Extraction unit

Abstract

A method of preparing a white coffee extract may include charging an extraction material into an extraction unit having a first portion and a second portion. The extraction material may include ground coffee having a density between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml and an average particle size between 700 [mu] m and 900 [mu] m. The method may further include introducing an extraction medium stream through a first portion of the extraction unit. The method may include withdrawing, from a filter at a second portion of the extraction unit, a white coffee extract that has been extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the extraction medium stream introduced into the extraction unit within less than 60 seconds after the portion of the extraction medium stream is introduced into the extraction unit. The extraction material may include ground white coffee.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. filed on April 27, 2022. 63 / 363673, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for preparing edible extracts, such as systems and methods for preparing edible extracts from cold solvents or ambient solvents under pressure. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems and apparatus for preparing cold pressed espresso. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems and apparatus for preparing cold pressed espresso using white coffee. Background Art

[0003] Some brewed beverages are prepared by extracting seeds, leaves, berries or other plant materials containing desired flavors, aromas or compounds in a suitable solvent. However, the process of extracting the desired ingredients from plant materials can be time-consuming, and the strength of the final extract is closely related to the proportion of total dissolved solids (TDS) extracted by the solvent. Therefore, high temperatures are usually used to increase the extraction rate and reduce the time required to obtain high TDS. For example, espresso is usually prepared by extracting roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans in near-boiling water under high pressure. Other technologies require multiple rounds of extraction to increase the yield of the extraction process. However, high temperatures and repeated extractions sometimes lead to the extraction of undesirable compounds from plant materials, such as acids and tannins, which can have a negative impact on the quality of the final beverage. In contrast, extractions performed at low temperatures generally lack the richness of their high temperature counterparts, thereby exhibiting lower TDS content. Such extracts may be considered "bland" or lacking in flavor and cannot replicate the strong characteristics of extracts obtained at high temperatures. Summary of the invention

[0004] The systems, methods and devices of the present disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0005] In one aspect, a method of preparing an extract comprises loading an extraction material into an extraction unit having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the density of the ground coffee is between 0.2 g / ml to 0.4 g / ml, and the average particle size of the ground coffee is between 200 μm and 400 μm The method may further include: introducing a flow of extraction medium through a first portion of the extraction unit; and within less than 75 seconds after introducing the portion of the flow of extraction medium into the extraction unit, withdrawing from a filter at a second portion of the extraction unit an extract that has been extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the flow of extraction medium introduced into the extraction unit.

[0006] In some configurations, the yield of the extract is between 16% and 18%. In some configurations, the yield of the extract is between 15% and 20%. The concentration of the extract may be between 6.5 Brix and 8.5 Brix. The concentration of the extract may be between 6.5 Brix and 10 Brix. The extraction medium may be unheated before being introduced into the extraction unit. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 15°C and 30°C. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 10°C and 30°C. The extract extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the extraction medium flow introduced into the extraction unit may be extracted between 15 seconds and 75 seconds after the portion of the extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit. The extract extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the extraction medium flow introduced into the extraction unit may be extracted between 15 seconds and 60 seconds after the portion of the extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit. The extract may be extracted through a filter at the second portion of the extraction unit within 75 seconds after the extraction medium flow is introduced through the first portion of the extraction unit. The extract may be extracted through a filter at a second portion of the extraction unit within 60 seconds of introducing a flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction unit. Introducing the extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction may include introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate to achieve piston flow. In some configurations, the extraction material is not previously extracted. The internal chamber of the extraction unit may have a length and an average width along the length, and wherein the ratio of the length to the average diameter is between 0.75:1 and 2:1. Loading the extraction material into the extraction unit may include loading between 6 grams and 8 grams of ground coffee into the extraction unit. Loading the extraction material into the extraction unit may include loading between 6 grams and 9 grams of ground coffee into the extraction unit. Loading the extraction material into the extraction unit may include providing ground coffee having a density between 0.2g / ml and 0.4g / ml into the extraction unit. Introducing the flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction may include introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate between 20ml / min and 40ml / min. The first portion may be a bottom portion of the device, and the second portion may be a top portion of the device. The extraction medium may flow upward from the first portion through the extraction unit to the second portion. The average pore size of the filter at the second portion may be 20 μm to 90 μm. The extraction unit may include 6 to 8 grams of ground coffee. The extraction unit may include 6 to 9 grams of ground coffee. The extraction unit may include between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml of ground coffee. The extraction unit may include coffee beans ground to an average particle size of 200 μm to 400 μm, 250 μm to 500 μm, or 270 μm to 370 μm.

[0007] In one aspect, the method of preparing an extract comprises providing an extraction unit having a first portion and a second portion, the extraction unit being filled with ground coffee having a density between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml, and the average particle size of the ground coffee being between 200 μm and 400 μm The method may further include: introducing a flow of extraction medium through a first portion of the extraction unit; and within less than 75 seconds after introducing the portion of the flow of extraction medium into the extraction unit, withdrawing from a filter at a second portion of the extraction unit an extract that has been extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the flow of extraction medium introduced into the extraction unit.

[0008] In some configurations, the method may further include loading the extraction material into the extraction unit. In some aspects, the yield of the extract is between 16% and 18%. In some configurations, the yield of the extract is between 15% and 20%. The concentration of the extract may be between 6.5 Brix and 8.5 Brix. The concentration of the extract may be between 6.5 Brix and 10 Brix. The extraction medium may be unheated before being introduced into the extraction unit. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 15°C and 30°C. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 10°C and 30°C. The extract extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the extraction medium flow introduced into the extraction unit may be extracted between 15 seconds and 75 seconds after the portion of the extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit. The extract extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the extraction medium flow introduced into the extraction unit may be extracted between 15 seconds and 60 seconds after the portion of the extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit. The extract may be extracted through a filter at a second portion of the extraction unit within 75 seconds of introducing the flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction unit. The extract may be extracted through a filter at a second portion of the extraction unit within 60 seconds of introducing the flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction unit. Introducing the extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction may include introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate to achieve piston flow. In some configurations, the extraction material is not previously extracted. The internal chamber of the extraction unit may have a length and an average width along the length, and wherein the ratio of the length to the average diameter is between 0.75:1 and 2:1. Loading the extraction material into the extraction unit may include loading between 6 grams and 8 grams of ground coffee into the extraction unit. The extraction unit may include 6 grams to 8 grams of ground coffee. Loading the extraction material into the extraction unit may include loading between 6 grams and 9 grams of ground coffee into the extraction unit. The extraction unit may include 6 grams to 9 grams of ground coffee. Loading the extraction material into the extraction unit may include loading a density of 0.2g / ml to 0.4 g / ml of ground coffee is provided to the extraction unit. The extraction unit may include ground coffee having a density between 0.2g / ml and 0.4g / ml. Introducing a flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction may include introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate between 20ml / min and 40ml / min. The first portion may be a bottom portion of the device, and the second portion may be a top portion of the device. The extraction medium may flow upward from the first portion through the extraction unit to the second portion. The average pore size of the filter at the second portion may be 20μm to 90μm. The extraction unit may include 6 grams to 8 grams of ground coffee. The extraction unit may include 6 grams to 9 grams of ground coffee. The extraction unit may include ground coffee between 0.2g / ml and 0.4g / ml. The extraction unit may include ground coffee ground to an average particle size of 200μm The invention relates to coffee beans having a size of 250 μm to 400 μm, 250 μm to 500 μm, or 270 μm to 370 μm.

[0009] In another aspect, a method of preparing an extract may include: loading an extraction material into an extraction unit; and introducing a flow of extraction medium at a temperature between 15° C. and 30° C. into the extraction unit. The method may further include: removing from the extraction unit an extract that has been extracted from the extraction material by the extraction medium within less than 75 seconds after introducing the flow of extraction medium into the extraction unit. The extract may have an extraction material concentration between 6.5 Brix and 8.5 Brix, and the yield of the extract may be between 16% and 18%. The extract may have an extraction material concentration between 6.5 Brix and 10 Brix. The yield of the extract may be between 15% and 20%. In some configurations, removing from the extraction unit may include removing the extract through a filter.

[0010] In another aspect, a method of preparing an extract may include providing an extraction unit in which an extraction material is placed; and introducing a flow of an extraction medium having a temperature between 15° C. and 30° C. into the extraction unit. The method may further include withdrawing from the extraction unit an extract that has been extracted from the extraction material by the extraction medium within less than 75 seconds after the flow of the extraction medium is introduced into the extraction unit. The extract may have an extraction material concentration between 6.5 and 8.5 Brix, and the yield of the extract may be between 16% and 18%. The extract may have an extraction material concentration between 6.5 and 10 Brix. The yield of the extract may be between 15% and 20%. In some configurations, withdrawing from the extraction unit may include withdrawing the extract through a filter. The method may further include loading the extraction material into the extraction unit.

[0011] In yet another aspect, an extraction unit for preparing an extract may include: a bottom portion; A top portion having a cross-sectional width and a cross-sectional area; a side wall extending between the bottom portion and the bottom portion, the side wall having a length; an inlet located on the bottom portion for introducing an extraction medium; an outlet located on the top portion for removing an extract from the extraction unit; and a filter located at the outlet, the area of ​​the filter being 10% to 20% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the top portion of the extraction unit. The aspect ratio of the length to the cross-sectional width can be between 0.75:1 and 2:1.

[0012] In some configurations, the aspect ratio of the length to the cross-sectional width is 1:1. The average pore size of the filter may be 20 μm to 90 μm. The extraction unit may include 6 grams to 8 grams of ground coffee. The extraction unit may include 6 grams to 9 grams of ground coffee. The extraction unit may include between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml of ground coffee. The extraction unit may include ground coffee to an average particle size of 200 μm to 400 μm, 250 μm to 500 μm, or 270 μm. Coffee beans up to 370μm.

[0013] In one aspect, a method of preparing an extract may include: loading an extraction material into an extraction unit having a first portion and a second portion, wherein ground coffee is employed; and introducing a flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction unit. The method may further include: Within less than 30 minutes after introducing the partial extraction medium flow into the extraction unit, extract extracted from the extraction material by the partial extraction medium flow introduced into the extraction unit is withdrawn from the filter at the second portion of the extraction unit.

[0014] In some configurations, the yield of the extract is between 17% and 21%. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 18°C ​​and 24°C. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 10°C and 30°C. The extract extracted from the extraction material by the partial extraction medium stream introduced into the extraction unit may be withdrawn between 16 minutes and 20 minutes after the partial extraction medium stream is introduced into the extraction unit.

[0015] The results can be seen at 20 and 27 minutes after the partial extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit. The extract extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the extraction medium flow introduced into the extraction unit may be extracted between 20 minutes and 15 minutes after the extraction medium flow is introduced through the first portion of the extraction unit. The extract may be extracted through the filter at the second portion of the extraction unit within 20 minutes after the extraction medium flow is introduced through the first portion of the extraction unit. The extract may be extracted through the filter at the second portion of the extraction unit within 15 minutes after the extraction medium flow is introduced through the first portion of the extraction unit.

[0016] In another aspect, the extraction medium can flow continuously through the extraction unit. The extraction medium may flow substantially continuously through the extraction unit. During the extraction process, the flow rate of the extraction medium into the extraction unit may be kept constant or substantially constant. During the extraction process, a constant or substantially constant flow rate may be maintained over the entire radial axis of the chamber.

[0017] In one aspect, a method of preparing an extract may include providing a first portion and The method may include introducing a flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction unit. The method may further include withdrawing from a filter at the second portion of the extraction unit an extract that has been extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the flow of extraction medium introduced into the extraction unit within less than 30 minutes after the portion of the flow of extraction medium is introduced into the extraction unit.

[0018] In some configurations, the method may further include loading the extraction material into an extraction unit. The yield of the extract is between 17% and 21%. The extraction medium can be at a temperature of 18 The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 10° C. and 30° C. The extract extracted from the extraction material by the partial extraction medium flow introduced into the extraction unit may be withdrawn between 16 minutes and 20 minutes after the partial extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit.

[0019] The results can be seen at 20 and 27 minutes after the partial extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit. The extract extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the extraction medium flow introduced into the extraction unit may be extracted between 20 minutes and 15 minutes after the extraction medium flow is introduced through the first portion of the extraction unit. The extract may be extracted through the filter at the second portion of the extraction unit within 20 minutes after the extraction medium flow is introduced through the first portion of the extraction unit. The extract may be extracted through the filter at the second portion of the extraction unit within 15 minutes after the extraction medium flow is introduced through the first portion of the extraction unit.

[0020] In another aspect, the extraction medium can flow continuously through the extraction unit. The extraction medium can flow substantially continuously through the extraction unit. During the extraction process, the flow rate of the extraction medium into the extraction unit can be kept constant or substantially constant. During the extraction process, a constant or substantially constant flow rate can be maintained over the entire radial axis of the chamber.

[0021] In one aspect, a method of preparing an extract comprises loading an extraction material into an extraction unit having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the density of the ground coffee is between 0.2 g / ml to 0.4 g / ml, and the average particle size of the ground coffee is between 200 μm and 400 μm The method may further include: introducing an extraction medium flow through a first portion of the extraction unit at a first flow rate; and extracting from a filter at a second portion of the extraction unit an extract that has been extracted from the extraction material by the extraction medium flow introduced into the extraction unit. The extraction medium flow may flow substantially continuously from the first portion upward through the extraction unit to the second portion, such that the flow rate of the extraction medium flow varies by no more than 50% relative to the first flow rate. The extraction medium flow may flow substantially continuously from the first portion upward through the extraction unit to the second portion, such that the flow rate of the extraction medium flow varies by no more than 80% relative to the first flow rate.

[0022] In some aspects, the yield of the extract is between 17% and 19%. The concentration of the extract may be between 6.5 Brix and 12 Brix. The extraction medium may be unheated prior to being introduced into the extraction unit. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 15°C and 30°C. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 10°C and 30°C. The method may further include: wherein introducing the extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction includes introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate to achieve a piston flow. The extraction material may not be previously extracted. The internal chamber of the extraction unit may have a length and an average width along the length, and wherein the ratio of the length to the average diameter may be between 0.75:1 and 2:1. The average pore size of the filter at the second portion may be between 20 μm and 90 μm. The density of the extraction material in the extraction unit may be between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml of ground coffee. The extraction material may comprise coffee beans ground to an average particle size of 200 μm to 400 μm, 250 μm to 500 μm, or 270 μm to 370 μm. During the extraction process, the flow rate of the extraction medium entering the extraction unit can be maintained constant or substantially constant. During the extraction process, a constant or substantially constant flow rate can be maintained across the radial axis of the chamber. The extract can be extracted in less than 75 seconds of introducing the flow of the extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction unit. The extract can be extracted in less than 30 minutes of introducing the flow of the extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction unit. In some instances, the flow rate of the extraction medium flow varies by no more than 70% relative to the first flow rate. In some instances, the flow rate of the extraction medium flow varies by no more than 50% relative to the first flow rate.

[0023] In one aspect, a method of preparing an extract comprises providing a first portion and a second portion The method may further comprise: introducing a flow of extraction medium at a first flow rate through the first portion of the extraction unit; and extracting from a filter at a second portion of the extraction unit an extract that has been extracted from the extraction material by the flow of extraction medium introduced into the extraction unit. The flow of extraction medium may flow substantially continuously from the first portion upward through the extraction unit to the second portion, such that the flow rate of the flow of extraction medium varies by no more than 50% relative to the first flow rate. The flow of extraction medium may flow substantially continuously from the first portion upward through the extraction unit to the second portion. The second portion is reached so that the flow rate of the extraction medium flow does not vary by more than 80% relative to the first flow rate.

