller than
existing
machines. Accordingly, the conventional machine designs have remained static
for
some time. Coffee machines ideally deliver coffee at an exit temperature of
around 87
deg C although up to about 93 deg C is an acceptable coffee delivery
temperature.
During mass production of coffee from a machine, the exit temperature must be
maintained to ensure the coffee is delivered to the consumer at the required
temperature.
This can sometimes be difficult to achieve during peak loads. The steam
required
during preparation of the coffee is ideally distributed at around 100 deg C.
Temperature control is effected by means of thermostats and in the prior art
machines
heat exchange takes place by contact with ambient air at an outlet which can
be an
inefficient means of temperature control possibly resulting in delivery of
coffee which
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
is too hot. One of the problems of the prior art machines is the maintenance
of the
required discharge temperatures particularly during mass production of coffee.
A
further disadvantage of the known brewing machines is the space taken up by
the
machines due to the need for two boilers and the enlarged space needed to
accommodate those boilers. It was previously thought not possible to reduce a
machine footprint by performing all of its brewing functions with one boiler .
Milk-based espresso coffee machines must be cleaned and maintained regularly
to
maintain the output quality. The standard of espresso/cappuccino production
depends
on operator expertise and equipment maintenance, which can lead to the sale of
substandard coffee at a premium where for instance, the operator is
inexperienced.
Filter coffee must be discarded approximately every 30 minutes leading to
inefficiencies. In busy restaurant environments, this policy is often
forgotten which
leads to substantial sub-standard'coffee being served to customers and loss of
future
sales.
INVENTION
The present invention addresses the soluble and roast and ground coffee
technology
as well as addressing the problems of milk-based and filter coffee equipment
technology.
Using soluble coffee, the apparatus of the present invention replicates the
production
of expresso and fresh-milk coffees. Given that coffee is such a large
commodity and
the growth in coffee sales is in the espresso and fresh milk arena, the
present
invention allows a soluble coffee supplier to compete with the espresso
market.
In the United States, in 1999, 886,338 tonnes of coffee were sold in tt~e USA.
Soluble
coffee at the present time accounts for 9.1% of the total market and fresh
coffee
6
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
90.1%. Fresh coffee is the fastest growing sub sector in both volume and value
terms
with increases of 2.4% and 32.6% respectively from 1994 to 1999. The soluble
coffee
sub sector has declined with a 1.8% fall in value during 1999. Despite its
potential
higher price, soluble coffee is perceived as inferior to fresh (roast and
ground). More
coffee is now being consumed away from home, accounting for 57% of the total ,
market. This is reflected in declining supermarket sales of both soluble and
fresh
coffee.
Value of retail sales of coffee 1994 and 1998
US$ millions Fresh ~ Instant Total
1994 $5.851 $764 $6,615
1998 $7,761 $779 $8,540
USA Per Capita Coffee Consumption By Age in 1999
Age Number of cu-ps her day
25 - 29 4.2 _
30 - 59 3.8
60+ 2.8
These figures show that although coffee is a growing market with continued
expansion forecast, the growth is focused in the fresh coffee sub sector of
specialty
coffees, consumed primarily away from the home and largely by younger
generations.
The present invention seeks to provide improvements in and to the prior art
brewing
machines fox preparation of hot beverages such as coffee and which increases
the
efficiency and speed of production and which is capable of operating to
produce
coffee beverages from soluble and non soluble coffee. The present invention
further
provides a cooling chamber for controlling the temperature of delivery of
soluble
coffee.
In its broadest from the present invention comprises:
A brewing machine for delivering hot beverages; the machine including;
7
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
° an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which
receives water from
said water supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or
steam;
a mixing station which receives hot water and a predetermined dose of a
beverage
such as coi~ee for mixing with said hot water and subsequent delivery of said
beverage from said machine; a cooling chamber which receives part said water
supply and which delivers hot water at a predetermined maximum temperature; to
said mixing station via an outlet the cooling chamber including at least one
inlet and
at least one outlet wherein said cooling chamber receives cold water from said
water
supply and wherein said cooling chamber receives hot water from said boiler
for
delivery to said mixing station, wherein the,temperature of hot water in said
cooling
chamber which is delivered to said mixing station is tempered by cold water.
