Beverage dispensing device and its active pressure control method

Abstract

A beverage dispensing device and a method for active pressure control thereof. In one aspect, a method for controlling the beverage dispensing device may include: a) determining whether a first beverage to be prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage to be prepared at a second temperature, the first temperature being greater than the second temperature; b) selecting a maximum pressure threshold for the beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing device based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage was selected in step a), wherein the maximum pressure threshold is set by selecting from a first pressure threshold when it is determined that the first beverage has been selected and a second pressure threshold when it is determined that the second beverage has been selected, the first pressure being less than the second pressure.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201980062192X, entitled Beverage Dispensing Apparatus and Method of Active Pressure Control Thereof, filed on August 17, 2018.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to United Kingdom Patent Application No. 1813478.3, filed August 17, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 831,529, filed April 9, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to coffee, tea and other beverage dispensing machines, in particular, but not exclusively, to beverage dispensing machines that use a pressurized process to produce hot and cold beverages. BACKGROUND

[0005] The use of beverage dispensing machines, such as coffee machines, is common, particularly in the workplace. A common type of these machines uses a beverage pack that is inserted into the machine and fluid, typically water, is introduced therein to brew and dispense the beverage. For example, coffee grounds are contained within the pack and hot water is injected into the pack, allowing the coffee to brew therein. The pack is designed to split in a controlled manner, for example by delamination at one end, due to the water pressure rising, allowing the brewed coffee to exit the pack through a filter mesh. Because the water is introduced under pressure, there is a slight risk that the pack can split in an uncontrolled manner. Therefore, a safety valve in the form of a pressure relief valve is provided to ensure that the pressure within the pack does not exceed a known delamination or burst point within the pack. For example, a pressure relief valve set at 9.5 psi can protect the machine from bursting, which can occur when the pressure exceeds 9.5 psi.

[0006] In order to achieve a stronger flavour from some beverages, for example espresso beverages, this 9.5 psi pressure limit is not optimal for brewing. A solution to this problem is to extend the brew time, which can be problematic as long brew times for beverages are not acceptable to users. An alternative approach is to include high pressure packs, which are more costly to produce and require additional physical support to limit pack expansion, preventing bursting. This physical support adds mechanical complexity to the beverage dispensing machine, which in turn adds additional manufacturing costs.

[0007] In some cases, it is necessary to reduce the brewing temperature of the water used. For example, typical hot water temperatures for such machines are 92°C, which is hot enough to brew tea, coffee, and other such hot beverages, but not hot enough to cause the water in the machine to boil. However, if the machine is located at a high altitude above sea level, the boiling point of water is reduced, which makes it necessary to reduce the water temperature to ensure that the water does not accidentally start to boil within the machine. Such a reduction in water temperature can affect the quality of the brewed beverage, or require a significant increase in the time required to prepare the beverage. SUMMARY

[0008] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to a beverage dispensing apparatus and a control method thereof. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a controller for controlling fluid pressure in a process of preparing a beverage. In certain embodiments, the controller can be configured to set a maximum pressure threshold or a beverage preparation pressure based on a temperature of a beverage selected for preparation. In certain other embodiments, the controller can be configured to actively regulate a beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing apparatus during beverage preparation to maintain the selected beverage preparation pressure, or to maintain the beverage preparation pressure below the selected maximum pressure threshold. In other embodiments, the controller can be configured to regulate a temperature setting of a heater that heats fluid used for preparing the beverage based on a measurement of an ambient temperature. In certain embodiments, a method of operating the beverage dispensing apparatus can include setting a maximum pressure threshold or a beverage preparation pressure based on a temperature of a beverage selected for preparation. In certain other embodiments, the method can include regulating a beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing apparatus during beverage preparation to maintain the selected beverage preparation pressure, or to maintain the beverage preparation pressure below the selected maximum pressure threshold. In yet other embodiments, the method can include regulating a temperature setting of a heater of the beverage dispensing apparatus based on a measurement of an ambient temperature.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention can be a method of operating a beverage dispensing apparatus, the method comprising: a) determining whether a first beverage to be prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage to be prepared at a second temperature has been selected for preparation, the first temperature being greater than the second temperature; b) selecting a maximum pressure threshold for a beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing apparatus based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage has been determined to have been selected in step a), wherein the maximum pressure threshold is set by selecting from at least a first pressure threshold when the first beverage has been determined to have been selected and a second pressure threshold when the second beverage has been determined to have been selected, the first pressure threshold being less than the second pressure threshold.

[0010] In another aspect, the application can be a method of operating a beverage dispensing apparatus, comprising: a) determining whether a first beverage to be prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage to be prepared at a second temperature has been selected for preparation, the first temperature being greater than the second temperature; b) selecting a beverage preparation circuit for operating the beverage dispensing apparatus from at least a first beverage preparation pressure and a second beverage preparation pressure based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage has been determined to have been selected in step a), the first beverage preparation pressure being less than the second beverage preparation pressure.

[0011] In another aspect, the application can be a method of operating a beverage dispensing apparatus, the method comprising: pumping water from a water outlet of a water supply line and dispensing a beverage through a beverage ingredient container; measuring a pressure in the water supply line at a location upstream of the water outlet and the beverage ingredient container; determining an estimated pressure at the water outlet based on the measured pressure and a flow rate of water through the water supply line.

[0012] In another aspect, the application can be a method of operating a beverage dispensing apparatus, the method comprising: pumping a fluid into a beverage preparation fluid circuit comprising an outlet; measuring a pressure in the beverage preparation fluid circuit; and determining an estimated pressure at the outlet based on the measured pressure and a flow rate of the fluid pumped into the beverage preparation fluid circuit.

[0013] In another aspect, the application can be a method of operating a beverage dispensing apparatus, comprising: measuring an ambient atmospheric pressure at the beverage dispensing apparatus relative to a reference pressure using a sealed pressure sensor; and adjusting a temperature setting of a heater of the beverage dispensing apparatus as a function of the ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0014] In another aspect, the application can be a beverage dispensing apparatus, comprising: a beverage preparation fluid circuit; and a controller operably coupled to the beverage preparation circuit, wherein the controller is configured to perform the steps of: a) receiving a beverage selection input for preparing a beverage; b) determining whether the beverage selection input indicates that a first beverage to be prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage to be prepared at a second temperature has been selected for preparation, the first temperature being greater than the second temperature; c) selecting a maximum pressure threshold of the beverage preparation fluid circuit based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage has been determined to have been selected in step c), wherein the maximum pressure threshold is set by selecting from at least a first pressure threshold when the first beverage has been determined to have been selected and a second pressure threshold when the second beverage has been determined to have been selected, the first pressure threshold being less than the second pressure threshold.