[0024] In some aspects, the method may further include loading the extraction material into an extraction unit. In some examples, the yield of the extract is between 17% and 19%. The concentration of the extract may be between 6.5 Brix and 12 Brix. The extraction medium may not be heated prior to being introduced into the extraction unit. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 15°C and 30°C. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 10°C and 30°C. The method may further include: wherein introducing the extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction includes introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate to achieve piston flow. The extraction material may not be previously extracted. The internal chamber of the extraction unit may have a length and an average width along the length, and wherein the ratio of the length to the average diameter may be between 0.75:1 and 2:1. The average pore size of the filter at the second portion may be 20 The density of the extraction material in the extraction unit may be 0.2 g / ml to 0.4 g / ml. The extraction material may have ground coffee with an average particle size of 200 μm. to 400 μm, 250 μm to 500 μm, or 270 μm to 370 μm coffee beans. During the extraction process, the flow rate of the extraction medium entering the extraction unit can be maintained constant or substantially constant. During the extraction process, a constant or substantially constant flow rate can be maintained across the radial axis of the chamber. The extract can be extracted in less than 75 seconds after the flow of the extraction medium is introduced through the first portion of the extraction unit. The extract can be extracted in less than 30 minutes after the flow of the extraction medium is introduced through the first portion of the extraction unit. In some instances, the flow rate of the extraction medium flow varies by no more than 70% relative to the first flow rate. In some instances, the flow rate of the extraction medium flow varies by no more than 50% relative to the first flow rate.

[0025] In yet another aspect, an extraction unit for preparing an extract may include: a bottom portion; a top portion having a cross-sectional width and a cross-sectional area, a side wall extending between the bottom portion and the bottom portion, the side wall having a length, an inlet located on the bottom portion for introducing an extraction medium, and an outlet located on the top portion for removing an extract from the extraction unit. The aspect ratio of the length to the cross-sectional width may be between 0.75:1 and 2:1.

[0026] In some aspects, the aspect ratio of length to cross-sectional width is 1:1. The average pore size of the filter may be 20 μm to 90 μm. The density of the extraction material in the extraction unit may be 0.2 g / ml The extraction unit may comprise coffee beans ground to an average particle size of 200 μm to 400 μm, 250 μm to 500 μm, or 270 μm to 370 μm.

[0027] In one aspect, a method of preparing an extract comprises providing a capsule extraction unit having a first portion and a second portion, the capsule extraction unit containing an extraction material, the extraction material being ground coffee having an average particle size between 200 μm and 400 μm. The method may further comprise introducing a flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the capsule extraction unit. The method may further comprise: within less than 3 minutes after introducing the portion of the flow of extraction medium into the capsule extraction unit, extracting from the extraction material extracted by the portion of the flow of extraction medium introduced into the capsule extraction unit from a filter at the second portion of the capsule extraction unit.

[0028] In some configurations, the yield of the extraction is between 10% and 20%. The concentration of the extract may be between 3.0 Brix and 7.0 Brix. The method may further include diluting the extract with a second extraction medium stream. The concentration of the diluted extract may be between 1.0 Brix and 2.0 Brix. The extraction medium may not be heated before the extraction medium is introduced into the capsule extraction unit. The extraction medium is water at a temperature between 15°C and 30°C. The extraction medium may be water at a temperature between 10°C and 30°C. In some aspects, introducing the extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction may include introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate to achieve a piston flow. The extraction material may not be previously extracted. In some instances, the internal chamber of the capsule extraction unit has a length and an average width along the length, and wherein the ratio of the length to the diameter of the second portion is between 0.75:1 and 2:1. The capsule extraction unit may include between 10 grams and 20 grams of ground coffee into the capsule extraction unit. In some examples, introducing the extraction medium flow through the first portion of the extraction may include introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate between 15 ml / min and 50 ml / min. The first portion may be a bottom portion of the device, and the second portion may be a top portion of the device. The extraction medium may flow upward from the first portion through the capsule extraction unit to the second portion. The weight of the filter at the second portion may be 30 g / m 2 Up to 100 g / m 2 The capsule extraction unit includes coffee beans ground to an average particle size of 200 μm to 400 μm, 250 μm to 500 μm, or 270 μm to 370 μm.

[0029] In another aspect, a method of preparing an extract may include introducing a flow of an extraction medium having a temperature between 15° C. and 30° C. into a capsule extraction unit, the capsule extraction unit containing an extraction material. The method may further include withdrawing from the capsule extraction unit an extract extracted from the extraction material by the extraction medium within less than 3 minutes after introducing the flow of the extraction medium into the capsule extraction unit. The extract material concentration of the extract may be between 3.0 Brix and 7.0 Brix, and the yield of the extract may be between 10% and 20%.

[0030] In some aspects, extracting the extract from the capsule extraction unit may include passing the extract through a filter. The method may further include piercing the capsule extraction unit with a needle to produce an extract. The method may further include sealing the capsule extraction unit with a gasket.

[0031] In yet another aspect, an extraction unit for preparing an extract may include a first transverse The extraction unit may further include a bottom portion having a cross-sectional width and a first cross-sectional area. The extraction unit may further include a top portion having a second cross-sectional width and a second cross-sectional area. The extraction unit may also include a sidewall extending between the bottom portion and the bottom portion, the sidewall having a length. The extraction unit may further include an inlet located on the bottom portion for introducing an extraction medium. The extraction unit may also include an outlet disposed on the top portion for removing the extract from the extraction unit. The method may also include a filter located at the outlet, the area of ​​the filter being 10% to 20% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the top portion of the extraction unit. The first cross-sectional width may be greater than the second cross-sectional width. The first cross-sectional area may be greater than the second cross-sectional area. The aspect ratio of the length to the second cross-sectional width may be between 0.75:1 and 2:1.

[0032] In some configurations, the aspect ratio of the length to the second cross-sectional width may be 0.75:1. The filter weight can be 30g / m 2 Up to 100g / m 2 The extraction unit may include 10 to 20 grams of ground coffee. The extraction unit may include coffee beans ground to an average particle size of 200 to 400 μm, 250 to 500 μm, or 270 to 370 μm.

[0033] In yet another aspect, a method of preparing a white coffee extract may include preparing an extraction material The method further comprises introducing a flow of extraction medium through the first part of the extraction unit; and within less than 60 seconds after introducing the portion of the flow of extraction medium into the extraction unit, withdrawing from a filter at the second part of the extraction unit a white coffee extract extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the flow of extraction medium introduced into the extraction unit. The extraction material may comprise ground white coffee.

[0034] In some configurations, the yield of the extract is between 8% and 12%. The concentration of the extract may be between 5.5 Brix and 8.5 Brix. The extraction medium may not be heated prior to introduction into the extraction unit. The extraction medium may be at a temperature between 10°C and 30°C. It can be done between 40 seconds and 50 seconds after the partial extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit. 60 seconds. The method may further include: introducing the extraction medium through the first part of the extraction includes introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate to achieve piston flow. The extraction material may not be previously extracted. The internal chamber of the extraction unit may have a length and an average width along the length. The ratio of the length to the average width of the extraction unit may be between 0.5:1 and 1:1. Loading the extraction material into the extraction unit may include loading between 15 grams and 30 grams of ground white coffee into the extraction unit. The density of the extraction material may be between 0.3g / ml and 0.35g / ml Introducing the extraction medium flow through the first portion of the extraction unit may include introducing the extraction medium flow at 50 The extraction medium may be introduced at a flow rate between 100 ml / min and 90 ml / min. The first portion may be a bottom portion of the extraction unit, and the second portion may be a top portion of the extraction unit. The extraction medium may flow upward from the first portion through the extraction unit to the second portion. The average pore size of the filter at the second portion may be 80 μm to 175 μm. The method may further include, after starting the grinder, loading the grinder with whole bean white coffee to produce ground white coffee.

[0035] In yet another aspect, an extraction unit for preparing a white coffee extract may include a bottom portion and a top portion having a cross-sectional width and a cross-sectional area. The extraction unit may include a sidewall extending between the bottom portion and the top portion. The sidewall may have a length. The extraction unit may include an inlet on the bottom portion for introducing an extraction medium and an outlet on the top portion for removing the extract from the extraction unit. The aspect ratio of the length to the cross-sectional width may be between 0.5:1 and 1:1.

[0036] In some configurations, the aspect ratio of the length to the cross-sectional width may be 0.75:1. The top portion may include a filter. The average pore size of the filter may be 80 μm to 175 μm. The extraction unit may include an extraction material placed in the extraction unit. The density of the extraction material in the extraction unit may be between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml of ground white coffee. The extraction unit may include white coffee beans ground to an average particle size of 700 μm to 900 μm. A beverage produced by a process that may include any of the above methods. A beverage product produced by a process consisting of any of the above methods. A beverage product produced by a process consisting essentially of any of the above methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings provided herein are not drawn to scale. The various embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes and should never be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. The various features of the disclosed different embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments, which are part of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 1 An embodiment of an extraction unit is schematically shown.

[0039] Figures 2A-2D Schematically shows an embodiment of a method for preparing an extract in an extraction unit. Implementation plan.

[0040] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1 Internal view of the second part of the extraction unit and the filter.

[0041] Figure 4 It is a schematic system of the extraction unit control system.

[0042] Figure 5 Schematic system of another embodiment of an extraction unit system.

[0043] Fig. 6A An embodiment of a top portion of a capsule extraction unit is schematically shown.

[0044] Figure 6B Another embodiment of the top part of the capsule extraction unit is schematically shown.

[0045] Fig. 7A An embodiment of the bottom part of the capsule extraction unit is schematically shown.

[0046] Figure 7B Another embodiment of the bottom part of the capsule extraction unit is schematically shown.

[0047] Figure 7C A further embodiment of the bottom part of the capsule extraction unit is schematically shown.

[0048] Fig.7D A further embodiment of the bottom part of the capsule extraction unit is schematically shown.

[0049] Fig. 7E A further embodiment of the bottom part of the capsule extraction unit is schematically shown.

[0050] Figure 8 Schematically shows Figure 6A-6B Internal view of the top part of the extraction unit and the filter.

[0051] Fig. 9 It is a schematic system of the capsule extraction unit control system.

[0052] Fig.10 Schematic system of an extraction unit system for nitrogen-filled white coffee.

[0053] Fig.11 Schematic system of an extraction unit system for juice infusion white coffee. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

[0054] Various extraction systems and methods are described below to illustrate various examples of improvements that can achieve one or more desired improvements. These examples are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the general disclosure presented and the various aspects and features of the present disclosure in any way. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those discussed herein. In fact, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown, but should be given the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed or suggested herein.

[0055] Many of the embodiments described herein relate to extracting coffee beans (e.g., espresso beans) To produce an extract, such as a coffee extract, such as espresso. For example, in some embodiments, the material to be extracted is also referred to herein as an "extraction material", which can be a coffee beverage, such as espresso or coffee. Coffee beans can be any variety or species from anywhere in the world. For example, Arabica, Robusta, and any blend of Arabica and Robusta from anywhere in the world (e.g., Brazil, Indonesia, Central America, Africa, etc.). In some embodiments, the extraction material can be an edible substance, and can also be at least one of raw coffee fruit, red coffee fruit, coffee flower, coffee pulp, coffee fruit stem, coffee fruit outer peel, or coffee fruit middle peel in whole or in part. However, it should be understood that certain features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be applicable to other beverages other than coffee extracts, such as tea and other similar brews and / juices. For example, in other embodiments, the extraction material can be green tea leaves and / or partially or completely dehydrated tea leaves. In further embodiments, the extraction material may include fruits, nuts or similar plant matter, including vanilla beans, chocolate beans, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, peanuts, cinnamon, mint, apples, apricots, aromatic bitters, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, celery, cherries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, juniper berries, brandy, cachaça, carrots, citrus, lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, coconuts, menthol, ginger, licorice, milk, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, peaches, pears, peppers, etc. Therefore, the description herein is not limited to espresso, coffee, coffee products, tea or tea products.

[0056] Likewise, certain embodiments of the systems, methods, and compounds described herein refer to extracts in the form of cold-pressed extracts. In certain configurations, the cold-pressed extracts may be coffee extracts, tea extracts, juices, and herbal extracts, among others. In addition, the term "cold-pressed extract" is broadly applied to extracts prepared using an extraction medium (also referred to herein as a solvent) not exceeding 100°C. In certain embodiments, a cold-pressed extract may be produced during a process that does not use a pressure exceeding 20 atmospheres. For example, in certain configurations described herein, the extraction medium may be between 0°C and 100°C. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium may be between 10°C and 30°C, and in certain embodiments may be between 15°C and 30°C, and in certain embodiments may be between 15°C and 30°C. In certain embodiments, the extraction medium may be a liquid such as water, but in certain embodiments, the extraction medium may be other liquids. In other configurations, certain inert gases may also be used to replace the extraction medium. In certain embodiments, the extraction medium is at ambient temperature when the extraction medium is added to the extraction cell as described below and / or when the extraction medium is added to the extraction cell without heating or otherwise actively changing the temperature of the extraction medium (e.g., water) supplied by the source of the extraction medium. In certain embodiments, the process for forming a cold-pressed extract can be carried out at a pressure between 0 barg and 16 barg, and in certain configurations, the pressure can be between 0.5 and 2.5 barg, and in certain embodiments, these pressure ranges can be used in combination with the temperature ranges described above for the extraction medium and / or the methods described in which the extraction medium is not heated or the temperature of the extraction medium is not otherwise actively changed. Cold-pressed extracts can advantageously be more creamy and smoother than hot-brewed coffee produced at higher temperatures.

[0057] Although certain aspects, advantages and features are described herein, any particular embodiment need not include or realize any or all of these aspects, advantages and features. For example, some embodiments may not realize the advantages described herein, but may realize other advantages. Any structure, feature or step in any embodiment may be used to replace or supplement any structure, feature or step in any other embodiment, or be omitted. The present disclosure contemplates all combinations of features from various disclosed embodiments. No feature, structure or step is necessary or indispensable. In some instances, the systems and methods described herein can be used in capsule or pod extraction units, such as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 203192 filed on July 12, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary embodiments of extraction units for small servings

[0058] Figures 1 to 3Embodiments of the extraction unit 100 are disclosed that are advantageous for smaller portion sizes. Figure 1 An embodiment of an extraction unit 100 is schematically shown. For ease of explanation, the extraction unit 100 is often described in the context of an extraction material in the form of tea leaves or ground coffee beans to brew an extract (which is a tea or coffee extract) using water as an extraction medium. However, as described above, certain features and aspects of the present disclosure may also be applied in other contexts. For example, the extraction unit 100 may also be used to extract tea leaves to brew a tea extract, and in some arrangements, juice or other similar infusions, or other extraction materials or extraction media instead of water may be used.

[0059] As shown in the figure, Figure 1 The extraction unit 100 includes a first part 103 and a second part 106. In the embodiment shown, the first part 103 and the second part 106 are both cylindrical. The sidewall 104 connects the first part 103 to the second part 106 so that the extraction unit 100 can have a cylindrical shape. In this way, the first part 103, the second part 106 and the sidewall 104 are used to define the boundary between the outside 110 of the extraction unit 100 and the inside 109 of the extraction unit 100, thereby forming a substantially liquid-tight shell, which can be filled with a desired extraction material and a suitable extraction medium to form an extraction slurry. In the embodiment shown, the first part 103 corresponds to the lower or bottom part of the extraction unit 100, and the second part 106 corresponds to the upper or top part of the extraction unit 100. Therefore, in the description herein, the first part 103 can also be referred to as the bottom part or the lower part. In a similar manner, the second part 106 can be referred to as the top part or the upper part. As will be explained below, the arrangement shown has certain advantages. For example, in some configurations, The second portion 106 may be partially or completely removed to facilitate the introduction of the desired extraction material. For example, in some configurations, the second portion 106 may be implemented as a removable cover, a sliding window, or a flip-top cover, although various other embodiments may also be used. In addition, in some arrangements, the orientation of the extraction unit 100 may be changed so that the orientation of the first portion 103 and the second portion 106 are reversed or located in other positions, such as by rotating the extraction unit 100 sideways so that the first portion 103 and the second portion 106 are located at the same or nearly the same height. Although the orientation may be relative to Figure 1The orientation shown varies, but it has been found that having the flow of extraction medium rise to move upward through the unit 100 has certain advantages in producing a more uniform and consistent product with reduced processing time. Thus, in certain configurations, at least one of the first portion 103 or the sidewall 104 may be implemented as a removable cover or provided with a mechanism configured to create an opening through which the extraction material may be loaded into the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. In other embodiments, the first and second portions may be permanently connected to one another or integrally formed with one another. The extraction unit 100 may also have more than two portions.