In one broad form, the present invention comprises:
a brewing machine for the preparation of servings of one or multiple hot
liquid
beverages such as cof~'ee, wherein the machine includes;
means for controlling a supply of water to at least one boiler having at least
one inlet
and at least one outlet,
a cooling chamber including at least one inlet and at least one outlet and
which is in
communication with said water supply and which receives at least a portion of
said
water supply,
a heat exchanger associated with said at least one boiler and in fluid
communication
with said cooling chamber and which receives water from said water supply;
wherein
said at least one outlet to said cooling chamber communicates with and
delivers
heated water to a coffee mixing chamber and said at least one outlet to said
at least
8
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
one boiler communicates with a hot water valve and at least one other outlet
to said at
least one boiler communicates with a steam valve;
the machine further including a supply of coffee which is delivered to said
coffee
mixing chamber which terminates in a coffee delivery outlet.
In another broad form the present invention comprises:
a machine for the preparation of servings of one or multiple hot liquid
beverages such
as coffee, wherein the machine includes;
means for controlling a supply of water to a boiler having at least one inlet
and at least
one outlet, a cooling chamber including at least one inlet and at least one
outlet and
which is in communication with said water supply and which receives at least a
portion of part of said water supply; wherein said cooling chamber delivers
heated
water to a mixing station at which said beverages are prepared;
a heat exchanger associated with said boiler and in communication with said
cooling
chamber and which delivers water to said cooling chamber and which receives
water
from said water supply;
wherein said at least one outlet to said cooling chamber communicates with and
delivers heated water to a coffee mixing chamber and said at least one outlet
to said
boiler communicates with a hot water valve and at least one other outlet to
said boiler
communicates with and delivers steam to a steam valve;
the machine further including a ' supply of coffee which is delivered to said
coffee
mixing chamber which terminates in a coffee delivery outlet.
In another broad form the present invention comprises:
a machine for dispensing hot liquid beverages such as coffee, wherein the
machine
includes means for controlling a supply of water to a boiler having at least
one inlet
and at least one outlet, a cooling chamber including at least one inlet and at
least one
9
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
outlet and which is in communication with said water supply and which receives
at
least a portion of said water supply, a heat exchanger associated with said
boiler and
in communication with said cooling chamber and which receives water from said
water supply; wherein said at least one outlet to said cooling chamber
communicates
with a coffee mixing chamber; wherein the cooling chamber regulates the
temperature
of water discharged therefrom for use in the said coffee mixing chamber.
In another broad form the present invention comprises:
A hot liquid beverage dispensing machine for the preparation of servings of
one or
multiple hot liquid beverages such as coffee, wherein the machine includes;
a water supply;
a boiler which receives said water supply and having at least one inlet and at
least one
outlet, a cooling chamber including at least one inlet and at least one outlet
and which
is in fluid communication with said water supply and which receives at least a
portion
of said water supply,
a heat exchanger associated with said boiler and in communication with said
cooling
chamber and which receives water from said water supply;
wherein, said at least one outlet to said cooling chamber communicates with a
coffee
mixing chamber;
the machine further including a supply of coffee which is delivered to said
coffee
mixing chamber which terminates in a coffee delivery outlet; wherein, said
coffee is
water soluble and instant.
Preferably, the heat exchanger is incorporated in the boiler and communicates
with
said cooling chamber via fluid delivery lines. Preferably, the cooling chamber
is
located intermediate the water supply and the heat exchanger is incorporated
in the
boiler. Preferably, one of the inlets to said cooling chamber delivers water
preferably
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
cooled to around 85 deg C to 93 deg C and which is discharged via an outlet
from
said cooling chamber to said coffee mixing chamber. The coffee mixing chamber
preferably receives soluble coffee stored in a coffee reservoir contained in
the
machine.
In another broad form the present invention comprises; a beverage dispensing
machine for delivering hot liquid beverages such as coffee wherein the machine
is
capable of delivery of soluble ( instant) coffee and wherein said machine
includes a
boiler, a mixing station and cooling chamber which controls the temperature at
which
the coffee is dispensed.