[0015] In another aspect, the invention can be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a beverage preparation fluid circuit; and a controller operably coupled to the beverage preparation circuit, wherein the controller is configured to perform the steps of: a) receiving a beverage selection input for preparing a beverage; b) determining whether the beverage selection input indicates that a first beverage has been selected to be prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage has been selected to be prepared at a second temperature for preparation, wherein the first temperature is greater than the second temperature; c) selecting a beverage preparation pressure for operating the beverage dispensing apparatus from at least a first beverage preparation pressure and a second beverage preparation pressure based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage has been determined to have been selected in step b).

[0016] In yet another aspect, the invention can be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a water tank; a water supply line coupled to the water tank and having a water pump for pumping water from the water tank to a water outlet at a distal end of the water supply line, wherein the water outlet is connectable to a beverage ingredient container; a pressure sensor connected to the water supply line at a location upstream of the water outlet; and a controller configured to receive an output of the pressure sensor indicative of a pressure at the location upstream of the water outlet and determine an estimated pressure at the water outlet based on the received output and a flow rate of water through the water supply line.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the invention can be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a fluid pump for pumping fluid into a beverage preparation fluid circuit comprising an outlet; a pressure sensor positioned to sense a pressure of the beverage preparation fluid circuit; and a controller configured to receive an output from the pressure sensor and determine an estimated pressure at the outlet based on the received output and a flow rate of fluid through the fluid pump.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the invention can be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a water tank; a water supply line coupled to the water tank and having a water pump for pumping water from the water tank to a water outlet at a distal end of the water supply line, wherein the water outlet is connectable to a beverage ingredient container; a heater disposed between the water tank and the water outlet for heating water; a sealed pressure sensor configured to measure an ambient atmospheric pressure relative to a reference pressure; a controller configured to receive an output from the sealed pressure sensor indicative of the ambient atmospheric pressure and adjust a temperature setting of the heater based on the ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the invention can be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a beverage preparation fluid circuit comprising an outlet; a heater positioned upstream of the outlet for heating fluid for the beverage preparation fluid circuit; a sealed pressure sensor configured to measure an ambient atmospheric pressure relative to a reference pressure; a controller configured to receive an output from the sealed pressure sensor and adjust a temperature setting of the heater based on the measured ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0020] Other applications of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific embodiments indicate preferred embodiments of the invention, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The foregoing overview and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and means shown in the following drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of a beverage dispensing device, showing the beverage ingredient container to be inserted into the beverage dispensing device;

[0024] Figure 3 A perspective view of the beverage ingredient container is shown;

[0025] Figure 4A It shows along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a sealed beverage ingredient container (line IV-IV);

[0026] Figure 4B It shows along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a beverage ingredient container in a cracked state, used for dispensing beverages, along line IV-IV;

[0027] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It shows Figures 2 to 4B The beverage ingredient container is inserted into the beverage dispensing device;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a beverage dispensing device;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a beverage dispensing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 It shows what can be used to control Figure 1 The first operation flow chart of the sub-process of the beverage dispensing device;

[0031] Figure 10 It shows what can be used to control Figure 1 The second operation flow chart of the subprocess of the beverage dispensing device;

[0032] Figure 11 It shows what can be used to controlFigure 1 The third operation flow chart of the sub-process of the beverage dispensing device;

[0033] Figure 12 It shows what can be used to control Figure 1 The fourth operation flow chart of the beverage dispensing device. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description of embodiments of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, its application, or its use.

[0035] The description of illustrative embodiments of the invention, intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is to be considered an integral part of the entire written description. Any references to directions or orientations in the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are for convenience of description only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms, such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “upper,” “left,” “right,” “top,” and “bottom,” and their derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “downward,” “upward,” etc.), should be interpreted as referring to the direction described or the direction shown in the discussed drawings. Unless so explicitly stated, these relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, terms such as “attach,” “attach,” “connect,” “link,” “interconnect,” and similar terms refer to a relationship in which structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other via an intermediate structure, and to movable or rigid attachments or relationships between the two. Furthermore, features and advantages of the invention are illustrated by reference to preferred embodiments. Therefore, the invention should not be explicitly limited to such preferred embodiments, which illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features. The scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0036] The features of this invention can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The processes described herein are not limited to any particular embodiment and can be implemented in an operating system, application, foreground or background process, driver, programmable controller, or processor, or any combination thereof. A programmable process can execute on a single programmable device, on multiple programmable devices, or across multiple programmable devices. The terms "controller" and "processor" are used interchangeably herein.

[0037] The processors and / or controllers described herein can include any central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, microcontroller, computing or programmable device or circuit configured to execute computer program instructions (e.g., code). Such devices can include, among other devices with similar functionality, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and / or graphics processing units (GPUs). Moreover, the processors and / or controllers can include all of the usual ancillary components required to form a functional data processing / control device, including but not limited to any one or combination of the following: buses, software and data storage (such as volatile and non-volatile memory), input / output devices, display screens, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), removable data storage, and wired and / or wireless communication interface devices (including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, etc.).