[0060] The interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may be characterized by a length L and an average width W along the length L. The length L and the average width W of the extraction unit define an internal aspect ratio AR of the extraction unit 100 (aspect ratio=L / W). The internal aspect ratio AR of the extraction unit may allow a user to control the contact ratio of the extraction material relative to the extraction medium. An advantage of certain embodiments of the extraction unit 100 in combination with the methods disclosed herein is that cold pressed extracts may be produced without a soaking time or with a very short soaking time. That is, in certain embodiments, the extraction medium flows continuously or substantially continuously from the inlet through the extraction material in the extraction unit 100 to the outlet. In some examples, the continuous or substantially continuous flow of the extraction medium may be defined so that the flow rate does not vary by more than a certain percentage during the brewing time. In some examples, the flow rate does not vary by more than a certain percentage relative to the maximum or initial flow rate of the extraction medium flow introduced during the brewing time or soaking time. The brewing time may be defined as the time from the introduction of the extraction medium to the withdrawal and collection of the final extract. The soaking time may be defined as the time taken for an initial portion or aliquot of the extraction medium to travel through an initial portion of the extraction material in the unit 100 and through a filter at the outlet of the unit. In some examples, the initial or maximum flow rate is changed (increased or decreased) during the brewing time or steeping time. No more than 50%. For example, the flow rate starts at 80 ml / min and does not drop below 40 ml / min during the brewing time or steeping time. In other examples, the initial or maximum flow rate does not change by more than 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% during the brewing or steeping time. In other examples, the flow rate is maintained at 80 ml / min for at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the brewing time or steeping time. During the 80%, 90% or 100% period, the change relative to the initial or maximum flow rate does not exceed 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%. As discussed above, in some instances, the soak time may be defined as the time it takes for an initial portion or aliquot of extraction medium to travel through an initial portion of extraction material in unit 100 and through a filter at the outlet of unit 100. In some instances, the flow of that portion or aliquot of extraction medium through the extraction material of unit 100 is continuous or substantially continuous. The soak time may include times when the extraction medium is not continuously introduced or does not flow into extraction unit 100. While it is advantageous to have a continuous or substantially continuous flow, in some instances the soak time may include times when the extraction medium is temporarily not moving through the extraction material. Additionally, the soak time may include times when the flow is adjusted or stopped for a short period of time. In this way, extraction unit 100 may be used to “on demand” flow. Producing a cold pressed extract. In certain configurations, the internal aspect ratio AR can range from 0.75:1 to 2:1 or any value between these ranges, and in certain embodiments, the internal aspect ratio is 1:1. Without being bound by any particular theory of operation, applicants have found that such an aspect ratio is surprisingly useful in producing a sufficiently concentrated cold pressed extract with little or no steeping time. The interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 can also be characterized by a volume. The volume can range from 10 ml to 30 ml, and in certain embodiments, Between 20 ml and 25 ml, the volume can be used in combination with the above-mentioned internal aspect ratio AR. These ranges are particularly suitable for extraction units 100 for smaller servings. The exemplary embodiments of extraction units and methods for larger servings section presents systems and methods for extraction units that are particularly advantageous for larger servings.

[0061] The extraction unit 100 can be configured such that adjacent fluid layers do not substantially mix. The extraction unit 100 can be configured to induce plug flow. The term "plug flow" is used according to its literal and ordinary meaning and refers to a model of fluid migration in which a constant flow rate is maintained across the radial axis of the chamber. Because the flow rate is substantially constant, mixing between adjacent fluid layers is substantially avoided. In some embodiments, there is less than 25% mixing between the layers, and in some embodiments, there is less than 10% mixing between the layers. In this way, by introducing a subsequent flow of liquid through the extraction unit 100, the extraction medium can be discharged from the chamber without substantially mixing. For example, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, The contents of the extraction unit 100 are discharged by initiating a flow of extraction medium through the first portion 103 . When the extraction medium achieves a constant velocity across the entire width of the interior of the extraction unit 100, plug flow can be induced and the contents of the extraction unit 100 (i.e., the prepared extract) can be removed. may be discharged from the extraction unit 100. Since the extraction medium may exhibit a substantially constant velocity across the entire width of the extraction unit 100, undesirable mixing between the extraction medium flow and the extract prepared by the extraction unit 100 can be avoided, and the prepared extract will not be diluted by subsequent or later extraction medium flows.

[0062] The extraction unit 100 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the first portion 103, the second portion 106, and the sidewall 104 may each independently comprise a metal, a ceramic, a plastic, a glass, or other substantially solid compound. For example, in some configurations, the first portion 103, the second portion 106, and the sidewall 104 may be composed of a substantially opaque metal compound. In other configurations, at least the sidewall 104 or a portion of the sidewall 104 may be composed of a substantially transparent or at least partially translucent compound, such as glass or plastic. Advantageously, in such a configuration, a user may view the contents of the extraction unit 100 and determine the progress of the extraction based on the appearance of the contents residing therein.

[0063] Continue to refer Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 103 includes an inlet 102 to allow an extraction medium to be introduced into the extraction unit 100 through the first portion 103 (which, as described above, can be the bottom portion 103). The inlet 102 can be a generally hollow cross-section pipe or tube for creating an opening in the first portion 103. The inlet 102 can in turn be in fluid communication with an inlet conduit 101. The inlet conduit 101 can similarly include a generally elongated hollow cross-section pipe or tube for providing a passage for a flow of extraction medium (e.g., water or gas) from any suitable source to flow toward the inlet 102. In this way, the inlet conduit 101 is in fluid communication with the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 via the inlet 102. Thus, a supply of water (or any other extraction medium) can be introduced into the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 through the first portion 103. Although one inlet is shown, more than one inlet may be used, or A portal can be divided into several sub-portals.

[0064] One or more inlet valves 111 may be provided along the inlet conduit 101 and / or at the inlet 102. In this manner, the flow of extraction medium into the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may be controlled. Suitable valves include, for example, umbrella valves, duckbill valves, or any other suitable temporary closure mechanism. By adjusting the inlet valves 111, the flow of water into the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may be started, stopped, adjusted, or otherwise controlled according to the desired extraction characteristics. Likewise, in some configurations, the inlet conduit 101 may be equipped with a suitable valve or filter to act as a backflow inhibitor. Thus, even if the contents of the extraction unit are subject to considerable back pressure, the plant material, solvent, or even the extract itself may be prevented from flowing back into the inlet conduit 101 through the inlet 102. For example, in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the inlet 102 may be equipped with a coarse filter 105. In this way, a backflow of the extracted material towards the inlet conduit 101 may be prevented. In certain configurations, the average pore size of the coarse filter 105 can range from 20 μm to 150 μm, such as between 40 μm and 70 μm, or between 20 μm and 40 μm. These ranges are particularly advantageous for the extraction unit 100 for smaller servings. The exemplary embodiments of the extraction unit and method for larger servings section will present systems and methods for extraction units that are particularly advantageous for larger servings.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the second portion 106 may also include an outlet 107. As with the inlet 102 described above, the outlet 107 may be in fluid communication with the extract outlet conduit 108. In some configurations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outlet 107 may be further coupled to an air outlet conduit 113. In this way, both the extract outlet conduit 108 and the air outlet conduit 113 are in fluid communication with the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100, thereby providing a passage for displacing or otherwise removing both air and extract resident in the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 through the second portion 106 of the extraction unit 100 from the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. In some arrangements, a separate conduit and outlet may be provided on the second portion 106 to provide a passage for both air and extract resident in the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100, and / or more than one outlet may be provided, and / or the outlet may be divided into several sub-outlets. In order to prevent or control the discharge of the extract or air from the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100, one or more outlet valves 112 may be provided in the outlet 107, the extract outlet 108 or the air outlet 113. The outlet valve 112 may also be used to prevent or control the discharge of air from the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. One or more outlet valves 112 may include umbrella valves, duckbill valves, or other suitable temporary closure mechanisms. In this way, the flow of extract and / or air from the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may be started, stopped, adjusted, or otherwise controlled according to the desired extraction characteristics. However, as described above, in certain embodiments, the flow of extraction medium through the unit 100 may be continuous or substantially continuous. In such embodiments, the unit 100 need not include one or more outlet valves 112, or the outlet valves 112 may remain open during most of the processing steps.

[0066] In some configurations, at least one of the inlet valve 111 and the outlet valve 112 can be manually controlled. Figure 4 Described in more detail, in certain configurations, at least one of the inlet valve 111 or the outlet valve 112 can be communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller can be manipulated directly by a user, or the controller can be communicatively coupled to a user interface. In this way, a user and / or control system of the extraction unit 100 can manipulate or control the inlet valve 111 or the outlet valve 112 to adjust certain extraction characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, a user and / or control system of the extraction unit 100 can close the outlet valve 112 while the solvent flow continues, thereby causing pressure to build up in the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100, thereby increasing the extraction rate. In some configurations, the outlet valve 112 can remain closed until the desired pressure is established in the extraction unit 100 and the extraction medium has flowed upward and reached the second portion 106 or outlet 107. In some configurations, outlet valve 112 may remain open while pressure builds up in extraction cell 100. In some examples, outlet valve 112 may remain open (or the cell may be configured without an outlet valve) while solvent flows through extraction cell 100. In some configurations, pressure may not increase, or may increase minimally, depending on the nature of the filter, grind size, fill rate, or filter back pressure.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the second part 106 can include a filter 105. The filter 105 can separate the non-homogeneous extraction slurry into its constituent components to produce a substantially homogeneous extract. The filter 105 can be located near or adjacent to the outlet 107. In some configurations, the filter 105 has substantially the same size and geometry as the outlet 107. The resulting extract can then be separated and / or preserved for further processing, packaging or drinking. The filter 105 can be any suitable filtering structure. For example, in some configurations, the filter 105 can be a fine filter, a mesh filter, a membrane filter or other suitable filtering devices. In addition, in some configurations, the filter 105 can be selected to allow the pore size or pore size to capture the extraction material without adversely affecting the extract flow when the mixture flows toward the water outlet conduit 108. Alternatively, the pore size of the filter 105 can be selected to significantly hinder the extract from flowing out of the extraction unit 100. In this way, even when outlet 107 and extract conduit 108 are open or otherwise configured to receive an extract flow, a significant back pressure can be established in interior 109 of extraction unit 100 as additional extraction medium flow is allowed to flow into interior 109 of extraction unit 100 through inlet 102. In some embodiments, the average pore size of filter 105 can be 20 μm to 90 μm, such as between 40 μm and 70 μm, or between 20 μm or 40 μm. The average pore size of filter 105 can be used in combination with extraction units 100 having the above-mentioned aspect ratios and / or volume ranges.

[0068] Figure 3 An internal view of an embodiment of the second portion 106 of the extraction unit 100 is depicted. Figure 3As shown, the filter 105 can be set adjacent to the outlet so that the filter 105 covers the outlet substantially completely. In this way, the waste coffee grounds can be separated from the extraction slurry so that only substantially homogeneous extract is allowed to flow into the outlet through the filter 105 and flow to the extract outlet conduit. In some configurations, the diameter D of the filter 105 can be about 20% of the width W of the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. In some embodiments, the diameter D of the filter is substantially equal to the diameter D of the outlet. However, the diameter D of the filter 105 can be changed to adapt to the desired extraction characteristics. For example, in some configurations, the diameter of the filter 105 can be increased to reduce the back pressure applied to the contents of the extraction unit. Or, in some configurations, the diameter D of the filter 105 can be reduced to slow down the rate at which the extract can be displaced from the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. The diameter of the filter 105 can be changed individually. However, in some configurations, the diameter of the filter 105 can be changed in conjunction with the corresponding change in the diameter of the outlet or unit. For example, in certain configurations, the diameter D of the outlet and filter 105 may have a diameter of 10% to 35% of the inner diameter of the unit, and in certain embodiments, 20% of the inner diameter of the unit. In some examples, the area of ​​the outlet and filter 105 may have an area of ​​10% to 35% of the area of ​​the unit. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for smaller servings. The Exemplary Embodiments of Extraction Units and Methods for Larger Servings section will present systems and methods for extraction units that are particularly advantageous for larger servings.

[0069] Likewise, the position of the filter 105 relative to the second portion 106 can be varied. For example, the filter 105 can be substantially centrally located on the second portion 106. In alternative embodiments, the filter 105 can be offset so that the outer circumference of the filter intersects the center of the second portion 106. The above-described diameters and / or area ratios of the filter 105 can be used alone or in combination with the above-described average pore diameters, aspect ratios, and / or volume ranges of the extraction unit 100.

[0070] In addition, the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may be equipped with one or more sensors. To monitor the internal characteristics of the extraction unit 100. For example, in some configurations, the extraction unit The interior 109 of 100 may include a temperature sensor that allows the user to monitor the temperature of the sample resident in the extraction unit. 100. In addition, in some configurations, it may be advantageous to provide a plurality of pressure sensors in the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 so that the internal pressure can be monitored. In some configurations, one or more of the sensors may be coupled to a controller to automate certain aspects of the extraction. For example, in some configurations, a pressure sensor may be provided within the extraction unit 100 and communicatively coupled to the controller. In this way, the pressure within the extraction unit 100 may be monitored as the extraction unit 100 is filled with the extraction medium. As described herein, in some embodiments, the flow of material into and out of the extraction unit 100 may be manually and / or semi-manually controlled.

[0071] Return to reference Figure 1 , the material flow can move through the material to produce an extraction slurry in the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. In this way, the desired compound material to be extracted in the extraction material can be extracted into the extraction medium and dissolved to form an extract. The flow of extraction medium can be continuous to displace the extract from the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. The embodiments and / or components of the extraction unit 100 can be similar to those described below (for example) with respect to Figures 2A-2D The described methods are used in combination. In addition, embodiments and / or components of the extraction unit 100 can be used to produce a cold extract according to the embodiments described below.

[0072] As described above, the flow of extraction medium can be stagnant or discontinuous, thereby allowing the extraction slurry to soak in the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200. The stagnation time can range from a period of time of 1 second to 20 seconds, and can be broken down into several segments within the overall soaking time of the extraction medium through the unit 100, 200. The overall soaking time can be adjusted using the flow rate so that the extract can be extracted from the extraction material by the extraction medium in less than 75 seconds, and in some embodiments, less than 60 seconds after the extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for smaller servings. These measured ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for smaller servings. The exemplary embodiments of extraction units and methods for larger servings will present systems and methods for extraction units that are particularly advantageous for larger servings. Exemplary Embodiments of Extraction Units for Larger Servings

[0073] Figures 1 to 3Embodiments of the extraction unit 100 that are advantageous for larger servings may also be disclosed. The extraction unit 100 may be used to implement extraction on a large scale, such as high-volume production, which may eliminate downtime during high-volume production, enable faster brewing, reduce commodity costs, and reduce labor. This enables the extraction of high concentrates at high yields. An optimal extraction unit is important to ensure that the extract can be brewed quickly while still maintaining a high concentration. A scaled-up, large extraction unit may advantageously produce a more consistent yield. A scaled-up, large extraction unit may also advantageously produce an increased yield. The increased yield may be due to the fact that larger extraction units require more time to fill and require a higher flow rate of extraction medium than smaller units, which is faster per gram of coffee in a scaled-up, large extraction unit. A relatively small filter may provide significantly greater back pressure, which may have a positive impact on yield, thereby increasing the extracted concentration. In addition, the increased yield may be due to the fact that a scaled-up, large extraction unit requires more time to fill, allowing the extraction medium to have more time to soak as it travels through the extraction unit, thereby obtaining a higher yield.