In another broad form the present invention comprises:
a cooling chamber for use in a machine for dispensing hot beverages, the
machine
including;
an inlet for receiving a supply of water; at least one boiler which receives
said water
supply and which is/are capable of delivering hot water and /or steam;
a mixing station which receives hot water and a dose of a beverage for mixing
with
said hot water and subsequent delivery of said beverage from said mixing
chamber;
wherein said cooling chamber receives at least part said water supply and
delivers hot
water to said mixing chamber via an outlet at a predetermined maximum
temperature;
the cooling chamber including at least one inlet and at least one outlet
wherein said
cooling chamber receives cold water from said water supply and wherein said
cooling chamber receives hot water from said at least one boiler for delivery
to said
mixing chamber, wherein the temperature of hot water in said cooling chamber
which is delivered to said mixing station is controlled.
Preferably there is one boiler in said machine for producing hot water and
steam and
said cooling chamber is located intermediate said boiler and said mixing
chamber.
11
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
The cooling chamber receives cold water via a pipe which enters said chamber
and
returns to said boiler. Preferably the pipe is arranged in said cooling
chamber to
provide a predetermined pipe surface area in contact with boiled water
delivered
from said boiler into said chamber. The boiler includes a heat exchanger which
receives cold water from said water supply via said cooling chamber and which
delivers heated water from said exchanger to said cooling chamber for delivery
to said
mixing chamber.
The cooling chamber further includes a heating element which increases the
temperature of water for delivery to said mixing chamber from said cooling
chamber
when the temperature falls below a predetermined minimum delivery temperature.
The cooling chamber further includes a thermostat which isolates said heating
element when water in said cooling chamber reaches a predetermined maximum
value. The cooling chamber delivers water preferably cooled to around 85 deg C
to 93
deg C via an outlet from said cooling chamber to the coi~ee mixing chamber.
Preferably, the pipe is coiled inside the cooling chamber to maximise surface
area
contact with hot water in said cooling chamber.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention will now be described in more detail according to
preferred but
non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustration
wherein;
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a dispensing machine (with some features
abbreviated for clarity ) according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 2: shows a perspective exterior view of a machine according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
12
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
Referring to figure 1 there is shown an abbreviated perspective view of a hot
liquid
beverage dispenser 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Dispenser 1 is typical of the known dispensers to the extent that it comprises
a water
supply, a means for heating, means for brewing a beverage such as coffee and a
discharge for the beverage. Known dispensing machines such as vending machines
include a boiler, a supply of water to the boiler, a beverage for mixing with
hot water
generated by the boiler and a dispensing station. Known expresso machines
normally
include at least two boilers, a steam chamber which allows pressurised steam
to infuse
over and through coffee beans and a dispensing station for dispensing the
beverage.
The present invention provides an alternative beverage dispensing machine
which is
capable of serving coffee made from soluble ( instant ) coffee and which
includes a
cooling chamber which controls the temperature at which beverages are
dispensed.
The machine allows dispensing of beverages including those which would
normally
be dispensed through an expresso machine with no discernable difference.
According to the embodiment shown, beverage dispenser 1 includes a water
supply
inlet 2 controlled by a pressure pump 3 driven by motor 4. Pressure pump 3 and
motor
4 may be housed inside the machine or located externally. Pressurised water is
delivered to a variety of locations in the machine. Pressure pump 3 has an
outlet 5
which feeds boiler fill solenoid 6.
Solenoid 6 controls overfilling of steam and water boiler 7. In the event of
overpressure, overpressure valve 11 allows release of excess water which is
discharged via overflow line 8. Feed line 9 delivers water to cooling chamber
10 and
includes therein a water overpressure valve 11. Feed line 9 enters cooling
chamber 10
via entry 12 forming return loop 13 which continuously delivers cold water to
moderate the temperature of the water in cooling chamber 10. Loop 13 which is
13
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
preferably a copper pipe, may be coiled to increase the surface of area of
contact
between the pipe and water in cooling chamber 10. The greater the surface area
exposed to heated water in cooling chamber 10 the greater the heat exchange
between
supply water in loop 13 and the heated water in cooling chamber 10. Loop 13
exits
cooling chamber 10 via exit 14 whereupon feed line 15 supplies heat exchanger
16
located in boiler 7. Water which is heated in heat exchanger 16 by heat
exchange
between heated water in boiler 7 which itself is heated by heating element 17
is
delivered via feed line 18 to cooling chamber 10 whereupon contact with cooler
water
in loop 13 reduces the temperature of the water which eventually exits cooling
chamber 10 via exit 19.