[0038] The computer executable instructions or programs (e.g., software or code) and data described herein can be programmed and tangibly embodied in non-transitory computer- readable media, which can be accessed and retrieved by the respective processors described herein, which configure and direct the processors to perform the desired functions and processes by executing the instructions encoded in the media. A device embodying a processor / controller configured to execute such non-transitory computer executable instructions or programs can be referred to hereinafter as a “programmable device,” or simply a “device,” and multiple programmable devices in intercommunication can be referred to as “programmable devices.” It should be noted that the non-transitory “computer readable media” described herein can include, but is not limited to, any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM) of all types, read only memory (ROM) of all types, USB flash memory and magnetic or optical data storage devices (e.g., internal / external hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tape CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, optical disks, ZIP disks, etc.) that can be read and / or written by a processor operably connected to the media. TM The computer executable instructions or programs (e.g., software or code) and data described herein can be programmed and tangibly embodied in non-transitory computer- readable media, which can be accessed and retrieved by the respective processors described herein, which configure and direct the processors to perform the desired functions and processes by executing the instructions encoded in the media. A device embodying a processor / controller configured to execute such non-transitory computer executable instructions or programs can be referred to hereinafter as a “programmable device,” or simply a “device,” and multiple programmable devices in intercommunication can be referred to as “programmable devices.” It should be noted that the non-transitory “computer readable media” described herein can include, but is not limited to, any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM) of all types, read only memory (ROM) of all types, USB flash memory and magnetic or optical data storage devices (e.g., internal / external hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tape CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, optical disks, ZIP disks, etc.) that can be read and / or written by a processor operably connected to the media.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the present application can be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses, such as processor-based data processing and communication systems or computer systems for practicing those processes. The present application can also be embodied in the form of software or computer program code embodied in non-transitory computer-readable storage media, which when loaded into and executed by data processing and communication systems or computer systems, configure the processors to create specific logic circuits within the systems to perform the processes.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "hot" beverage and "cold" beverage are used and their meanings are intended to be used and accepted in the coffee and tea brewing industry. The term "hot" beverage is any beverage prepared using a fluid, such as water, at a temperature above about 70 degrees Celsius and below the boiling temperature. In comparison, the term "cold" beverage is any beverage prepared using a fluid, such as water, at an ambient temperature or lower. Beverages can also be prepared at "warm" temperatures, a "warm" temperature being any temperature between the hot and cold ranges.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 6 The beverage dispensing apparatus 10 includes a fluid delivery apparatus 12 for delivering fluid to a single use, disposable beverage ingredient container 14, shown in the figures in the form of a flexible walled ingredient package. The beverage ingredient container 14 contains an ingredient 14g that, when mixed with fluid, produces a beverage that is transferred to a drinking vessel, such as a cup 16.

[0042] The fluid can be any type of fluid used to prepare and dispense a beverage. In certain embodiments, the fluid can be water. In other embodiments, the fluid can be milk, juice, or any other base consumable fluid. In certain embodiments, the beverage ingredient container 14 can be any type of container that includes an ingredient for preparing a beverage by mixing with a fluid, and is configured to be coupled to the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 to prepare the beverage under pressure. For simplicity, water will be described below as the fluid for the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 and its process. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0043] With particular reference to Figure 1 The beverage dispensing apparatus 10 includes a reservoir 32 accessible through a lid 10a of the top of the apparatus and a container compartment with a door 10b for receiving the beverage ingredient container 14. The beverage dispensing apparatus 10 also includes a bin 10c that is located below the container compartment and receives the beverage ingredient container 14 after use. The bin 10c is received in a cavity formed in the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 and is removed for emptying. A removable drip tray 10d is included at the bottom of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. The drip tray 10d includes a grate that forms a support surface for supporting the cup 16 when the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 dispenses a beverage. A tray portion of the drip tray 10d is located below the grate for capturing any spillage through the grate.

[0044] The beverage dispensing apparatus 10 also has a user interface in the form of a display screen 10e and a plurality of selection buttons 10f that allow a user to control the functions of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. For example, the selection buttons 10f allow a user to select beverage making parameters. In certain embodiments, the display screen 10e can optionally be a touch screen that both displays information to the user and allows the user to control the functions of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 by touching the touch screen to provide user input.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 uses beverage ingredient containers 14 in the form of ingredient packages having flexible walls. The operation and use of the beverage ingredient containers 14 in the form of flexible wall ingredient packages will be described below. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to this unless explicitly recited in the claims. Figure 2

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 uses beverage ingredient containers 14 in the form of ingredient packages having flexible walls. The operation and use of the beverage ingredient containers 14 in the form of flexible wall ingredient packages will be described below. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to this unless explicitly recited in the claims. Figure 3 and Figure 4A ​As shown in FIG. 14B, the beverage ingredient container 14 includes a front panel 14a and a back panel 14b, both formed from a liquid and gas impermeable sheet material, the front and back panels 14a, 14b being bonded together around a top edge 14c and side edges 14d. The front panel 14a and back panel 14b are also bonded together along a bottom edge 14e, and the bond is formed to be releasable under a predetermined amount of heat and / or pressure inside the beverage ingredient container 14. For example, the bond of the bottom edge 14e can be by pressure and / or heat sensitive adhesive. A web of filter material 14f is folded within the beverage ingredient container 14, the web of filter material 14f being bonded to the interior walls of the front panel 14a and back panel 14b. The web of filter material 14f supports a beverage ingredient 14g, such as ground coffee or leaf tea. Any other type of beverage ingredient can also be included. The beverage ingredient container 14 also includes a nozzle 14h having a tubular aperture 14i extending therethrough along a centerline of the beverage ingredient container 14. The nozzle 14h is formed in the top edge of the beverage ingredient container 14 and is hermetically bonded to the front panel 14a and back panel 14b. The nozzle 14h is provided with a flange to facilitate accurate positioning of the beverage ingredient container 14 within the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. The tubular aperture 14i is initially sealed with a suitable hermetic preservative barrier 14j. It should be noted, however, that this is merely an exemplary embodiment of the beverage ingredient container 14, and the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 can be configured to receive and prepare beverages using other types of beverage ingredient containers 14 (e.g., pods or capsules). The beverage ingredient container 14 can also include a visual indicia 14k, such as a bar code, QR code, color code, etc., which can be used to indicate to the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 a temperature at which to prepare a beverage prepared using the beverage ingredient container 14. The beverage ingredient container 14 can optionally include a structural feature 14m for indicating to the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 a temperature at which to prepare a beverage prepared using the beverage ingredient container 14. Of course, such visual indicia or structural features can also be used to convey other information about the beverage ingredient container 14 to the beverage dispensing apparatus 10.