[0074] The extraction unit 100 can be configured similarly as described above (such as the extraction unit 100 described above in the context of a smaller portion). The interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 can be characterized by a length L and an average width W along the length L, the length L and the average width W of the extraction unit defining an internal aspect ratio AR of the extraction unit 100 (aspect ratio = L / W). The internal aspect ratio AR of the extraction unit can allow a user to control the contact ratio of the extraction material relative to the extraction medium. An advantage of certain embodiments of the extraction unit 100 combined with the methods disclosed herein is that cold-pressed extracts can be produced without a soaking time or with a very short soaking time. That is, in certain embodiments, the extraction medium flows continuously or substantially continuously from the inlet through the extraction material in the extraction unit 100 to the outlet. In some instances, the soaking time can be defined as the time it takes for an initial portion or aliquot of the extraction medium to travel through the initial portion of the extraction material in the unit 100 and through the filter at the outlet of the unit 100. In some instances, the extraction material flowing through the unit 100 by this portion or aliquot of the extraction medium is continuous or substantially continuous. The soak time may include a time during which the extraction medium is not continuously introduced or does not flow into the extraction unit 100. In some instances, the soak time may include a time during which the extraction medium is temporarily not moving through the extraction material. Additionally, the soak time may include a time during which the flow is regulated or stopped for a short period of time. In this way, the extraction unit 100 can be used to produce a cold-pressed extract faster than conventional cold brewing methods. In certain configurations, the internal aspect ratio AR may range from 0.5:1 to 2:1 or any value between these ranges, and in certain embodiments, the internal aspect ratio is 0.75:1. Without being bound by any particular theory of operation, applicants have found that such an aspect ratio is unexpectedly useful in producing a sufficiently concentrated cold-pressed extract with little or no soak time. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for larger servings.

[0075] The interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may be characterized by a height. The height may range from 40 mm to 100 mm, and in certain embodiments, the height may range from 50 mm to 90 mm. The interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may also be characterized by a width. The width may range from 50 mm to 120 mm, and in some embodiments, the width is 80 mm to 100 mm, which may be used in combination with the interior aspect ratio AR described above. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 intended for larger portions.

[0076] In some examples, the extraction cell 100 can be tapered, such that the sidewalls of the extraction cell 100 can have a slight taper from the bottom to the top of the extraction cell 100. In a tapered extraction cell 100, in some embodiments, the bottom diameter can be greater than the top diameter. In a tapered extraction cell 100, in some embodiments, the top diameter can be greater than the bottom diameter. In some examples, the extraction cell 100 can have straight walls, such that there is no taper in the sidewalls of the extraction cell 100. In a straight wall extraction cell 100, the top diameter can be equal to the bottom diameter.

[0077] The interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may also be characterized by volume. The volume may range from 100 ml to 1000 ml, and in certain embodiments, the volume is between 200 ml and 800 ml, which may be used in combination with the above-mentioned interior aspect ratio AR. These ranges are particularly suitable for extraction units 100 for larger servings.

[0078] The extraction unit 100 for larger portions can be configured to operate similarly as described above (such as the extraction unit 100 described above in the context of smaller portions). The extraction unit 100 can be configured so that adjacent fluid layers are substantially unmixed. The extraction unit 100 can be configured to cause piston flow. The term "plug flow" is used according to its literal and ordinary meaning and refers to a fluid migration model in which a constant flow rate is maintained over the entire radial axis of the chamber. Since the flow rate is substantially constant, mixing between adjacent fluid layers is substantially avoided. In some embodiments, there is less than 25% mixing between the layers, and in some embodiments, there is less than 10% mixing between the layers. In this way, by introducing a subsequent flow through the extraction unit 100 liquid, the extraction medium can be discharged from the chamber without substantially mixing. For example, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the contents of the extraction unit 100 are discharged by starting the extraction medium flow through the first portion 103. When the extraction medium achieves a constant velocity across the entire width of the interior of extraction unit 100, plug flow may be induced, and the contents of extraction unit 100 (i.e., the prepared extract) may be discharged from extraction unit 100. Since the extraction medium may exhibit a substantially constant velocity across the entire width of extraction unit 100, undesirable mixing between the extraction medium flow and the prepared extract of extraction unit 100 may be avoided, and the prepared extract will not be diluted by subsequent or later extraction medium flows.

[0079] As described above, one or more inlet valves 111 may be provided along the inlet conduit 101 and / or at the inlet 102. In this manner, the flow of extraction medium into the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may be controlled. Suitable valves include, for example, umbrella valves, duckbill valves, or any other suitable temporary closure mechanism. By adjusting the inlet valve 111, the flow of water into the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100 may be started, stopped, adjusted, or otherwise controlled depending on the desired extraction characteristics. Likewise, in some configurations, the inlet conduit 101 may be equipped with a suitable valve or filter to act as a backflow inhibitor. Thus, even if the contents of the extraction unit are subject to considerable back pressure, the plant material, solvent, and even the extract itself may be prevented from flowing back into the inlet conduit 101 through the inlet 102. For example, in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the inlet 102 may be equipped with a coarse filter 105. In this way, the extraction material may be prevented from flowing back toward the inlet conduit 101. In certain configurations, the average pore size of the coarse filter 105 may range from 20 μm to 150 μm, for example, between 40 μm and 70 μm, or between 20 μm and 40 μm. These measurement ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 intended for larger servings.

[0080] In the embodiment shown, the second part 106 can include a filter 105. The filter 105 can separate the non-homogeneous extraction slurry into its constituent components to produce a substantially homogeneous extract. The filter 105 can be located near or adjacent to the outlet 107. In some configurations, the filter 105 has substantially the same size and geometry as the outlet 107. The resulting extract can then be separated and / or preserved for further processing, packaging or drinking. The filter 105 can be any suitable filtering structure. For example, in some configurations, the filter 105 can be a fine filter, a mesh filter, a membrane filter or other suitable filtering devices. In addition, in some configurations, the filter 105 can be selected to allow the pore size or pore size to capture the extraction material without adversely affecting the extract flow when the mixture flows toward the water outlet conduit 108. Alternatively, the pore size of the filter 105 can be selected to significantly hinder the extract from flowing out of the extraction unit 100. In this way, even when outlet 107 and extract conduit 108 are open or otherwise configured to receive an extract flow, a significant back pressure can be established in interior 109 of extraction unit 100 as additional extraction medium flow is allowed to flow into interior 109 of extraction unit 100 through inlet 102. In some embodiments, the average pore size of filter 105 can be 20 μm to 90 μm, such as between 40 μm and 70 μm, or between 20 μm or 40 μm. The average pore size of filter 105 can be used in combination with extraction units 100 having the above-mentioned aspect ratios and / or volume ranges.

[0081] Figure 3 An internal view of an embodiment of the second portion 106 of the extraction unit 100 is depicted. Figure 3 As shown, the filter 105 can be arranged adjacent to the outlet so that the filter 105 substantially completely covers the outlet. In this way, the spent coffee grounds can be separated from the extraction slurry so that only substantially homogeneous extract is allowed to flow into the outlet through the filter 105 and flow to the extract outlet conduit. In some configurations, the diameter D of the filter 105 can be about 20% to 100% of the width W of the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100, for example, about 30% to 50% of the width W of the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. The width W can be the top diameter or the bottom diameter of the extraction unit 100. In some embodiments, the diameter D of the filter is substantially equal to the diameter D of the outlet. However, the diameter D of the filter 105 can be changed to accommodate the desired extraction characteristics. For example, in some configurations, the diameter of the filter 105 can be increased to reduce the back pressure applied to the contents of the extraction unit. Alternatively, in some configurations, the diameter D of the filter 105 can be reduced to slow down the rate at which the extract can be displaced from the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. The diameter of the filter 105 can be changed individually. However, in some configurations, the diameter of the filter 105 may be varied in conjunction with a corresponding change in the diameter of the outlet or cell. For example, in some configurations, the diameter D of the outlet and filter 105 may be varied in combination with a corresponding change in the diameter of the cell or cell. The diameter of the outlet and filter 105 may be 20% to 100% of the inner diameter of the cell, and in some embodiments 50% to 80% of the inner diameter of the cell. In some examples, the area of ​​the outlet and filter 105 may be 3% to 100% of the area of ​​the cell, in some embodiments 70% to 90% of the area of ​​the cell, and in some embodiments 40% of the area of ​​the cell. The filter 105 may be positioned substantially centrally on the second portion 106. In an alternative embodiment, the filter 105 may be offset so that the outer circumference of the filter intersects the center of the second portion 106. The above-mentioned diameters and / or area ratios of the filter 105 can be used alone or in combination with the above-mentioned ranges of average pore size, aspect ratio and / or volume of the extraction unit 100. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for larger servings.

[0082] Back to Figure 1, the material flow can move through the material to produce an extraction slurry in the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. In this way, the desired compound material to be extracted in the extraction material can be extracted into the extraction medium and dissolved to form an extract. The flow of extraction medium can be continuous to displace the extract from the interior 109 of the extraction unit 100. The embodiments and / or components of the extraction unit 100 can be similar to those described below (for example) with respect to Figures 2A-2D The described methods are used in combination. In addition, embodiments and / or components of the extraction unit 100 can be used to produce a cold extract according to the embodiments described below.

[0083] As described above, the flow of extraction medium may be stagnant or discontinuous, thereby allowing the extraction slurry to soak in the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200. The stagnation time may range from a period of 1 minute to 10 minutes, and may be broken down into several segments within the overall soaking time of the extraction medium through the unit 100, 200. The overall soaking time may be adjusted using the flow rate so that the extract may be extracted from the extraction material by the extraction medium in less than 30 minutes, and in certain embodiments, less than 20 minutes after the extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 intended for use with larger servings. Exemplary Extraction Methods for Smaller Servings

[0084] Figures 2A-2D An embodiment of an upward flow filtration process for use in the above-described extraction unit for smaller portions is schematically shown.The extraction unit may be configured according to any of the embodiments described above and herein. Figures 2A-2D The components of the extraction unit 200 in FIG. 1 are given similar reference numerals as those of the extraction unit 100 described above, wherein similar components are preceded by "2", instead of "1" as described above. For example, in some embodiments, the interior 209 may correspond to the interior 109 in the above-described embodiments. With reference to the above description, other details and embodiments of such components with similar reference numerals may be found. For ease of explanation, the following method is discussed in the context of preparing cold-extracted coffee or tea from roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans and loose leaf tea in packaged tea bags. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these methods can be used to prepare a variety of different brews, including tea and various other brews. As described above, the process may include using an extraction medium (also referred to herein as a solvent) not exceeding 100°C, and not using a pressure exceeding tens of atmospheres. For example, in some configurations described below, the extraction medium may be between 0°C and 100°C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium may be between 10°C and 30°C, and in some embodiments, between 20°C and 30°C. In some embodiments, the pressure in the extraction chamber is between 0 and 16 bar (gauge pressure). In some configurations, the pressure is between 0.5 bar and 2.5 bar (gauge pressure). In some configurations, the above temperature and pressure ranges can be combined. In some embodiments, the extraction medium can be a liquid such as water, but in some embodiments, the extraction medium can be other liquids. In other configurations, certain inert gases can also be used instead of the extraction medium. In some embodiments, as described below, the extraction medium is at ambient temperature when added to the extraction unit. Furthermore, while the process is described in the context of an upward flow direction and upward material flow, the units 100, 200 may be oriented in other positions such that the material flow is directed downward, horizontally, or in between directions. As described above, it has been found that raising the flow of extraction medium to pass upward through the unit 100 has certain advantages in producing a more uniform and consistent product with reduced processing time.

[0085] like Figure 2A As shown, extraction material 221 can be roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans and can be loaded into interior 209 of extraction unit 200. Extraction material 221 can be added until interior 209 of extraction unit 200 is partially or substantially completely filled. In some embodiments, extraction material is loaded until the density of extraction material 221 in unit 220 is between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml. In some embodiments, ground coffee is loaded as extraction material until the density of extraction material 221 in unit 220 is between 0.3 In some embodiments, between 5 grams and 10 grams of extraction material 221 are loaded into the unit 100, 200, in some embodiments, between 6 grams and 8 grams of extraction material are loaded into the unit 100, 200, and in some embodiments, 7 grams of extraction material are loaded into the unit 100, 200. In some embodiments, between 6 grams and 9 grams of extraction material 221 are loaded into the unit 100, 200. In some embodiments, the extraction material 221 in the form of ground coffee, which is ground to a particle size of between 200 μm and 400 μm, for example, between 270 μm and 370 μm, is loaded into the unit 100, 200. In some embodiments, the extraction material 221 is ground to an average particle size of between 200 μm and 400 μm, for example, Extraction material 221 in the form of ground coffee between 270 μm and 370 μm is loaded into the unit In such an embodiment, such an amount of extraction material can produce a shot of espresso. In some embodiments, the amount of a shot can be between 0.5 fl.oz. to 1 fl.oz., and in certain embodiments, between 0.6 fl.oz. and 0.7 fl.oz. In some embodiments, the amount of a small cup can be between 15g and 25g, and In certain embodiments, between 18 g and 20 g.

[0086] As described above, extraction material 221 can vary widely within the context of the present disclosure. For example, in certain configurations, extraction material 221 can include coffee beans, such as roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans. In addition, the degree of grinding can also enhance the extraction characteristics and improve the delivery time of the final product. For example, in certain configurations, when finely ground coffee beans are used, extraction is performed faster. In some embodiments, coffee beans can be ground to an average particle size of 200 μm to 400 μm, and in certain embodiments, ground to an average particle size between 250 μm and 500 μm, or between 270 μm and 370 μm. However, additional or alternative extraction materials can also be used. For example, in certain configurations, fruits, leaves, roots and / or skins of other plants and herbs can be extracted, and different average particle sizes or particle sizes can be used.

[0087] Figure 2BAn exemplary extraction cell 100 is depicted as being substantially completely filled with extraction material 221. As described above, in some embodiments, the extraction material is loaded until the density of the extraction material 221 in the cell 220 is between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml. In some embodiments, ground coffee is loaded as the extraction material until the extraction material in the cell 220 is The density of 221 is between 0.3g / ml and 0.33g / ml. Figure 2C As shown, in the extraction of materials After 221 has been loaded into extraction unit 200, an extraction medium stream 231 may be introduced. As with extraction material 221, a wide variety of potential extraction media may be used. For ease of description, the present disclosure often refers to the use of water as the extraction medium, but it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that additional or alternative extraction media, such as gases, may be used in the methods disclosed herein.

[0088] Figure 2C Flow 231 of extraction medium introduced into interior 209 of extraction unit 200 through first portion 203 is depicted. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be water. As described above, in certain embodiments, the extraction medium may be water that has not been temperature treated (e.g., not heated) before the water is delivered to extraction unit 200. That is, in certain embodiments, the water is delivered to extraction unit 200 at ambient temperature. In certain embodiments, the extraction medium (e.g., water) does not exceed 100° C., and in certain configurations, the extraction medium may be at 0 ℃ and 100 ℃, and in some embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium may range between 10 ℃ and 30 ℃, between 15 ℃ and 30 ℃, or between 20 ℃ and 30 ℃. Figure 2C As shown, extraction medium flow 231 flows from inlet conduit 201 through inlet 202 and into interior 209 of extraction cell 200. In the arrangement shown, extraction medium flow 231 flows generally upward into interior 209 of extraction cell 200, first permeating the lowest layer of extraction material 221, and then traveling vertically through extraction cell 200. However, as described above, extraction cell 200 may be oriented differently such that the extraction medium flows downward, horizontally, or between vertical and horizontal directions.