Boiler 7 receives cold water via feed line 20 with the entry of the water
regulated by
solenoid 6 to avoid overfilling. The water level in boiler 7 is controlled by
means of
boiler water level probe 21 which extends from the top of boiler 7 to a
predetermined
elevation according to the maximum depth of water required in the boiler.
Steam
generated within boiler 7 through heating with element 17 is controlled by
overpressure safety valve 22. Boiler 7 also includes a pressurestat 23 which
controls
pressure in boiler 7. Machine 1 further comprises a receptacle or coffee
canister 24
which according to one embodiment holds instant coffee in granulated form.
Canister
24 terminates in outlet 25 which delivers coffee to coffee mixing chamber 26
when
coffee in canister 24 is urged towards outlet 25 by rotating spiral 27 driven
by motor
28. Feed action of spiral 27 is regulated by an operator actuating a control
panel on
the machine.
In use, the machine operates in the following manner. Once boiler 7 is filled
with
water from feed line 20 to a predetermined maximum level, it is then heated by
heating element 17. Supply water circulates through lines 9 then 15 via return
loop 13
14
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
and then through heat exchanger 16 in boiler 7. Water heated in boiler 7
eventually
produces steam within the boiler but this is regulated by safety valve 22 to
ensure
tolerable pressures are not exceeded. Water level. probe 21 sets a maximum
water
level so at all times there is heated water and steam available for use from
boiler 7.
The heating is tempered by U shaped heat exchanger 16 which receives cool
water via
feed line 15 and delivers heated water back to cooling chamber 10.
Water from cooling chamber 10 is used in the brewing of the coffee to be
dispensed
from the machine so the temperature of this water must -be at an acceptable
level
which is preferably around 87 - 93 deg C.
To assist in regulating the temperature of the water to be discharged from
cooling
chamber 10, a dry heating element 29 is attached to boost the temperature in
cooling
°chamber 10 should it fall below a predetermined minimum level
acceptable for
serving beverages. Supplementary heating by element 29 will be of assistance
in
periods of high output where the demand on the machine could cause reduction
in the
ability to maintain a temperature around the optimal 97 deg C.
In the preparation of coffee, the operator requires a supply of water which is
directly
accessible to the operator, a supply of water for miring with coffee and a
supply of
steam. A water and steam supply originate from boiler 7, but in the case of
the water
for mixing with coffee drawn from canister 24, this is drawn from cooling
chamber 10
as it is there that the water temperature is maintained within a predetermined
temperature range which might be in the region 87 deg C to 100 deg C. Ideally,
this
temperature will be clo ser to 97 deg C but there may be fluctuation during
times of
high or low demand.
The supply of steam direct to the operator is delivered via outlet 30 (
abbreviated for
clarity) which communicates via valve 34 which controls flow of steam via
outlet 35.
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
The supply of hot water direct to the operator is delivered via outlet 33
which
communicates with hot water valve 31 which controls flow of hot water via
outlet 32.
Water for mixing with coffee is drawn from cooling chamber 10 via hot water
dosing
solenoid 36 and is delivered to mixing chamber 26. Mixing chamber 26 is in
communication with a canister 24 of coffee which according to the preferred
embodiment holds instant or soluble coffee for delivery via outlet 25 prior to
mixing
in mixing chamber 26. Coffee in canister 24 is advanced towards mixing chamber
26
by operation of ingredient motor 28 which drives helical screw 27 .Water from
solenoid 36 is controlled by a water control flow valve 40 and then is
introduced into
mixing chamber 26 in a circular motion which promotes mixing with the soluble
coffee delivered from canister 24. Mixed coffee is then delivered to cup 37
via
delivery outlet 38. The operator determines the mix of the coffee according to
prescription. Thus the machine can prepare any form of coffee such as
expresso,
cappucino, short black etc. The embodiment shown has one mixing chamber but it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that multiple coffee delivery
stations
may be included in the one machine allowing for preparation of multiple
beverages
concurrently. For multiple beverage preparation, it will be necessary to
include
additional spouts or alternatively, additional dosing solenoids in parallel or
series with
dosing solenoid 36. Where the machine has multiple filling stations, this
would
necessitate additional delivery spouts 38 and may require additional take offs
from
boiler 7 and from cooling chamber 10
According to a preferred embodiment, the machine operation is controlled by a
control panel..