[0047] During use, the beverage ingredient container 14 is introduced into the container compartment in the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 by the holder in the door 10d. As shown in FIG. 14C, once the user selected beverage ingredient container 14 is in place within the container compartment and the door 10d is closed, the beverage preparation process can begin. In certain embodiments, the beginning of the beverage preparation process can require user input via the selection button 10f. In certain other embodiments, the insertion of the beverage ingredient container 14 can be sufficient to initiate the beverage preparation process. Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the door is pivotable at its base between an open position and a closed position. Once the user selected beverage ingredient container 14 is in place within the container compartment and the door 10d is closed, the beverage preparation process can begin. In certain embodiments, the beginning of the beverage preparation process can require user input via the selection button 10f. In certain other embodiments, the insertion of the beverage ingredient container 14 can be sufficient to initiate the beverage preparation process.

[0048] The control system of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is configured to control the operation of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10, including the operation of the heating element 10a, the pump 10b, and the valve 10c. The control system is configured to receive information from the user interface 10e, including the selection of the beverage ingredient container 14 and the temperature at which to prepare the beverage. The control system is also configured to receive information from the beverage ingredient container 14, including the temperature at which to prepare the beverage. The control system is configured to use the information received from the user interface 10e and the beverage ingredient container 14 to control the operation of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10, including the operation of the heating element 10a, the pump 10b, and the valve 10c. Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 has a beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 above it. The control system includes a controller 20 that is communicably connected to a plurality of components of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. Thus, the controller 20 is able to receive signals from the connected components and / or send control signals to the connected components to control operation of aspects of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. For example, the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 includes a pressure sensor 18 that is communicably connected to the controller 20. The pressure sensor 18 measures the pressure of water in a pressurizable portion of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12, including the supply manifold 71, and provides a signal to the controller 20 based on the measured pressure. As shown, this pressure sensor 18 is placed just upstream of the beverage ingredient container 14. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor 18 can be placed at other locations within the pressurizable portion of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12, but it is understood that there is a known relationship between the pressure measured at the location of the pressure sensor 18 and the pressure at the outlet of the pressurizable portion of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12, which is where the beverage ingredient container 14 is sealingly coupled to the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. As shown using dashed lines, the controller 20 is also communicably connected to the flow meter 52, the water pump 54, the solenoid diverter valve 70, the air pump 72, and the solenoid valves 22, 84, 86. Other connections between the components of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 and the controller 20 can be beneficial to operation of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10, although such additional connections are not shown. However, those listed above are the primary connections to facilitate operation of the apparatus and pressure control mechanisms described herein. These connections enable the controller 20 to control most or all of the beverage preparation process, including pressurizing and depressurizing the pressurizable portion of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 as needed to adjust the water pressure therein before and during beverage preparation.

[0049] The beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 includes a water reservoir 24 for holding water used to prepare beverages. The water in this water reservoir 24 can be maintained at ambient temperature. In other embodiments, the water reservoir 24 can include a chiller to reduce the temperature of the water therein below ambient temperature. The water reservoir 24 can be supplied directly from a continuous mains water supply 26 via a solenoid inlet valve 28 and a pair of check valves 30. Alternatively, a reservoir tank 32 can be manually filled to contain water equivalent to a number of beverages, and the water in the reservoir tank 32 is transferred to the water reservoir 24 via a coupling 38. The water reservoir 24 includes a float level sensor (not shown) to ensure that the water reservoir 24 contains at least enough water for the largest beverage size. The water reservoir 24 also includes an overflow drain 34 and a drain line 36 coupled to a cold drain faucet 38, which is closed under standard operating conditions. Water from the water reservoir 24 enters the remainder of the beverage preparation circuit 12 via an odor filter 50. A flow meter 52 is included in the outlet line from the water reservoir 24 so that the volume of water taken can be measured. Data from the flow meter 52 is passed to the controller 20, which also controls a low voltage DC water pump 54. A check valve 56 protects the pump 54, and includes another drain faucet 58 to drain the dispenser from the downstream side of the pump 54. Another check valve 60 prevents any contamination of the water system from the hot drain faucet 58, which is closed under standard operating conditions. A pressure relief valve 62 provides further protection for the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12, which is set to a higher pressure than is required in any of the beverage ingredient containers 14. For example, the pressure relief valve 62 can be set to 22 psi, and in the event that the pressure exceeds this limit, water is returned to the water reservoir 24 via a water line 64.

[0050] The beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 also includes a water cooling tank 66 that enables the preparation and dispensing of cold or chilled beverages. The cooling tank 66 includes a cooling system (not shown) for reducing the temperature of the water in the cooling tank 66 or as it enters to a predetermined temperature that is at or below ambient temperature. The temperature to which the water in the cooling tank is reduced can be controlled by the controller 20. The predetermined temperature is typically set between 55°C and 65°C. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the water in the cooling tank 66 can not be reduced at all below ambient temperature. The cooling tank 66 can also be provided with insulation to help maintain the reduced temperature of the water therein. Because the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is configured to sell both hot and cold beverages, the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 includes fluid heating components, shown as a pair of heating tanks 68 for heating the water to a predetermined temperature under the control of the controller 20. The predetermined temperature is typically 92°C when the ambient pressure is at sea level pressure. In certain embodiments, the controller 20 can set the temperature to which the water is heated in the heating tanks 68. Using the cooling tank 66 and the heating tanks 68, the user can select a beverage to be prepared at the temperature of the heated water, or the user can select a beverage to be prepared at the temperature of the cooled water. In certain embodiments, the user's selection of a particular beverage ingredient container 14 will automatically select for the user whether a hot or cold beverage is prepared. In other embodiments, water from the cooling tank 66 can be mixed with water from the heating tank 68 to prepare a beverage at a temperature between the hot and cold water temperatures. In other embodiments, the heating and cooling of the water can be performed in-line as the water flows from the reservoir 32, so that no additional water tanks are needed to store heated or cooled water.

[0051] A three-port two-output (3 / 2) diverter solenoid valve 70 controls the flow of water from the pump 54 to either the cooling or heating tank 68. The diverter valve 70 operates under the control of the controller 20 to determine whether a hot or cold beverage is dispensed. The selection of the output of the valve 70 determines the temperature of the water that enters the beverage ingredient container 14, as the temperature of the water from each input is regulated by a thermostatically controlled heating or cooling system. However, as an alternative or in addition, a thermometer is included as part of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12, for example adjacent to the pressure sensor 18, to measure the water temperature and send this information to the controller 20.