[0089] As extraction medium stream 231 flows into interior 209 of extraction unit 200, extraction material 221 of extraction unit 200 may be pressed toward second portion 206. This includes the extraction material to be extracted as well as any gas residing in interior 209 of extraction unit 200. In some embodiments, outlet 207 may be opened so that the upward flow of extraction medium forces gas (e.g., air) residing in extraction unit 200 out through second portion 206, through outlet 207, and toward air conduit 213. In some embodiments, outlet 207 may remain open as the extraction medium flows upward through interior 209 of extraction unit 200. In some examples, as stream 231 travels in interior 209 of extraction unit 200, outlet 207 may remain open and pressure may build up in interior 209.

[0090] In some embodiments, once sufficient air has been exhausted from extraction unit 200, outlet 207 remains open or is not provided with a valve. With outlet 207 open, the extraction medium can flow upward into interior 209 of extraction unit 200, and a desired level of pressure can be established in interior 209. Once the extraction medium has traveled through the extraction material and reached second portion 206 or outlet 207 (thus converted into extract 241), extract 241 can be withdrawn from outlet 207. In some examples, while stream 231 travels in interior 209 of extraction unit 200, outlet 207 can be temporarily closed during the process, and pressure can be established in interior 209. Outlet 207 can be opened or closed by opening and closing outlet valve 212.

[0091] In addition to displacing entrapped air, the upward flow of extraction medium may also have certain advantages. First, the upward flow of extraction medium may more evenly wet the extraction material 221 within the extraction unit 200. The uniform wetting of the extraction material 221 may promote uniform extraction, thereby preventing certain areas of the extraction material 221 from being over-extracted while other areas remain under-extracted.

[0092] Second, the upward flow of extraction material 221 can tamp the extraction material 221 against the second portion 206 of the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200. In this way, efficient and automatic extraction is facilitated by eliminating the need for an additional tamping assembly or user intervention. Because the upward flow of extraction material 221 provides the necessary tamping pressure, the extraction process can be initiated and unattended, without requiring a user to stand by and tamp the coffee or espresso powder after it is loaded into the extraction unit or after the extraction solvent is introduced. In addition, the degree to which the grounds are tamped can be controlled by adjusting the amount of solvent introduced into the extraction unit, and therefore, can be controlled by adjusting the internal pressure caused by the solvent.

[0093] Third, tamping the extraction material 221 against the second portion 206 can facilitate uniform extraction. The upward flow can also utilize gravity to naturally and uniformly lift the extraction material 221 toward the second portion 206 of the extraction unit 200. Because the extraction material 221 is tamped against the second portion 206 of the extraction unit 200 and compacted, the risk of channeling is reduced. Channeling may occur where the interstitial spaces between the extraction materials 221 are irregular; as the extraction medium flows through the extraction materials 221, the extraction medium is diverted to larger interstitial spaces. This phenomenon can result in over-extraction of the extraction material 221 adjacent to larger interstitial spaces, and under-extraction of the extraction material 221 adjacent to smaller spaces. In addition, such channeling may inhibit the formation of plug flow by hindering or impairing the extraction medium flow from achieving or maintaining a substantially constant velocity. In contrast, with a uniform, upward flow of the extraction medium, the extraction material 221 can be tamped against the second portion 206 of the extraction unit 200, thereby compressing the grind into a cake. The compressed extraction material 221 exhibits more uniform interstitial spaces, thereby facilitating uniform extraction and producing an extract with a more delicate flavor profile.

[0094] The user can control many aspects of the extraction process by adjusting the flow rate to meet the needs of a particular embodiment. For example, the internal pressure (and the degree to which the extraction material 221 is pressed against the second portion 206) can depend on the rate at which the extraction medium is introduced into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200. In some embodiments, the flow rate ranges from 15 ml / min to 50 ml / min. ml / min, for example, between 20ml / min and 40ml / min. In some configurations, the average flow rate is 30ml / min. In some instances, the flow rate into the unit is constant or substantially constant during the extraction process. In some instances, the flow rate into the unit 100 varies within 50% to 100% during the extraction process, and in some embodiments, the flow rate varies within 75% to 100% of the initial flow rate, and in some embodiments, varies within 90% to 100% during the extraction process. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the extraction medium entering and passing through the unit 100 is constant during the extraction process. In other instances, the flow rate can be adjusted throughout the process. For example, during the process, the flow rate can stop and then gradually increase. For example, during the process, the flow rate can be continuous. For example, during the process, the flow rate can be continuous and substantially constant. For example, during the process, the flow rate can be continuous and can be adjusted.

[0095] In various embodiments, the flow rate is set to achieve piston flow. When a given flow rate is too high, the extraction solvent may use irregularities in the interstitial spaces of the coffee powder or espresso powder to form channels that penetrate the cake. Such channels can cause uneven extraction. Similarly, when the flow rate is too low, the speed of the solvent may not be enough to cause piston flow. Therefore, the desired flow rate will be affected by the geometry of the extraction unit and the contents residing therein. Therefore, in various configurations of the methods and devices described herein, the flow rate is measured relative to the volume of the extraction medium residing in the interior of the extraction unit. For example, in some configurations, the flow rate can be configured to flow through the available volume of the extraction unit and through the outlet 207 for a time period ranging from 15 seconds to 75 seconds; in some embodiments, between 15 seconds and 60 seconds, and in some embodiments, less than 30 seconds or less than 60 seconds. In such a configuration, the soaking time (which is defined as the time from when a portion or aliquot of the extraction medium is introduced into the unit 100 and contacts the initial portion of the extraction material to when the portion or aliquot of the extraction material is extracted from the filter) can be adjusted so that the soaking time of the portion or aliquot of the extraction medium withdrawn from the filter ranges from 15 seconds to 75 seconds; in certain embodiments, between 15 seconds and 60 seconds, and in certain embodiments, the soaking time is less than 30 seconds or less than 60 seconds. As described above, the flow of extraction medium through the unit 100, 200 can be continuous or substantially continuous. In certain embodiments, this can be achieved by supplying a constant or substantially constant flow of extraction medium into the unit 100, 200 through the inlet. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for use with smaller portions.

[0096] When the water stream 231 flows into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200, an extraction slurry 235 is formed. Figure 2D An extraction slurry 235 is depicted as it resides within the extraction unit 200 as the extraction medium flows through the interior 209 of the extraction unit. The extraction slurry 235 is typically a heterogeneous mixture that includes an extraction material to be extracted in a solution of the extraction medium. For example, in certain configurations, the extraction slurry 235 can be roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans in an aqueous solution. The strength of the resulting extract is affected by certain characteristics of the extraction slurry 235. For example, the ratio of roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans to water has an effect on the final strength of the brewed extract 241. Similarly, the temperature of the extraction slurry 235 and the pressure at which the extraction slurry 235 is maintained have similar effects on the final beverage characteristics, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0097] like Figure 2DAs shown and described above, the extraction slurry 235 can be maintained in the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200 without soaking or for a soaking time of less than 75 seconds, and in some embodiments less than 60 seconds or 30 seconds, and in some embodiments between 15 seconds and 60 seconds, and in some embodiments between 15 seconds and 75 seconds. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 intended for smaller servings.

[0098] The extraction slurry 235 is typically maintained at a substantially constant temperature and pressure throughout the process, but some variations are contemplated. For example, in certain configurations, the temperature of the stream 231 may be approximately ambient temperature. In such a configuration, the extraction unit may be maintained at ambient or cryogenic temperatures. In such a configuration, the temperature of the stream 231 may be at ambient or cryogenic temperatures. In certain configurations, the temperature of the stream 231 may be from 0°C to 100°C. In certain configurations, the temperature of the stream 231 may be from 10°C to 30°C, from 15°C to 30°C, or from 20°C to 30°C.

[0099] Likewise, when the extraction medium stream 231 moves through the extraction slurry 235, the pressure within the extraction unit 200 is generally maintained. For example, in certain configurations, a water stream may flow into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200 until the internal pressure exceeds one atmosphere. Once the desired pressure is established, the inlet valve may be opened or maintained open, and the stream may be continuously moved upward through the extraction unit to displace the extract 241 through the extract outlet conduit 208. Then, as the extraction medium is continuously introduced and the extract 241 is continuously displaced and extracted, the pressure within the extraction chamber may be maintained at a substantially constant level. In certain embodiments, the pressure within the extraction chamber is between 0 and 16 bar (gauge pressure). In certain configurations, the pressure is between 0.5 bar and 2.5 bar (gauge pressure).

[0100] Extract 241 may be extracted from extraction unit 200. Figure 2D 205, the extract 241 can be displaced by a continuous flow of extraction medium 231 entering the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200. The continuous flow of extraction medium 231 flows upward from the first portion 203, thereby displacing the contents of the extraction unit 200 upward toward the filter 205. The filter 205 is used to separate the heterogeneous extraction slurry 235 into its components: extract 241 and spent extraction material 221. Specifically, the inlet valve 211 remains open and allows the continuous flow of extraction medium 231 to flow into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200 through the inlet conduit 201 via the inlet 202.

[0101] In various configurations of the methods and devices described herein, the flow rate of the extraction medium is metered relative to the volume of the extract stream. Likewise, in certain configurations, a given flow rate will depend on the size of the extraction unit, the particle size or average particle size of the material to be extracted, the diameter of the filter, and the pore size of the filter.

[0102] Due to the flow rate, the cylindrical nature of the illustrated embodiment of extraction cell 200, and the back pressure caused by outlet valve 212 and filter 205, plug flow can be induced when a continuous flow of extraction medium 231 is introduced into interior 209 of extraction cell 200. As described above, plug flow is characterized by a substantially constant velocity across a radial section of extraction cell 200. The substantially constant velocity across a radial section of the extraction cell can inhibit mixing of adjacent layers (specifically, mixing between a first portion of extraction medium and a second portion of extraction medium).

[0103] Displacing the extract 241 in this manner can improve efficiency because no soaking time or only a very short soaking time is required, and no additional equipment is required to remove the extract from the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200; displacing the extract only utilizes the network of inlets and outlets previously used to introduce the extraction medium. Therefore, the extract 241 can be discharged from the extraction unit 200 without excessive dilution, without the need for additional extraction procedures or components, and without stopping the flow of the extraction material into the unit 100, 200. Since there are no redundant recovery conduits or mechanisms, the corresponding transmission losses are reduced, thereby ensuring that a high extraction rate can be maintained. In addition, the extract 241 can be quickly produced and discharged from the extraction unit 200 without soaking. The elimination of soaking time enables the extract to be conveniently provided on demand, for example, less than 75 seconds or less than 60 seconds or 30 seconds.

[0104] Once the desired volume of extract 241 is collected, the extraction cycle is complete. In some embodiments, the desired volume of extract 241 may be a small cup, which may be between 10 mL and 50 mL, such as between 15 mL and 30 mL. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for smaller servings. In certain embodiments, the cycle can be restarted by continuously introducing extraction material. In other embodiments, the extraction material is discarded and the extraction unit 200 is emptied so that the cycle can be restarted. The extract 241 may be a finished product that can be delivered to a consumer for drinking. The extraction units and methods described herein can advantageously produce the desired extract without the need to recirculate the extraction medium through the extraction unit. According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the resulting extract 241 is delivered to the consumer for drinking after only a single pass through the extraction material 221. The extract can be produced by passing the extraction medium through the extraction unit a single time. The single pass approach advantageously simplifies the process and equipment while producing the desired extract. In addition, the extraction material may not be previously extracted. As described above, embodiments of the extraction method may be similar to those described above with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The extraction unit 100 described above is used in combination. Figures 2A-2D Embodiments of the extraction methods described may be used to produce cold extracts according to the embodiments described below.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the extraction material 221 may include different extraction materials in layers, such as providing different coffee blends to provide different beverage characteristics. In addition, various additives or infusions may be added to the extraction material 221 to enhance the flavor of the final product. It is also contemplated that multiple extraction units 221 may be arranged in series or in parallel to achieve modular capacity.

[0106] In certain embodiments, a plunger or piston may be used to speed up the extraction process. For example, When the extraction medium has flowed through the extraction material to form an extraction slurry, after a period of time, the plunger or piston can tamp or compress the extraction slurry to produce an extract. Using a plunger or piston can speed up the extraction process. Exemplary Extraction Methods for Larger Servings

[0107] Figures 2A-2D An embodiment of an upward flow filtration process for use in the above-described extraction unit for larger portions may also be schematically illustrated. The upward flow filtration process for use in the extraction unit 100 for larger portions may be configured to operate similarly as described above (such as the upward flow filtration process described above in the context of smaller portions).

[0108] The extraction unit may be configured according to any of the embodiments described above and herein. As described above, the process may include using an extraction medium (also referred to herein as a solvent) that does not exceed 100°C, and not using a pressure exceeding tens of atmospheres. For example, in certain configurations described below, the extraction medium may be between 0°C and 100°C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium may be between 10°C and 30°C, and in some embodiments, between 19°C and 22°C. In some embodiments, the pressure in the extraction chamber is between 0 and 16 bar (gauge pressure). In some configurations, the pressure is between 0.5 bar and 2.5 bar (gauge pressure). In some configurations, the above temperature and pressure ranges may be combined. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be a liquid such as water, but in some embodiments, the extraction medium may be other liquids. In other configurations, certain inert gases may also be used to replace the extraction medium. In some embodiments, as described below, the extraction medium is at ambient temperature when added to the extraction unit. In addition, although the process is described in the context of an upward flow direction and an upward stream, units 100, 200 may be oriented in other positions so that the stream is oriented downward, horizontally, or between the two directions. As discussed above, it has been found that increasing the flow of extraction medium upward through unit 100 has certain advantages in producing a more uniform and consistent product with reduced processing time.

[0109] like Figure 2A As shown, extraction material 221 can be roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans and can be loaded into interior 209 of extraction unit 200. Extraction material 221 can be added until interior 209 of extraction unit 200 is partially or substantially completely filled. In some embodiments, extraction material is loaded until the density of extraction material 221 in unit 220 is between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml. In some embodiments, ground coffee is loaded as extraction material until the density of extraction material 221 in unit 220 is between 0.3 g / ml to 0.36g / ml. In certain embodiments, between 25 grams and 400 grams of extraction material 221 are loaded into units 100, 200, in certain embodiments, between 30 grams and 150 grams of extraction material are loaded into units 100, 200, and in certain embodiments, between 250 grams and 350 grams of extraction material are loaded into units 100, 200. In such embodiments, such amounts of extraction material can produce larger amounts of cold-brewed extract. In some embodiments, the cold-brewed extract can be ready-to-drink (it does not require further dilution before drinking). In some embodiments, the cold-brewed extract may require further dilution before drinking. In some embodiments, the volume of the cold-brewed extract produced may be between 0.3L and 4.5L, in certain embodiments between 0.3L and 2L, and in some embodiments between 3L. to 4.5 L. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 intended for larger servings.

[0110] As described above, extraction material 221 can vary widely within the context of the present disclosure. For example, in certain configurations, extraction material 221 can include coffee beans, such as roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans. In addition, the degree of grinding can also enhance the extraction characteristics and improve the delivery time of the final product. For example, in certain configurations, when finely ground coffee beans are used, extraction is performed faster. In some embodiments, coffee beans can be ground to an average particle size of 200 μm to 400 μm, and in certain embodiments, ground to an average particle size between 250 μm and 500 μm, or between 270 μm and 370 μm. However, additional or alternative extraction materials can also be used. For example, in certain configurations, fruits, leaves, roots and / or skins of other plants and herbs can be extracted, and different average particle sizes or particle sizes can be used.

[0111] Figure 2B An exemplary extraction cell 100 is depicted as being substantially completely filled with extraction material 221. As described above, in some embodiments, extraction material is loaded until the density of extraction material 221 in cell 220 is between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml. In some embodiments, ground coffee is loaded as the extraction material until the density of extraction material 221 in cell 220 is between 0.3 g / ml and 0.36 g / ml. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction cells 100 intended for larger servings. Figure 2C As shown, after extraction material 221 has been loaded into extraction unit 200, extraction medium flow 231 may be introduced. As with extraction material 221, a wide variety of potential extraction media may be used. For ease of description, the present disclosure often refers to the use of water as the extraction medium, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that Additional or alternative extraction media, such as gases, may be used in the methods disclosed herein.