One of the advantages of the machine is that there is no wastage of spent
grounds as
in the prior art machines. Also, coffee may be made at the touch of a button
and
16
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
instant or soluble coffee can be used. All soluble coffee is used up. Another
advantage of the machine is the potential use of one boiler to suppl;~ both
the steam
and hot water and within a minimum foot print area. Also, beverages may be
prepared
in a reduced time in comparison to conventional machines. For example, the
machine
of the present invention may produce coffee in 10 secs using instant coffee
without
compromise to the quality of beverages which would be expected from the prior
art
machines. With the dispensing machine herein described according to its
various
embodiments, the proprietor can achieve high volume, high-speed coffee that
tastes
as good as the small, specialist prepared product, and costs less to produce.
By using
soluble coffee, the machine according to the invention produces consistent
coffee
quality each serve. Up to four different blends of coffee can be sold at the
one time
through four individual hoppers. The omachine is capable of manufacture of all
common milk based coffees and espresso. Excellent flavour consistently as good
or
better than traditional Roast and Ground coffee machines coffee, may be
produced in
four seconds. Professional quality coffee beverages are achieved without
professionally trained operator costs. Minimal maintenance coffee can be
produced
whilst the operator is preparing other products for the customer.
As distinct from the machine according to the invention, roast and ground
coffee
machines require ongoing maintenance and calibration. The ground based
machines
require substantial cleaning because of the grounds and modus operandi and the
coffee grinder requires periodic grinder blade sharpening and ongoing
calibration by
trained operators. The ground machines are also slow compared to the machine
according to the invention and, given the maintenance and trained operator
requirements, suffer from inconsistent product and high operating costs. The
machine
according to the invention, produces the coffee component for an espresso or
milk
17
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
coffee in four seconds as against twenty to forty seconds in a traditional
roast and
ground espresso machine. Further, coffee does not have to be ground, tampered
with
or otherwise prepared. Therefore, waiting time is substantially reduced. In
twenty-
seven months of testing the invention in a number of retail outlets in
Australia, not
one person noticed that their coffee had been produced using soluble rather
than
ground coffee. In each retail outlet where the machine was tested, they are
now
permanent and coffee sales have continued to grow. The machine has the
appearance
of a conventional roast and ground espresso machine. Untrained personnel can
produce consistently good quality coffee quickly and efficiently.
The cooling chamber which controls the temperature of delivery of the beverage
in
addition to its adaption to the dispensing machines . of the type described
herein in
detail may be adapted to known hot beverage dispensing machines of the vending
machine type. It may also be adapted for expresso type machines and vending
machines.
Machine 1 further comprises a steam gauge 41 and a water temperature gauge 42
to
monitor steam pressure in the boiler 7. A pump may be installed to maintain
pressure
no less than a predetermined minimum.
Figure 2 shows a perspective exterior view of a beverage dispensing machine 43
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Machine 43 is capable of
dispensing coffee beverages such as long black, short black, milk coffee, late
and
cappuccino and includes a single boiler ( not shown) which includes a heat
exchanger
inside the boiler. Machine 43 has an outer casing 44 which contains the boiler
7, heat
exchanger 16 and cooling chamber 10 ( see figure 1 ) all of which are
concealed frog
view. Hot water valve 45 provides hot water via wand 47 upon demand. by an
operator and steam valve 46 provides steam via wand 48 upon demand by an
18
CA 02405463 2002-10-10
WO 01/76429 PCT/AU01/00411
operator. A second steam supply valve 49 delivers steam via wand ~0 upon
demand
by an operator. Cups( not shown) are placed on tray 51 in alignment with
delivery
spouts 52-55 allowing for multiple beverages to be prepared at the same time.
Delivery of beverages is controlled by control panels 56 - 59 which control
respectively delivery spouts 52 - 55. Separate buttons on each control panel
will
allow according to the embodiment shown in figure 2 dispensing of such
beverages as
short black, long black, cappuccino, hot chocolate, hot water, latte or' milk
coffee.
Absent from the machine is a closed pressurised steam system as in the prior
art
machines which allows steam infusion of coffee grounds. That system usually
results
in wastage of coffee grounds whereas the arrangements for the machine
described
above eliminate wastage of the beverage .
It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations
and
modifications may be made to the invention broadly described herein without
departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.
19