[0052] A gas pump 72 is included and operated by pumping air through the beverage ingredient container 14 to ensure maximum delivery of water and / or frothing of the beverage from within the beverage ingredient container 14 as part of the dispensing process. A check valve 74 is included to prevent contamination of the gas pump by water, and a further check valve 76 is located on the outlet line of the cooling tank 66 to ensure that the cooling tank is not contaminated by hot water.

[0053] The air pump 72 can be activated after dispensing of the beverage in order to de-water the beverage ingredient container 14 by blowing air into the beverage ingredient container 14 via the jet valve 22. This reduces any drips from the beverage ingredient container 14. Air can also be blown through the mixing jet 80 in a similar manner to remove any residual water.

[0054] The beverage ingredient container 14 is connected to the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 via an outlet on the water line 78. Water can be further delivered into the cup 16 through the mixing jet 80 which directs water directly into the cup 16 without the need to pass through the beverage ingredient container 14 via a further water line 82. Control of water from the water delivery device 12 into the cup 16 via the beverage ingredient container 14 or the mixing jet 80 is under the control of a pair of solenoid valves 84 and 86. The solenoid valve 84 is in the water line 82 and determines whether water enters the cup 16 via the mixing jet 80, while the solenoid valve 86 is in the water line 78 and determines whether water passes through the beverage ingredient container 14.

[0055] Aspects of the operation of the beverage dispensing device 10 will now be described. Excepting the provision of user input, in certain embodiments the controller 20 can be configured and / or programmed to control all aspects of the operation of the beverage dispensing device 10. However, in certain embodiments, outside of the direct control of the controller 20, it can be desirable to manually control or otherwise have certain operational aspects occur.

[0056] During a standard operation, a user selects a beverage by selecting a beverage ingredient container 14 (e.g. a standard hot filter coffee) and inserts it into the dispensing apparatus 10. The jet nozzle, which is connected to the water line 78, is inserted into the beverage ingredient container 14, thereby creating a pressure seal between the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 and the beverage ingredient container 14. The controller 20 determines that the beverage is ready, thereby switching on the water pump 54. Because the selected beverage is a hot beverage, the electromagnetic diverter valve 70 is switched to the output line leading towards the heating tank 68, which pushes the water pumped from the water storage tank 24 into the heating tank 68, which in turn pushes the hot water coming out of the heating tank 68 towards the supply manifold 71 and then from the supply manifold 71 into the beverage ingredient container 14. The controller 20 opens the valve 86, allowing water to pass through the injector and into the beverage ingredient container 14 along the line 78. As shown in Figure 4, after the water is introduced through the injection tube and the nozzle hole 14 icon, the beverage preparation ingredient 14g contained in the beverage ingredient container 14 is mixed with the water and the beverage is brewed. The injection of water causes the beverage ingredient container 14 to expand under increased pressure, causing the front and back panels 14a, 14b to move away from each other. The bottom edge 14e of the container 14 is configured to split or delaminate under the action of heat and pressure inside the beverage ingredient container 14. The brewed beverage passes through the filter mesh 14f and the open bottom edge 14e of the beverage ingredient container 14 and is collected in the cup 16. The time required to open the bottom edge 14e depends on the temperature and pressure of the water entering the beverage ingredient container 14. Once the beverage ingredient container 14 is open, additional water can be pumped through the filter 14f by keeping the valve 86 open. Alternatively, the valve 84 can be opened to allow water to be injected into the cup without passing through the beverage ingredient container 14.

[0057] In case of a problem, for example if the beverage ingredient container 14 does not open, the pressure inside the beverage ingredient container 14 can exceed 9.5 psi. The pressure sensor 18 will detect this undesired high pressure, thereby the controller 20 sends a signal to open the electromagnetic valve 22 in order to drain the water back to the water storage tank 24 via the backflow line 92.

[0058] If a cold beverage is selected, a similar beverage preparation process occurs. The selection process can be manual, where the user indicates via user interfaces 10e and 10f that the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 has selected a cold beverage. Alternatively, the beverage ingredient container 14 can automatically indicate to the controller 20 that a cold beverage has been selected. This automatic indication can occur through a visual recognition system, for example, by having a bar code, QR code, or other visual indicia on the exterior surface of the beverage ingredient container 14, and through an optical reading device connected to the controller 20 for recognizing the beverage ingredient container 14 when it is inserted. As another alternative embodiment, a different nozzle arrangement can be included as part of the beverage ingredient container 14, where the different nozzle includes a physical element that triggers a microswitch to provide this information to the controller 20, thus providing a structural feature to the beverage ingredient container 14 to allow automatic determination of the water input temperature. As another alternative embodiment, the width of the beverage ingredient container 14 for cold beverages can be different than the width of the beverage ingredient container 14 for hot beverages, where the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 includes a sensor for detecting the width of the inserted beverage ingredient container 14, thus automatically selecting a hot beverage or a cold beverage. Whether through automatic or manual user input, the controller 20 receives a signal indicating the selection of the water temperature for the beverage being prepared, and is thus instructed to produce a cold beverage. As such, the pump 54 operates and the diverter valve 70 switches to direct water to the cooling tank 66. The water entering the cooling tank 66 pushes the cooled water out through the check valve 76. The controller 20 causes the solenoid valve 86 to open, thus directing the cooled water through the water line 78 and into the beverage ingredient container 14.

[0059] The process by which the bottom edge 14e of the beverage ingredient container 14 eventually breaks is dependent not only on pressure, but also on more factors. The temperature of the beverage ingredient container 14 (depending on the temperature of the liquid infused into the beverage ingredient container 14) as well as the time that the water at the particular pressure and temperature is left in the beverage ingredient container 14 are also factors in determining when the bottom edge 14e will delaminate and crack. Thus, the pressure and duration (i.e., the time that the water is subjected to in the beverage ingredient container 14) can be varied depending on the temperature of the water entering the beverage ingredient container 14 to provide some control over when the beverage ingredient container 14 will crack. Thus, the pressure for beverage preparation can be dynamically controlled based on the temperature of the water used to prepare each beverage to help prevent undesirable delamination of the beverage ingredient container 14. Further, in certain embodiments, the time that the water is under pressure in the beverage ingredient container 14 can be controlled to help prevent undesirable delamination of the beverage ingredient container 14.