[0112] Figure 2C Flow 231 of extraction medium introduced into interior 209 of extraction unit 200 through first portion 203 is depicted. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be water. As described above, in certain embodiments, the extraction medium may be water that has not been temperature treated (e.g., not heated) before the water is delivered to extraction unit 200. That is, in certain embodiments, the water is delivered to extraction unit 200 at ambient temperature. In certain embodiments, the extraction medium (e.g., water) does not exceed 100° C., and in certain configurations, the extraction medium may be at 0 ℃ and 100 ℃, and in some embodiments, the temperature range of the extraction medium can be between 10 ℃ and 30 ℃, between 15 ℃ and 25 ℃, or between 19 ℃ and 22 ℃. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for larger servings. Figure 2C As shown, the extraction medium flow 231 flows from the inlet conduit 201 through the inlet 202 and into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200. In the arrangement shown, the extraction medium flow 231 flows generally upward into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200, first permeating the lowest layer of the extraction material 221, and then traveling vertically through the extraction unit 200. However, as described above, the extraction unit 200 can be oriented differently. The extraction medium is caused to flow downward, horizontally, or between vertical and horizontal directions.

[0113] As extraction medium stream 231 flows into interior 209 of extraction unit 200, extraction material 221 of extraction unit 200 may be pressed toward second portion 206. This includes the extraction material to be extracted as well as any gas residing in interior 209 of extraction unit 200. In some embodiments, outlet 207 may be opened so that the upward flow of extraction medium forces gas (e.g., air) residing in extraction unit 200 out through second portion 206, through outlet 207, and toward air conduit 213. In some embodiments, outlet 207 may remain open as the extraction medium flows upward through interior 209 of extraction unit 200. In some examples, as stream 231 travels in interior 209 of extraction unit 200, outlet 207 may remain open and pressure may build up in interior 209.

[0114] In some embodiments, once sufficient air has been exhausted from extraction unit 200, outlet 207 remains open or is not provided with a valve. With outlet 207 open, the extraction medium can flow upward into interior 209 of extraction unit 200, and a desired level of pressure can be established in interior 209. Once the extraction medium has traveled through the extraction material and reached second portion 206 or outlet 207 (thus converted into extract 241), extract 241 can be withdrawn from outlet 207. In some examples, while stream 231 travels in interior 209 of extraction unit 200, outlet 207 can be temporarily closed during the process, and pressure can be established in interior 209. Outlet 207 can be opened or closed by opening and closing outlet valve 212.

[0115] In addition to displacing entrapped air, the upward flow of extraction medium may also have certain advantages. First, the upward flow of extraction medium may more evenly wet the extraction material 221 within the extraction unit 200. The uniform wetting of the extraction material 221 may promote uniform extraction, thereby preventing certain areas of the extraction material 221 from being over-extracted while other areas remain under-extracted.

[0116] Second, the upward flow of extraction material 221 can tamp the extraction material 221 against the second portion 206 of the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200. In this way, efficient and automatic extraction is facilitated by eliminating the need for an additional tamping assembly or user intervention. Because the upward flow of extraction material 221 provides the necessary tamping pressure, the extraction process can be initiated and unattended, without requiring a user to stand by and tamp the coffee or espresso powder after it is loaded into the extraction unit or after the extraction solvent is introduced. In addition, the degree to which the grounds are tamped can be controlled by adjusting the amount of solvent introduced into the extraction unit, and therefore, can be controlled by adjusting the internal pressure caused by the solvent.

[0117] Third, tamping the extraction material 221 against the second portion 206 can facilitate uniform extraction. The upward flow can also utilize gravity to naturally and uniformly lift the extraction material 221 toward the second portion 206 of the extraction unit 200. Because the extraction material 221 is tamped and compacted against the second portion 206 of the extraction unit 200, the risk of channeling is reduced. Channeling can occur where the interstitial spaces between the extraction materials 221 are irregular; as the extraction medium flows through the extraction material 221, the extraction medium is diverted to the larger interstitial spaces. This phenomenon can result in over-extraction of the extraction material 221 adjacent to the larger interstitial spaces, as well as Extraction material 221 adjacent to smaller spaces is not adequately extracted. In addition, this channeling effect may inhibit the formation of plug flow by preventing or impairing the extraction medium flow from achieving or maintaining a substantially constant velocity. In contrast, with a uniform, upward extraction medium flow, the extraction material 221 may be rammed against the second portion 206 of the extraction unit 200, thereby compressing the grounds into a cake. The compressed extraction material 221 exhibits more uniform interstitial spaces, This helps to even out the extraction and produces an extract with a more delicate flavor profile.

[0118] The user can control many aspects of the extraction process by adjusting the flow rate to meet the needs of a particular embodiment. For example, the internal pressure (and the degree to which the extraction material 221 is pressed against the second portion 206) can depend on the rate at which the extraction medium is introduced into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200. In some embodiments, the flow rate ranges from 50 ml / min to 200 ml / min. ml / min, for example, between 70 ml / min and 180 ml / min, or between 80 ml / min and 150 ml / min. ml / min. In some configurations, the average flow rate is 100 ml / min. In some instances, the flow rate into the unit is constant or substantially constant during the extraction process. In some instances, the flow rate into the unit 100 varies within 50% to 100% during the extraction process, and in some embodiments, the flow rate varies within 75% to 100% of the initial flow rate, and in some embodiments, varies within 90% to 100% during the extraction process. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the extraction medium entering and passing through the unit 100 is constant during the extraction process. In other instances, the flow rate can be adjusted throughout the process. For example, during the process, the flow rate can stop and then gradually increase. For example, during the process, the flow rate can be continuous. For example, during the process, the flow rate can be continuous and substantially constant. For example, during the process, the flow rate can be continuous and can be adjusted. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for larger portions.

[0119] In various embodiments, the flow rate is set to achieve piston flow. When a given flow rate is too high, the extraction solvent may use the irregularities in the interstitial space of the coffee powder or espresso powder to form a channel that penetrates the cake. This channel can cause uneven extraction. Similarly, when the flow rate is too low, the speed of the solvent may not be enough to cause piston flow. Therefore, the desired flow rate will be affected by the geometry of the extraction unit and the contents resident therein. Therefore, in various configurations of the methods and devices described herein, the flow rate is measured relative to the volume of the extraction medium resident in the interior of the extraction unit. For example, in some configurations, the flow rate can be configured to flow through the available volume of the extraction unit and through the outlet 207 for a time period ranging from 4 minutes to 30 minutes; in some embodiments, between 4 minutes and 15 minutes, or between 20 minutes and 30 minutes, and in some embodiments, less than 30 minutes or less than 20 minutes. In such a configuration, the soaking time (which is defined as the time from when a portion or aliquot of the extraction medium is introduced into the unit 100 and contacts the initial portion of the extraction material to when the portion or aliquot of the extraction material is extracted from the filter) can be adjusted so that the soaking time of the portion or aliquot of the extraction medium withdrawn from the filter ranges from 4 minutes to 30 minutes; in certain embodiments, between 4 minutes and 15 minutes, or between 20 minutes and 30 minutes, and in certain embodiments, less than 30 minutes or less than 20 minutes. As described above, the flow of extraction medium through the unit 100, 200 can be continuous or substantially continuous. In certain embodiments, this can be achieved by supplying a constant or substantially constant flow of extraction medium into the unit 100, 200 through the inlet. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for larger servings.

[0120] When the water stream 231 flows into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200, an extraction slurry 235 is formed. Figure 2D An extraction slurry 235 is depicted as it resides within the extraction unit 200 as the extraction medium flows through the interior 209 of the extraction unit. The extraction slurry 235 is typically a heterogeneous mixture that includes an extraction material to be extracted in a solution of the extraction medium. For example, in certain configurations, the extraction slurry 235 can be roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans in an aqueous solution. The strength of the resulting extract is affected by certain characteristics of the extraction slurry 235. For example, the ratio of roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans to water has an effect on the final strength of the extracted extract 241. Similarly, the temperature of the extraction slurry 235 and the pressure at which the extraction slurry 235 is maintained have similar effects on the final beverage characteristics, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0121] like Figure 2DAs shown and described above, the extraction slurry 235 can be kept in the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200 without soaking or the soaking time is less than 30 minutes, and in some embodiments less than 20 minutes, and in some embodiments between 4 minutes and 15 minutes, and in some embodiments between 20 minutes and 30 minutes. These ranges are particularly advantageous for the extraction unit 100 for larger portions. The extraction slurry 235 is usually kept at a substantially constant temperature and pressure throughout the process, but some changes can be considered. For example, in some configurations, the temperature of the stream 231 may be about ambient temperature. In such a configuration, the extraction unit may be kept at ambient temperature or low temperature. In such a configuration, the temperature of the stream 231 may be at ambient temperature or low temperature. In some configurations, the temperature of the stream 231 may be 0°C to 100°C. In some configurations, the temperature of the stream 231 may be 10°C to 30°C, 15°C to 25°C, or 19°C to 22°C. These ranges are particularly advantageous for the extraction unit 100 for larger portions.

[0122] Likewise, when the extraction medium stream 231 moves through the extraction slurry 235, the pressure within the extraction unit 200 is generally maintained. For example, in certain configurations, a water stream may flow into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200 until the internal pressure exceeds one atmosphere. Once the desired pressure is established, the inlet valve may be opened or maintained open, and the stream may be continuously moved upward through the extraction unit to displace the extract 241 through the extract outlet conduit 208. Then, as the extraction medium is continuously introduced and the extract 241 is continuously displaced and extracted, the pressure within the extraction chamber may be maintained at a substantially constant level. In certain embodiments, the pressure within the extraction chamber is between 0 and 16 bar (gauge pressure). In certain configurations, the pressure is between 0.5 bar and 2.5 bar (gauge pressure).

[0123] Extract 241 may be extracted from extraction unit 200. Figure 2D 205, the extract 241 can be displaced by a continuous flow of extraction medium 231 entering the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200. The continuous flow of extraction medium 231 flows upward from the first portion 203, thereby displacing the contents of the extraction unit 200 upward toward the filter 205. The filter 205 is used to separate the heterogeneous extraction slurry 235 into its components: extract 241 and spent extraction material 221. Specifically, the inlet valve 211 remains open and allows the continuous flow of extraction medium 231 to flow into the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200 through the inlet conduit 201 via the inlet 202.

[0124] In various configurations of the methods and devices described herein, the flow rate of the extraction medium is metered relative to the volume of the extract stream. Likewise, in certain configurations, a given flow rate will depend on the size of the extraction unit, the particle size or average particle size of the material to be extracted, the diameter of the filter, and the pore size of the filter.

[0125] Due to the flow rate, the cylindrical nature of the illustrated embodiment of extraction cell 200, and the back pressure caused by outlet valve 212 and filter 205, plug flow can be induced when a continuous flow of extraction medium 231 is introduced into interior 209 of extraction cell 200. As described above, plug flow is characterized by a substantially constant velocity across a radial section of extraction cell 200. The substantially constant velocity across a radial section of the extraction cell can inhibit mixing of adjacent layers (specifically, mixing between a first portion of extraction medium and a second portion of extraction medium).

[0126] Displacing the extract 241 in this manner can improve efficiency because no soaking time or only very little soaking time is required, and no additional equipment is required to remove the extract from the interior 209 of the extraction unit 200; displacing the extract only utilizes the network of inlets and outlets previously used to introduce the extraction medium. Therefore, the extract 241 can be discharged from the extraction unit 200 without excessive dilution, without the need for additional extraction procedures or components, and without stopping the flow of the extraction material into the unit 100, 200. Since there are no redundant recovery conduits or mechanisms, the corresponding transmission losses are reduced, thereby ensuring that a high extraction rate can be maintained. In addition, the extract 241 can be quickly and without soaking and discharged from the extraction unit 200. The elimination of soaking time enables the extract to be conveniently provided on demand, for example, less than 75 seconds or less than 60 seconds or 30 seconds.

[0127] Once the desired volume of extract 241 is collected, the extraction cycle is complete. In some embodiments, the desired volume of extract 241 may be a larger volume, which may be in the range of 0.3 L. to 4.5 L, in certain embodiments between 0.3 L and 2 L, and in some embodiments between 3 L and 4.5 L. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 intended for larger servings. In certain embodiments, the cycle can be restarted by continuously introducing extraction material. In other embodiments, the extraction material is discarded and the extraction unit 200 is emptied so that the cycle can be restarted. The extract 241 can be a finished product that can be delivered to a consumer for drinking. The extraction units and methods described herein can advantageously produce the desired extract without the need to recirculate the extraction medium through the extraction unit. According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the resulting extract 241 is delivered to the consumer for drinking after only a single pass through the extraction material 221. The extract can be produced by passing the extraction medium through the extraction unit a single time. The single pass approach advantageously simplifies the process and equipment while producing the desired extract. In addition, the extraction material may not be previously extracted. As described above, embodiments of the extraction method can be described with reference to the above. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The extraction unit 100 described above is used in combination. Figures 2A-2D Embodiments of the extraction methods described may be used to produce cold extracts according to the embodiments described below.

[0128] In certain embodiments, the extraction material 221 may include different extraction materials in layers, such as providing different coffee blends to provide different beverage characteristics. In addition, various additives or infusions may be added to the extraction material 221 to enhance the flavor of the final product. It is also contemplated that multiple extraction units 221 may be arranged in series or in parallel to achieve modular capacity.

[0129] In certain embodiments, a plunger or piston may be used to speed up the extraction process. For example, When the extraction medium has flowed through the extraction material to form an extraction slurry, after a period of time, the plunger or piston can tamp or compress the extraction slurry to produce an extract. Using a plunger or piston can speed up the extraction process. Exemplary Extraction Unit Control System

[0130] In certain configurations, the preparation of the extract as described above may be automated, or may be substantially manually performed. In various configurations, one or more sensors may be provided within or adjacent to the extraction unit to detect various characteristics of the extraction process. For example, such sensors may detect various characteristics, such as the temperature within the extraction unit, the temperature of the extraction unit itself, the pressure within the extraction unit, the volume of the extraction material within the extraction unit, the volume of the solvent within the extraction unit, the duration of the extraction, the rate at which the solvent is introduced through the inlet, the rate at which the extract is withdrawn through the outlet, or various other characteristics.

[0131] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an extraction unit equipped with a plurality of sensors is depicted, the sensors being a pressure sensor 181, a temperature sensor 182, and a flow sensor 183. Each of the pressure sensor 181, the temperature sensor 182, and the flow sensor 183 can be communicatively coupled to the controller 191. Likewise, the inlet valve 111 and the outlet valve 112 can also be communicatively coupled to the controller 191. In this manner, each of the pressure sensor 181, the temperature sensor 191, the flow sensor 183, the inlet valve 111, and the outlet valve 112 can relay information to the controller 191.

[0132] like Figure 4 As shown, certain embodiments of the controller 191 may include a display device, For example, screen 192. Screen 192 can display the aforementioned information collected from pressure sensor 181, temperature sensor 182, flow sensor 183, inlet valve 111, and outlet valve 112. For example, in Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the controller can display information obtained from the temperature sensor, such as the temperature within the extraction unit. Similarly, the controller can display pressure, such as the pressure within the extraction unit. Similarly, the controller can display flow, such as the flow rate within the extraction unit. As described above, the inlet valve 111 and the outlet valve 112 can also transmit relevant information to the controller 191 for display on the screen 192. In this way, the operator can view various extraction characteristics. Although in Figure 4 A screen is shown in , but alternative or additional display configurations may be employed, such as analog meters or alternative digital readouts.

[0133] In some configurations, the controller may also include one or more dials. In this way, the operator can affect various extraction features. For example, Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, The controller 191 includes a first button 193, a second button 194, and a third button 195. However, the buttons may be implemented in various numbers or forms. For example, in some configurations, the controller 191 may include one or more dials or switches to replace the above-mentioned buttons.