[0060] In Figure 8 Another embodiment of a beverage preparation fluid circuit 12' is shown in FIG. 12. This alternative beverage preparation fluid circuit 12' can incorporate the features of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 shown in FIG. 11, and can include a pump 54' and a diverter valve 70' that are similar to the pump 54 and the diverter valve 70 shown in FIG. 11. The beverage preparation fluid circuit 12' includes a water line 78' that is connected to the pump 54' and the diverter valve 70'. The water line 78' is connected to a cooling tank 66' that is connected to the diverter valve 70'. The cooling tank 66' is connected to a solenoid valve 86' that is connected to the water line 78'. The water line 78' is also connected to a beverage ingredient container 14' that is connected to the diverter valve 70'. The beverage ingredient container 14' is connected to a beverage outlet 16'. Figure 1The fluid circuit 12' is a dual pressure system, with the water supply line split into a low pressure branch and a high pressure branch.

[0061] The low pressure branch corresponds largely to the arrangement described previously with respect to the beverage dispensing apparatus 10, and it includes the flow meter 52, the pump 54, the valve 70, the cooling tank 66 and the heating tank 68, which supply cold or hot water to the supply manifold 71, where it is supplied to the (low pressure) jet tube via the (low pressure) jet valve 86, or to the mixing nozzle 80 via the mixing valve 84. Figure 7

[0062] The high pressure branch also includes a flow meter 52' and a pump 54'. A pulse damper 90 is included between the flow meter 52' and the pump 54'. Water is supplied from the pump 54' to a heater 94, which is then supplied to a high pressure jet valve 96. The high pressure jet valve 96 is a 3-port 2-way solenoid valve, which directs water to either the return line 92 or the high pressure jet tube. The return valve 84, which is coupled to the supply manifold 71, feeds into the high pressure branch at a point upstream of the high pressure jet valve 96, and thus drains to the return line 92 via the jet valve 96.

[0063] The pump 54 on the low pressure branch is a low pressure pump, which is capable of making a beverage by injecting water at only slightly elevated pressure, for example less than 1 bar gauge; while the pump 54' on the high pressure branch is a high pressure pump, which is capable of making a beverage by injecting water at a higher pressure, for example, greater than 5 bar, up to about 20 bar.

[0064] The high pressure jet tube can be used to supply water to a beverage ingredient container 14', which requires water at a higher pressure to make a beverage. For example, the beverage ingredient container 14' can be an espresso container, which includes a fine grind and dense coffee bed, and thus requires high pressure to be able to force water through the coffee bed.

[0065] During operation, flow information does not need to be received from the flow meters 52, 52', but can be determined according to the type of beverage being dispensed. In particular, as previously described, the user can specify the beverage to be dispensed based on the particular beverage ingredient container 14, 14' placed in the beverage dispensing apparatus 10, or this can be detected by the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. Based on this input, the controller 20 configures the settings of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10, and this determines the flow rate in the water circuit. In particular, the controller 20 can set the operation (i.e. speed) of the water pumps 54, 54', and this can determine the flow rate. Thus, the controller 20 is able to provide the current flow rate as an input to the downstream pressure calculation, without actually receiving it from the flow meters 52, 52' or any other sensor.​

[0066] The air pump 72 can also supply air to the high pressure injection tube via the backflow valve 84 and the high pressure injection valve 96 to de-water the beverage ingredient container 14'. During de-watering, when air is directed from the air pump 72 to the beverage ingredient container 14, 14' to remove water from the beverage ingredient container 14, 14', the pressure sensor 22 can be used to detect over-pressurization conditions. The pressure sensor 22 can determine if the air pressure in the line exceeds a safe level and shut off the air pump 72 and / or close one or more valves to divert air away from the beverage ingredient container 14, 14'. In Figure 8 In a dual pressure system, air is directed to the beverage ingredient container 14' connected to the beverage ingredient container 14' by opening the backflow valve 22 (and closing the mix valve 84 and the low pressure injection valve 86) and configuring the high pressure injection valve 96.

[0067] Although it has been described that the water circuit has separate low pressure and high pressure injection tubes, it will be appreciated that they can engage at a common nozzle that engages both types of beverage ingredient containers 14, 14' (i.e. low pressure and high pressure containers). Otherwise, the low pressure and high pressure injector tubes can supply beverage ingredient containers 14, 14' in different holders formed in the same or different doors of the beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0068] In other embodiments, the high pressure branch can also feed into the supply manifold 71 and thus communicate with the pressure sensor 18. However, as shown, the high pressure branch includes a separate pressure sensor 18' upstream of the beverage ingredient container 14'.

[0069] Figure 9The flowchart 102 of FIG. 1 illustrates one operational aspect of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 that can be used to dynamically control the pressure for beverage preparation. In particular, this operational aspect is used to select a maximum pressure threshold for the beverage preparation fluid circuit. In this aspect, the controller 20 determines whether a first beverage at a first temperature, such as a hot beverage, has been selected or whether a second beverage at a second temperature, such as a cold beverage, has been selected for preparation. Based on the selection of the hot or cold beverage, and in embodiments where heated water and cooled water are maintained at predetermined temperatures, the controller 20 then selects a maximum pressure threshold based on the beverage selected for preparation and the temperature of that beverage. As part of selecting the maximum pressure threshold, the controller 20 selects from a first pressure threshold that is determined to have selected a hot beverage and a second pressure threshold that is determined to have selected a cold beverage, where the first pressure threshold is less than the second pressure threshold. In certain embodiments, the pressure threshold can be selected by referencing a lookup table stored in a memory accessible to the controller 20, where the lookup table corresponds water temperatures to maximum pressure threshold settings. In certain other embodiments, the pressure threshold can be selected by calculating the pressure threshold based on a known relationship between the water temperature of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 and the maximum pressure. During operation, after the maximum pressure threshold is selected, the controller 20 operates the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 to regulate the beverage preparation pressure to be less than the maximum pressure threshold.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 can include a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water used to prepare the beverage, such that the controller 20 can receive a direct measurement of the temperature and select the maximum pressure threshold based on the measured temperature.

[0071] In certain embodiments, Figure 9 The operational aspect illustrated in FIG. 1 can be accomplished without the controller 20. For example, a manual switch can be used to select the hot or cold water supply using the 3 / 2 diverter valve 70, which also results in the selection of one of two individually selectable standard pressure relief valves arranged in parallel to each other and set to different maximum pressures. Thus, if the hot water supply is selected, the additional 3 / 2 solenoid valve selects the first pressure relief valve with a maximum pressure of 9.5 psi, while if the cold water supply is selected, the additional solenoid valve selects the second pressure relief valve with a maximum pressure greater than 9.5 psi. Thus, the additional 3 / 2 solenoid valve forms a pressure relief system together with the two differently rated relief valves operating in parallel. When the temperature of the water entering the beverage ingredient container is selected by the switching of the valve 70, the maximum pressure of the pressure relief system is also selected by the matching movement of the additional 3 / 2 solenoid valve and the first or second pressure relief valve.

[0072] Figure 10The flowchart 112 illustrates another operational aspect of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10, which can be used to dynamically control the pressure for beverage preparation. In particular, this operational aspect is used to select a beverage preparation pressure for the beverage preparation fluid circuit. In this aspect, the controller 20 determines whether a first beverage at a first temperature, such as a hot beverage, has been selected or whether a second beverage at a second temperature, such as a cold beverage, has been selected for preparation. Based on the selection of the hot or cold beverage, and in embodiments where heated water and cooled water are maintained at predetermined temperatures, the controller 20 then selects a beverage preparation pressure based on the selected beverage for preparation and the temperature of that beverage. As part of selecting the beverage preparation pressure, the controller 20 selects from a first beverage preparation pressure determined that a hot beverage has been selected and a second beverage preparation pressure determined that a cold beverage has been selected, where the first beverage preparation pressure is less than the second beverage preparation pressure. In certain embodiments, the beverage preparation pressure can be selected by referencing a lookup table stored in memory accessible to the controller 20, where the lookup table corresponds water temperatures to beverage preparation pressures. In certain other embodiments, the selection of the beverage preparation pressure can be made by calculating the beverage preparation pressure based on a known relationship between the water temperature of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 and the beverage preparation pressure.

[0073] During operation, after the beverage preparation pressure is selected, the controller 20 operates the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 to adjust the beverage preparation pressure to maintain the pressure at the selected beverage preparation pressure. For example, in the case where water is supplied from the cooling tank 66 to prepare a cold beverage, the lower temperature of the water slows the layering and breaking of the beverage ingredient pods 14. As such, the water pressure in the beverage ingredient pods 14 can be maintained longer when using cooled water than when using heated water. Alternatively, the pressure can be increased and the brew time kept constant, or even decreased before the layering and breaking of the beverage ingredient pods 14 occurs. During beverage preparation, to adjust the beverage preparation pressure, the controller 20 can control the water pump 54 to pump water to the valve 86 and the beverage ingredient pods 14 at a higher pressure via the valve 70 and the cooling module 66. Similarly, the controller 20 can control the time that water resides in the beverage ingredient pods 14 by controlling the operation of the water pump 54 and the air pump 72. The beverage preparation pressure can be decreased by releasing pressure via the valve 22, or alternatively, by reducing the flow through the water pump 54 or the air pump 72, or by any other suitable pressure reducing mechanism.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 can include a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water used to prepare the beverage, such that the controller 20 can receive a direct measurement of the temperature and select the beverage preparation pressure based on the measured temperature.

[0075] Figure 11The flowchart 122 of FIG. 12 illustrates another operational aspect of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 that can be used to dynamically control the pressure for beverage preparation. In particular, this operational aspect is used to regulate the beverage preparation pressure for the beverage preparation fluid circuit so that a desired beverage preparation pressure can be maintained throughout the beverage preparation process. In this aspect, the pressure sensor 18 measures the pressure in the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. Since the pressure sensor 18 is not located in the beverage ingredient container 14, the pressure in the beverage ingredient container 14 cannot be directly measured. However, it has been found that the pressure measurement upstream of the beverage ingredient container 14 can be used to estimate the pressure in the beverage ingredient container 14 when the flow rate of water for the beverage preparation process is also known. The flow rate of water can be obtained by directly measuring the flow rate using the flow meter 52 or indirectly by using a known flow rate at which the pump 54 pumps water in the beverage preparation process. Thus, by receiving at least one of the measurement signal from the pressure sensor 18 and the measurement signal from the flow meter 52 or causing the pump 54 to pump water at a known rate, the controller 50 can estimate the pressure at the beverage ingredient container 14. During operation, the estimated beverage preparation pressure, the controller 20 can operate the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 to regulate the beverage preparation pressure so as to maintain the pressure at a selected beverage preparation pressure or to maintain the beverage preparation pressure at a set maximum pressure threshold.

[0076] Figure 12 The flowchart 132 of FIG. 13 illustrates another operational aspect of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 that can be used to dynamically but indirectly control the pressure for beverage preparation. In particular, this operational aspect is used to regulate the temperature setting of the heating tank 68. In this aspect, the controller 50 receives a signal indicative of the ambient barometric pressure relative to a reference pressure and then adjusts the temperature setting of the heater based on the received signal. In certain embodiments, a sealed pressure sensor can be used to measure the ambient atmospheric pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure at sea level and thus provide an indication of the altitude at which the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is currently located. In certain embodiments, a separate pressure sensor can be included as part of the beverage dispensing apparatus in order to obtain this atmospheric pressure measurement. However, the pressure sensor 18 can also be used for this purpose. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor 18 can measure the pressure relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 18 can be a sealed pressure sensor or can be an absolute pressure sensor (which can be considered to be a type of sealed pressure sensor), the sealed pressure sensor measures pressure relative to the prevailing atmospheric pressure sealed within the sensor (which can correspond to the atmospheric pressure at sea level), the absolute pressure sensor can measure pressure relative to a vacuum. For the absolute pressure sensor, the output can be corrected so that it reads zero at the atmospheric pressure at sea level.