[0134] Continue to refer Figure 4, buttons can be used to select a sensor (e.g., pressure sensor 181, temperature sensor 182, or flow sensor 183) for control, such as scrolling through a menu with first button 193 and third button 195, and selecting a particular sensor with second button 194. Similarly, buttons can be manipulated to control, for example, outlet valve 112 or inlet valve 111. In this manner, an operator of extraction unit 100 can manipulate first button 193 to open outlet valve 112, and further manipulate third button 194 so that a flow of extraction medium is allowed to enter interior 109 of extraction unit 100. In this manner, air or other gas resident in the extraction unit can leave interior 109 of extraction unit 100 as solvent begins to fill the chamber. In other embodiments, first button 193 can be manipulated so that when solvent is introduced into interior 109 of extraction unit 100, outlet valve 112 is closed, thereby allowing pressure to build up within the chamber.

[0135] In other embodiments, controller 191 may be configured to automatically control certain extraction parameters. For example, in certain configurations, controller 191 may be configured to receive information from at least one of temperature sensor 181, pressure sensor 182, and flow sensor 183, and automatically adjust inlet valve 111 or outlet valve 112 to control the temperature or pressure in interior 109 of extraction unit 100. In this manner, the extraction process may be substantially automated. Exemplary Embodiments of Extraction Unit Systems

[0136] In the above Figure 1-4 In some examples shown, the extraction unit 100 can be used to perform extraction on a small scale (e.g., a small cup of espresso or other personal beverage provided on demand as described above) or on a large scale (e.g., a commercial scale as described above). Figure 5As shown, the extraction unit 100 can be used to implement extraction on a large scale, such as high-volume production, which can eliminate downtime during high-volume production, enable faster brewing, reduce commodity costs, and reduce labor. This enables the extraction of high concentrates at high yields. The optimal extraction unit is important to ensure that the extract can be brewed quickly while still maintaining a high concentration. A large-scale extraction unit that is scaled up can advantageously produce a more consistent yield. A large-scale extraction unit that is scaled up can also advantageously produce an increased yield. The increased yield may be due to the fact that larger extraction units require more time to fill and require a higher flow rate of extraction medium than smaller units, which is faster in a large-scale extraction unit relative to each gram of coffee. A relatively small filter can provide significantly greater back pressure, which has a positive impact on the yield, thereby increasing the concentration of the extraction. In addition, the increased yield may be due to the fact that a large-scale extraction unit that is scaled up requires more time to fill, so that the extraction medium has more time to soak as it travels through the extraction unit, thereby obtaining a higher yield.

[0137] Figure 5 An embodiment of an extraction unit system 300 for larger servings is schematically shown. The extraction unit system 300 may include an extraction unit 100 for larger servings. As previously described, the system 300 may also be scaled down to produce cold brew on a small scale, such as above. Figure 1-4 The extraction unit system 300 can also be scaled up to produce cold extract on a large scale, for example Figure 5 shown.

[0138] The extraction unit system may include Figure 1-4 The extraction unit 100 of the extraction unit system 300 is similar to the embodiment shown. The extraction unit 100 of the extraction unit system 300 can be adapted for larger servings. The system 300 can be used to produce cold extracts. For ease of description, the extraction unit system 300 is often described in the context of: the extraction material is in the form of tea leaves or ground coffee beans to brew an extract (which is a tea or coffee extract) using water as the extraction medium. However, as described above, certain features and aspects of the present disclosure can also be applied to other contexts.

[0139] As shown, the extraction unit system 300 includes one or more extraction medium sources. One or more extraction medium sources may include a pre-ground coffee hopper 306 and a whole bean coffee hopper 302, which feeds a grinder 304 to produce ground coffee. The grinder 304 or the pre-ground coffee hopper 306 may fill the extraction unit 100 with ground coffee as the extraction medium, such that the extraction medium is located inside the extraction unit 100. As described above, the extraction unit 100 may be filled with the extraction medium, for example, through a removable cover or by removing a portion of the extraction unit 100. An extraction medium such as ambient water may be introduced into the extraction unit 100. The extraction medium may be introduced into the bottom portion of the extraction unit 100 from an extraction medium source 308. The extraction medium may be water, such as ambient water, which may be considered a first water stream. The extraction medium may flow upward toward the top portion of the extraction unit 100 and through the extraction medium within the extraction unit 100. The upwardly flowing water may extract the desired compounds in the extraction material, extracting them into the extraction medium and dissolving them to form an extract. The extract may then be discharged through filter 105 to produce an extract or concentrate. The concentrate or extract may be dispensed to the exterior of extraction unit 100. The concentrate or extract may then be further diluted by a second water stream 312. The second water stream may come from extraction medium source 308 or another source (not shown). The diluted concentrate or extract may then be consumed as a still cold brew. The diluted concentrate or extract may also be processed through a nitrogen cold brew system 400. In the nitrogen cold brew system 400, nitrogen 402 may be injected into the concentrate or extract to produce a nitrogen-filled cold brew.

[0140] For example, the volume of the extraction unit 100 may range from 30 ml to 50 ml, for example 35 ml The flow rate through the extraction unit 100 may range from 50 ml / min to 200 ml / min, for example, at 80 ml / min. The extraction medium may be configured to flow through the available volume of the extraction unit 100 for a period of time ranging from 45 seconds to 90 seconds, such as between 60 seconds and 80 seconds, and in some embodiments, for a period of time of 75 seconds. In some examples, the area of ​​the outlet and filter 105 may have an area of ​​20% to 100% of the unit area, such as 30% to 50% of the unit area. In some embodiments, the cold extraction process can exhibit a yield range of 10% to 20%. In some configurations, the yield range can be from 16% to 18%, and in some embodiments, the yield is from 15% to 20%, or the yield is 17.0%.

[0141] In some configurations, the volume of the extraction unit 100 may range from 50 ml to 150 ml. For example, between 75 ml and 125 ml, and in some embodiments, the volume is 100 ml. The flow rate through the extraction unit 100 can range from 20 ml / min to 50 ml / min, for example, between 25 ml / min and 45 ml / min, and in some embodiments, the flow rate is between 30 The extraction medium may be configured to flow through the available volume of extraction unit 100 for a time period ranging from 2 minutes to 8 minutes, such as between 3 minutes and 7 minutes, and in certain embodiments, for a time period between 4 minutes and 6 minutes. This cold extraction process can exhibit a yield range of 10% to 20%. In some configurations, the yield can range from 17% to 19%, and in certain embodiments, the yield is 17.9%. and 18.9%.

[0142] In some configurations, the volume of the extraction unit 100 may range from 200 ml to 300 ml. For example, between 225 ml and 275 ml, and in some embodiments, the volume is 250 ml. The flow rate through the extraction unit 100 can range from 15 ml / min to 50 ml / min, for example, between 20 ml / min and 40 ml / min, and in some embodiments, the flow rate is between 25 The extraction medium may be configured to flow through the available volume of the extraction unit 100 for a period of time ranging from 9 minutes to 17 minutes, such as between 10 minutes and 16 minutes, and in some embodiments, the period of time is between 11 minutes and 15 minutes. This cold extraction process may exhibit a yield range of 10% to 20%. In some configurations, the yield range may be from 18% to 19%, and in some embodiments, the yield is between 18.5% and 18.9%.

[0143] In some configurations, the volume of the extraction unit 100 may range from 400 ml to 500 ml. For example, between 425 ml and 475 ml, and in some embodiments, the volume is 450 ml. The flow rate through the extraction unit 100 can range from 15 ml / min to 55 ml / min, for example, between 20 ml / min and 50 ml / min, and in some embodiments, the flow rate is between 25 ml / min to 45 ml / min. The extraction medium can be configured to flow through the available volume of the extraction unit 100 for a time period ranging from 12 minutes to 27 minutes, such as between 13 minutes and 26 minutes, and in some embodiments, the time period is between 14 minutes and 25 minutes. This cold extraction process can exhibit a yield range of 10% to 20%. In some configurations, the yield range can be from 18% to 21%, and in some embodiments, the yield is between 19% and 20.2%.

[0144] In some configurations, the volume of the extraction unit 100 may range from 700 ml to 800 ml. For example, between 725 ml and 775 ml, and in some embodiments, the volume is 750 ml. The flow rate through the extraction unit 100 can range from 55 ml / min to 90 ml / min, for example, between 60 ml / min and 85 ml / min, and in some embodiments, the flow rate is between 65 ml / min to 80 ml / min. The time period for the extraction medium to flow through the available volume of the extraction unit 100 can range from 14 minutes to 22 minutes, for example, between 15 minutes and 21 minutes, and in some embodiments, the time period is between 17 minutes and 20 minutes. This cold extraction process can exhibit a yield range of 15% to 25%. In some configurations, the yield range can be from 20% to 21%, and in some embodiments, the yield is between 20.2% and 20.3%. In some embodiments, the extraction unit 100 can be conical or non-conical.

[0145] In some configurations, the volume of the extraction unit 100 may range from 700 ml to 800 ml. For example, between 725 ml and 775 ml, and in some embodiments, the volume is 750 ml. The flow rate through the extraction unit 100 can range from 50 ml / min to 85 ml / min, for example, between 55 ml / min and 80 ml / min, and in some embodiments, the flow rate is between 60 ml / min to 75 ml / min. The time period for the extraction medium to flow through the available volume of the extraction unit 100 can range from 15 minutes to 22 minutes, for example, between 16 minutes and 21 minutes, and in some embodiments, the time period is between 17 minutes and 20 minutes. This cold extraction process can exhibit a yield range of 15% to 25%. In some configurations, the yield range can be from 20% to 21%, and in some embodiments, the yield is between 20.6% and 20.9%. In some embodiments, the extraction unit 100 can be conical or non-conical.

[0146] In some configurations, the volume of the extraction unit 100 may range from 950 ml to 1050 ml. For example, between 975 ml and 1025 ml, and in some embodiments, the volume is 1000 ml. The flow rate through the extraction unit 100 can range from 50 ml / min to 90 ml / min, for example, between 55 ml / min and 85 ml / min, and in some embodiments, the flow rate is between Between 60ml / min and 80ml / min. The extraction medium can be configured to flow through the extraction unit The time period for the available volume of 100 ranges from 19 minutes to 31 minutes, for example between 20 minutes and 30 minutes, and in some embodiments, the time period is between 21 minutes and 29 minutes. This cold extraction process can exhibit a yield range of 15% to 25%. In some configurations, the yield range can be from 20% to 21%, and in some embodiments, the yield is between 20.0% and 20.6%. In some embodiments, the extraction unit 100 can be conical or non-conical.

[0147] In some configurations, the volume of the extraction unit 100 may range from 950 ml to 1050 ml. For example, between 975 ml and 1025 ml, and in some embodiments, the volume is 1000 ml. The flow rate through the extraction unit 100 can range from 50 ml / min to 90 ml / min, for example, between 55 ml / min and 85 ml / min, and in some embodiments, the flow rate is between Between 60ml / min and 80ml / min. The extraction medium can be configured to flow through the extraction unit The time period for the available volume of 100 can range from 18 minutes to 29 minutes, for example between 19 minutes and 28 minutes, and in some embodiments, the time period is between 20 minutes and 27 minutes. This cold extraction process can exhibit a yield range of 15% to 25%. In some configurations, the yield range can be from 20% to 22%, and in some embodiments, the yield is 21%. In some embodiments, the extraction unit 100 can be conical or non-conical.

[0148] During the extraction process embodiments described herein, a portion of the extraction medium can flow continuously or substantially continuously through the extraction unit during the extraction process. During the above-described extraction process embodiments, a flow rate of a portion of the extraction medium into the extraction unit during the extraction process can be constant or substantially constant. During the above-described extraction process embodiments, a constant or substantially constant flow rate can be maintained throughout the radial axis of the chamber of the extraction unit during the extraction process and when the extraction medium is removed from the extraction unit.

[0149] The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Example 1

[0150] In one example, 7.5 g of coffee beans or ground coffee are loaded into an extraction unit having a volume of 21 ml. An extraction medium water stream is introduced and flows through the extraction unit at a flow rate of 30 ml / min, which is kept substantially constant during the extraction process. The temperature of the extraction medium water stream is below 30° C. The extract is extracted from the coffee beans or ground coffee by the extraction medium in less than 75 seconds. The volume of the extract is 18 mL. The concentration of the extract is 7.1 Brix. The TDS of the extract is 6.0% and 60 g / L. Example 2

[0151] In a second example, 150 g of coffee beans or ground coffee were loaded into an extraction unit having a volume of 450 ml. An extraction medium stream was introduced and flowed through the extraction unit at a flow rate of 50 ml / min, which flow rate was kept substantially constant during the extraction process. The temperature of the extraction medium stream was below 30° C. The extract was extracted from the coffee beans or ground coffee by the extraction medium in less than 13 minutes. The volume of the extract was 375 mL. The concentration of the extract was 8.7 degrees Brix. The TDS of the extract was 7.4% and 74 g / L. Example 3

[0152] In a third example, 260 g of coffee beans or ground coffee were loaded into an extraction unit having a volume of 750 ml. A flow of extraction medium was introduced and flowed through the extraction unit at a flow rate of 60 ml / min, which flow rate was kept substantially constant during the extraction process. The temperature of the extraction medium water flow was less than 30° C. The extract was extracted from the coffee beans or ground coffee by the extraction medium in less than 19 minutes. The volume of the extract was 630 mL. The concentration of the extract was 9.7 degrees Brix. The TDS of the extract was 8.2% and 82 g / L. Example 4

[0153] In a fourth example, 350 g of coffee beans or ground coffee were loaded into an extraction cell having a volume of 1000 ml. A flow of extraction medium was introduced and flowed through the extraction cell at a flow rate of 80 ml / min, which flow rate was kept substantially constant during the extraction process. The temperature of the extraction medium water flow was less than 30° C. The extract was extracted from the coffee beans or ground coffee by the extraction medium in less than 22 minutes. The volume of the extract was 875 mL. The concentration of the extract was 9.9 degrees Brix. The TDS of the extract was 8.4% and 84 g / L. Exemplary Embodiments of Capsule Extraction Units

[0154] Figure 6A-6B 7A-7E disclose various embodiments of a capsule or pod extraction unit 500. Embodiments. Using capsules or pods may be advantageous for smaller portions, such as for home use or for producing a single serving. For ease of illustration, the capsule extraction unit 500 is often described in the context of an extraction material in the form of tea leaves or ground coffee beans to be used to brew an extract (which is a tea or coffee extract) using water as an extraction medium. However, as described above, certain features and aspects of the present disclosure may also be applicable in other contexts. For example, the capsule extraction unit 500 may also be used to extract tea leaves to brew a tea extract, and in some arrangements, juice or other similar infusions, or other extraction materials or extraction media instead of water may be used.

[0155] Fig. 6A An embodiment of a top portion of a capsule extraction unit 500 is schematically shown. As shown in the figure, Fig. 6AThe capsule extraction unit 500 includes a first portion 503 and a second portion 506. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first portion 503 and the second portion 506 are cylindrical. In some examples, both the first portion 503 and the second portion 506 may include respective flat ends. In some examples, both the first portion 503 and the second portion 506 may include respective rounded ends. The sidewall 504 connects the first portion 503 to the second portion 506, so that the capsule extraction unit 500 may have an overall cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the sidewall 504 may exist continuously from the top to the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500 along most or all of the length of the capsule extraction unit 500. In this way, the first portion 503, the second portion 506 and the sidewall 504 are used to define the boundary between the exterior 510 of the capsule extraction unit 500 and the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, thereby forming a substantially liquid-tight shell, which can be filled with a desired extraction material and a suitable extraction medium to form an extraction slurry. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 503 corresponds to the lower or bottom portion of the capsule extraction unit 500, and the second portion 506 corresponds to the upper or top portion of the capsule extraction unit 500. Therefore, in the description herein, the first portion 503 may also be referred to as the bottom portion or the lower portion. In a similar manner, the second portion 506 may be referred to as the top portion or the upper portion.