[0077] During periods when the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is not preparing a beverage, the pressure sensor 18 can be exposed (vented) to ambient atmospheric pressure by opening one or more of the backflow valve 22, the jet valve 86 (in the event that a beverage ingredient container 14 is not in place), and the mixing valve 84. The settings of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 can then be adjusted, if necessary, to account for the altitude of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. In particular, because the boiling temperature of water varies with respect to ambient atmospheric pressure, the temperature settings of the heating tanks 68, 68 and / or the water heater 94 can be adjusted based on the altitude. For example, the temperature settings can be adjusted to avoid boiling water at the current altitude. Other brew parameters can also be adjusted to optimize beverage taste. This calibration step can be performed periodically or once at any other time when the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is powered on. In particular, if the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is to be used on an airplane, recalibration for changes in altitude / atmospheric pressure can need to be performed at more frequent intervals. The calibration can be done automatically by the controller 50 or can be manually confirmed by user input.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will realize that the embodiments described above are merely meant to be illustrative and not limiting in any way and that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the application as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a water tank; a fluid circuit comprising a pressurisable portion, the pressurisable portion comprising: a water supply line connected to the water tank; a supply manifold coupled to the water supply line; a water pump for pumping water from the water tank to a water outlet at a distal end of the water supply line, wherein the water outlet is connectable to a beverage ingredient container; a pressure sensor connected to the water supply line at a location upstream of the water outlet; at least one first valve connected to the water supply line at a location between the supply manifold and the water outlet; a second valve connected to the water supply line at a location between the supply manifold and a return line fluidly coupled to the water tank; a controller operably coupled to the water pump, the pressure sensor, the at least one first valve and the second valve, the controller configured to: receive an output of the pressure sensor indicative of a pressure at the location upstream of the water outlet and determine an estimated pressure at the water outlet based on the output from the pressure sensor and a flow rate of water through the water supply line; when the estimated pressure exceeds a pressure threshold, open the second valve so that water flowing through the supply manifold is returned to the water tank via the return line; and when the estimated pressure is at or below the pressure threshold, open the at least one first valve so that water flowing through the supply manifold flows into the beverage ingredient container via the water outlet.

2. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a flow meter, wherein the controller receives an output from the flow meter indicative of a flow rate through the water supply line.

3. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the controller determines the flow rate through the water supply line based on a type of beverage ingredient container connected to the water outlet.

4. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the controller is configured to reduce the pressure at the water outlet if it is determined that the estimated pressure exceeds the pressure threshold.

5. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 4, wherein, the controller is configured to reduce the pressure at the water outlet if the estimated pressure is determined to exceed the pressure threshold by performing one or more of: reducing a speed of the water pump; turning off the water pump; closing the at least one first valve connected to the water supply line at the location upstream of the water outlet to prevent water from reaching the water outlet; and opening the second valve upstream of the water outlet to divert water away from the water outlet. the pressure sensor is connected to the supply manifold.

6. The beverage dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, 7. The beverage dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an air pump for pumping air from the water outlet and through the beverage ingredient container after an automated vending process to de-water the beverage ingredient container. the controller is further configured to determine whether the estimated pressure at the water outlet exceeds the pressure threshold during operation of the air pump.

8. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 7, wherein, the water supply line comprises a high pressure leg and a low pressure leg, and wherein the water pump comprises a first pump configured to pump at a first pressure on the high pressure leg and a second pump configured to pump at a second pressure lower than the first pressure on the low pressure leg.

9. The beverage dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, ​ 10. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The high pressure branch and the low pressure branch have separate water outlets.

11. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The controller is configured to determine an estimated pressure at each water outlet based on the received output and a flow rate of water through the high pressure branch or the low pressure branch of the water supply line.

12. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a fluid pump for pumping fluid from a water tank into a beverage preparation fluid circuit comprising an outlet; a heater disposed between the water tank and the outlet for increasing a temperature of the fluid; a cooling tank disposed between the water tank and the outlet for decreasing a temperature of the fluid; a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the fluid flowing through the beverage preparation fluid circuit, wherein the pressure sensor is located downstream of the heater and the cooling tank, upstream of the outlet; and a controller configured to receive an output from the pressure sensor and determine an estimated pressure at the outlet based on the output from the pressure sensor and a flow rate of fluid through the fluid pump.

13. A method of operating a beverage dispensing apparatus, the method comprising: pumping water from a water outlet of a water supply line and through a beverage ingredient container to dispense a beverage; measuring a pressure in the water supply line at a location upstream of the water outlet and the beverage ingredient container; determining an estimated pressure at the water outlet based on the measured pressure and a flow rate of water through the water supply line; wherein when the estimated pressure is at or below a pressure threshold, a first valve is opened such that water flows into the beverage ingredient container via the water outlet; and wherein when the estimated pressure exceeds the pressure threshold, a second valve is opened such that water is diverted away from the water outlet.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising determining the flow rate through the water supply line based on a type of beverage ingredient container connected to the water outlet.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising if the estimated pressure is determined to exceed the pressure threshold, reducing the pressure at the water outlet by performing one or more of: reducing a speed of a water pump; turning off the water pump; closing the at least one first valve upstream of the water outlet to prevent water from reaching the water outlet; and opening the second valve upstream of the water outlet to divert water away from the water outlet. The water supply line comprises a high pressure branch and a low pressure branch, and wherein the estimated pressure at the water outlet for the high pressure branch and the low pressure branch is determined based on the measured pressure and a flow rate of water through the respective branch of the water supply line.

16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, 17. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a water tank; a water supply line coupled to the water tank and having a water pump for pumping water from the water tank to a water outlet at a distal end of the water supply line, wherein the water outlet is couplable to a beverage ingredient container; a heater disposed between the water tank and the water outlet for heating water; at least one valve disposed along the water supply line; ​ a sealed pressure sensor coupled to the water supply line at a location upstream of the outlet, wherein the sealed pressure sensor is exposed to ambient atmospheric pressure relative to a reference pressure when the beverage dispensing apparatus is not preparing a beverage by opening the at least one valve; a controller configured to: receive an output from the sealed pressure sensor indicative of the ambient atmospheric pressure and adjust a temperature setting of the heater based on the ambient atmospheric pressure; during a beverage dispensing operation, receive an output from the sealed pressure sensor indicative of a pressure at a location upstream of the outlet, and determine an estimated pressure at the outlet based on the output from the sealed pressure sensor and a flow rate of water through the water supply line.

18. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 17, wherein, the sealed pressure sensor is an absolute pressure sensor.

19. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 18, wherein, the reference pressure is atmospheric pressure at sea level.

Images