[0156] In some examples, the capsule extraction unit 500 may be conical so that the capsule extraction The sidewall 504 of the extraction unit 500 may be inclined or angled from the first portion 503 to the second portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500. In the conical capsule extraction unit 500, in some embodiments, the diameter or cross-sectional width of the bottom portion 503 may be greater than the diameter or cross-sectional width of the top portion 506. In the conical capsule extraction unit 500, in some embodiments, the diameter of the bottom portion 503 may be greater than the diameter of the top portion 506. In some examples, the capsule extraction unit 500 may have straight walls, such that there is no taper in the sidewall of the capsule extraction unit 500. In the straight-wall capsule extraction unit 500, the top diameter may be equal to the bottom diameter.

[0157] The interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be characterized by a length L and a width W, The width W may be the width of the top portion 506. The width W may be a cross-sectional width or diameter. The length L and width W of the top portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit define the internal aspect ratio AR of the capsule extraction unit 500 (aspect ratio=L / W). The internal aspect ratio AR of the extraction unit may allow the user to control the contact ratio of the extraction material relative to the extraction medium. An advantage of certain embodiments of the capsule extraction unit 500 in combination with the methods disclosed herein is that a cold-pressed extract may be produced without a soaking time or with a very short soaking time. That is, in certain embodiments, the extraction medium flows continuously or substantially continuously from the inlet through the extraction material in the capsule extraction unit 500 to the outlet. In some instances, the soaking time may be defined as the time taken for an initial portion or aliquot of the extraction medium to travel into the initial portion of the extraction material in the unit 500, through the interior of the extraction unit 500, and through the filter at the outlet of the unit 500. In some instances, the portion or aliquot of the extraction medium flowing through the extraction material of the unit 500 is continuous or substantially continuous. The soaking time may include the time when the extraction medium is not continuously introduced or does not flow into the capsule extraction unit 500. In some examples, the soak time may include a time during which the extraction medium is temporarily not moving through the extraction material. Additionally, the soak time may include a time during which the flow is regulated or stopped for a short period of time. In this manner, the capsule extraction unit 500 may be used to “on demand” Producing a cold pressed extract. In certain configurations, the internal aspect ratio AR can range from 0.75:1 to 2:1 or any value between these ranges, and in certain embodiments, the internal aspect ratio is 0.75:1. Without being bound by any particular theory of operation, applicants have found that such an aspect ratio is surprisingly useful in producing a sufficiently concentrated cold pressed extract with little or no steeping time. The interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 can also be characterized by a volume. The volume can range from 15 ml to 60 ml, and in certain embodiments, Between 35 ml and 50 ml, a volume can be used in combination with the above-mentioned internal aspect ratio AR. These measurement ranges are particularly suitable for capsule extraction units 500 for smaller portions, such as for single-person use or personal coffee systems.

[0158] The capsule extraction unit 500 may be configured such that adjacent fluid layers do not substantially mix. The capsule extraction unit 500 can be configured to induce a plug flow. The term "plug flow" is used according to its literal and ordinary meaning and refers to a fluid migration model in which a constant flow rate is maintained across the radial axis of the chamber. Since the flow rate is substantially constant, mixing between adjacent fluid layers is substantially avoided. In some embodiments, there is less than 25% mixing between the layers, and in some embodiments, there is less than 10% mixing between the layers. In this way, by introducing a subsequent flow of liquid through the capsule extraction unit 500, the extract produced by the flow of the extraction medium through the extraction material can be discharged from the chamber without substantially mixing. For example, in some embodiments, the extract produced within the capsule extraction unit 500 is discharged by initiating the flow of the extraction medium through the first portion 503. When the extraction medium achieves a constant velocity across the entire width of the interior of the capsule extraction unit 500, a plug flow can be induced, and the contents of the capsule extraction unit 500 (i.e., the prepared extract) can be discharged from the capsule extraction unit 500. Since the extraction medium can exhibit a substantially constant velocity across the entire width of the capsule extraction unit 500, undesirable mixing between the extraction medium flow and the extract prepared by the capsule extraction unit 500 can be avoided, and the prepared extract will not be diluted by subsequent or later extraction medium flows.

[0159] Capsule extraction unit 500 may be made of any suitable material. For example, first portion 503, second portion 506, and sidewall 504 may each independently include metal (e.g., aluminum), ceramic, plastic, glass, or other substantially solid compounds. For example, in some configurations, first portion 503, second portion 506, and sidewall 504 may be composed of a substantially opaque metal compound. In other configurations, at least sidewall 504 or a portion of sidewall 504 may be composed of a substantially transparent or at least partially translucent compound, such as glass or plastic. Advantageously, in such a configuration, a user may view the contents of capsule extraction unit 500 and determine the progress of extraction based on the appearance of the contents residing therein. Top section

[0160] In the embodiment shown, the second part or top part 506 can include a filter 505. The filter 505 can separate the non-homogeneous extraction slurry into its constituent components to produce a substantially homogeneous extract. The filter 505 can be located near or adjacent to the outlet 507. In some configurations, the filter 505 has substantially the same size and geometry as the outlet 507. The resulting extract can then be separated and / or preserved for further processing, packaging or drinking. The filter 505 can be any suitable filtering structure. For example, in some configurations, the filter 505 can be a fine filter, a mesh filter, a membrane filter or other suitable filtering devices. In some configurations, the filter 505 can be made of paper, woven metal, woven silk, chemical etching membrane or other suitable materials. In addition, in some configurations, the filter 505 can be selected to enable the pore size or pore size to capture the extraction material without adversely affecting the extract flow when the mixture flows toward the outlet conduit. Alternatively, the pore size of the filter 505 can be selected to significantly hinder the extract from flowing out of the capsule extraction unit 500. In this way, even when outlet 507 is open or otherwise configured to receive an extract flow, a significant back pressure can be established in interior 509 of capsule extraction unit 500 as additional extraction medium flow is allowed to flow into interior 509 of capsule extraction unit 500. In some embodiments, filter 505 can have an average pore size of 20 μm to 90 μm, such as between 40 μm and 70 μm, or between 20 μm or 40 μm. In some embodiments, filter 505 can have a weight of 30 g / m 2 Up to 100g / m 2 The average pore size or weight of the filter 505 may be used in combination with a capsule extraction unit 500 having the above-mentioned aspect ratio and / or volume range.

[0161] like Fig. 6A As shown, the top portion 506 may include a filter 505 mounted on the top portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The filter 505 may be located in an interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The filter 505 may cover a portion or all of the top surface of the capsule extraction unit 500. The top portion 506 may include a small hole or outlet 507 that exposes the filter 505. The interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be filled with extraction material, such as coffee powder.

[0162] The coffee system (which may be a personal or single-serve coffee machine or system) may accommodate the capsule extraction unit 500. For example, the coffee system may include an opening or space shaped to accommodate the capsule extraction unit 500. When the capsule extraction unit 500 is inserted into the coffee system, a portion of the machine may be closed on or engaged with the capsule extraction unit 500. The machine may engage the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the gasket 512 is sealed on the capsule extraction unit 500, for example, through the outlet 507 to seal on the surface of the second part 506 and / or the filter 505. The second part 506 may include a hole to allow the extract to flow out of the capsule extraction unit 500. The hole of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be covered with the filter 505.

[0163] As will be further described below, the extraction medium flows upward from the first portion 503 of the capsule extraction unit 500 to the second portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The extraction medium can flow upward through the coffee grounds located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, through the filter 505 and the holes of the second portion 506 and the sealed gasket 512, so that the resulting extract flows out of the second portion 506 for distribution into a cup. The extract can flow from the second portion 506 to the sealed gasket 512 and to the outlet conduit, which provides a passage for the extract residing in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the extract is displaced or otherwise removed from the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 through the second portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The outlet conduit can also include a generally elongated hollow cross-section pipe or tube.

[0164] like Figure 6B As shown, the second part 506 may include a filter 505 mounted on the top of the capsule extraction unit 500. The filter 505 may be located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The filter 505 may cover a portion or all of the top surface of the capsule extraction unit 500. The filter 505 may cover the holes of the second part 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The second part 506 may include a first surface or layer and a second surface or layer to define a void 516 between the first and second surfaces or layers. The first surface may be an outer surface of the second part 506 and located above the void 516. The second surface may be located below the first surface to define the void 516. The second surface may define a boundary between the void 516 and the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be filled with coffee powder.

[0165] The coffee system (which may be a personal or single-serve coffee machine or system) may house a capsule extraction unit 500. The coffee system may include one or more needles and a gasket to engage with the capsule extraction unit 500. The system may engage the capsule extraction unit 500 such that the one or more needles pierce the capsule extraction unit 500 and the gasket seals on the capsule extraction unit 500, for example, on the bottom surface. Figure 6B As shown, the coffee system may include a needle 514 and a gasket 512. When the capsule extraction unit 500 is inserted into the coffee system, a portion of the machine may be closed on the capsule extraction unit 500. The system may engage the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the needle 514 engages the first surface of the capsule extraction unit 500 and is located in the void 516 of the top portion 506, and so that the gasket 512 is sealed on the needle 514 and the first surface of the capsule extraction unit 500. The needle 514 piercing the first surface of the capsule extraction unit 500 may form an opening or outlet 507 at the top portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500.

[0166] As will be further described below, the extraction medium flows upward from the bottom portion 503 of the capsule extraction unit 500 to the top portion 506. The extraction medium can flow upward through the coffee grounds located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, through the filter 505, through the gap 516, through the needle 514 and the sealed gasket 512, so that the resulting extract flows out for distribution into a cup. The extract can flow from the sealed gasket 512 to the outlet conduit, which provides a passage for the extract residing in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the extract is displaced or otherwise removed from the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 through the second portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500.

[0167] like Figure 6A-6B As shown, the second portion 506 may also include an outlet 507. The second portion 506 includes an outlet 507 to allow the extract to be dispensed from the capsule extraction unit 500 through the second portion 506 (which may be the top portion 506, as described above). The outlet may include, for example, Fig. 6A opening and gasket as shown, or as Figure 6B Needle and washer configuration shown. One or more needles may be used to create one or more openings in the second portion 506. As with the inlet discussed above, the outlet may be in fluid communication with an extract outlet conduit. Bottom section

[0168] like Fig. 7AAs shown, the first or bottom portion 503 may include a foil 528 that may be fixed to the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500 to close the interior 509. The interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be filled with extraction material, such as coffee powder. The foil 528 may be permanently or temporarily fixed to the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500. The bottom portion 503 may also include a support plate 526 that may hold or support a coffee bed located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The support plate 526 may be located at the bottom of the interior 509 such that the support plate 526 is located above the foil 528.

[0169] The coffee system (which may be a personal or single-serve coffee machine or coffee maker) may accommodate a capsule extraction unit 500. When the capsule extraction unit 500 is inserted into the coffee system, a portion of the machine may be closed over the capsule extraction unit 500. The machine may engage the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the needle 524 penetrates the foil 528 to form an inlet 513 for the flow of the extraction medium. The machine may also engage the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the gasket 522 is sealed on the foil 528.

[0170] The extraction medium may flow through the sealed gasket 522, the needle 524, and the formed inlet 513, into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, so that the extraction medium flows upward through the extraction material located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. Then, as described above, the extraction medium may flow through the top portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500, e.g. Figure 6A-6B as shown in .

[0171] like Figure 7B As shown, the bottom portion 503 may include a bottom surface that surrounds the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The extraction material may be loaded into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 and supported by the bottom surface of the capsule extraction unit 500. The bottom surface of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be made of the same material as the side wall 504 of the capsule extraction unit 500, such as metal or plastic. The coffee system (which may be a personal or single-serving coffee machine or coffee maker) may accommodate the capsule extraction unit 500. When the capsule extraction unit 500 is inserted into the coffee system, a part of the machine may be closed on the capsule extraction unit 500. The system may engage the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the needle 524 penetrates the bottom surface of the capsule extraction unit 500 to form an inlet 513 for the flow of the extraction medium. The machine may also engage the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the gasket 522 is sealed on the foil 528.

[0172] The extraction medium can flow through the sealed gasket 522 and needle 524 and the inlet 513, Enter the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the extraction medium flows upward through the extraction material located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. Then, as described above, the extraction medium can flow through the top portion of the capsule extraction unit 500, e.g. Figure 6A-6B shown.

[0173] like Figure 7C As shown, the bottom portion 503 may include a foil 528, which may be fixed to the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500. The interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be filled with extraction material, such as coffee powder. The foil 528 may be permanently or temporarily fixed to the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500. The bottom portion 503 may also include a support plate 526, which may hold or support the coffee powder layer located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The support plate 526 may be located at the bottom of the interior 509 so that the support plate 526 is located above the foil 528.

[0174] The coffee system (which may be a personal or single-serve coffee machine or coffee maker) may accommodate a capsule extraction unit 500. When the capsule extraction unit 500 is inserted into the coffee system, a portion of the machine may be closed on the capsule extraction unit 500. The machine may engage the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the plurality of needles 524 penetrate the foil 528 to form a plurality of inlets for the flow of the extraction medium. The machine may also engage the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the gasket 522 is sealed on the foil 528.

[0175] The extraction medium may flow upward through the sealed gasket 522, the plurality of needles 524, the correspondingly formed inlet, into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, and through the extraction material located therein. The extraction medium may then flow through the top portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500, as described above, e.g. Figure 6A-6B shown.

[0176] like Fig.7D As shown, the bottom portion 503 may include a diffuser plate 530 that may be fixed to the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500. The diffuser plate 530 may be configured to support or hold the extraction material located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The diffuser plate 530 may be a plate having a plurality of holes configured to evenly distribute the extraction medium along the width of the interior 509 and along the extraction material powder layer located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The diffuser plate 530 may be located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 such that there is a gap 532 between the diffuser plate 530 and the bottom surface of the capsule extraction unit 500.

[0177] The coffee system (which may be a personal or single-serve coffee machine or coffee maker) may accommodate a capsule extraction unit 500. When the capsule extraction unit 500 is inserted into the coffee system, a portion of the machine may be closed over the capsule extraction unit 500. The machine may engage the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the needle 524 penetrates the bottom surface of the capsule extraction unit 500 to form an inlet 513. The needle 524 may be located in the gap 532. The needle 524 may be configured to avoid piercing the diffuser plate 530. The system may also be configured to seal the gasket 522 onto the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500 .

[0178] The extraction medium may flow through the inlet 513 such that it flows through the sealed gasket 522, the needle 524, and through the gap 532. The extraction medium then flows through the holes of the diffuser plate 530 such that the extraction medium is evenly distributed through the diffuser plate 520 and enters the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The extraction medium may then flow upward through the extraction material located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The extraction medium may then flow through the top portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500, e.g., as described above. Figure 6A-6B shown.

[0179] like Fig. 7E As shown, the bottom portion 503 may include a filter 525 mounted on the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500. The filter 525 may be similar to the filter 505 described above. The filter 525 may be located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The filter 525 may cover a portion or all of the bottom surface of the capsule extraction unit 500. The inlet 513 of the bottom portion 503 may include a small hole or aperture exposing the filter 525. The interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be filled with extraction material, such as coffee powder.

[0180] The coffee system (which may be a personal or single-serve coffee machine or coffee maker) may accommodate the capsule extraction unit 500. When the capsule extraction unit 500 is inserted into the coffee system, a portion of the machine may be closed over the capsule extraction unit 500. The machine may engage the capsule extraction unit 500 such that the gasket 522 is sealed on the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500.

[0181] The extraction medium may flow through the sealed gasket 522 and the opening into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, such that the extraction medium flows upward through the filter 525 and the extraction material located in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The extraction medium may then flow through the top portion of the capsule extraction unit 500, e.g. Figure 6A-6B shown.

[0182] In some embodiments, such as in any of the above embodiments, the capsule extraction unit 500 may further include a rim or flange on the bottom portion 503, such as around the periphery of the bottom surface of the capsule extraction unit 500. The flange or rim around the periphery of the bottom surface may engage with a personal or single-serving coffee machine, such as within an opening shaped or configured to accommodate the capsule extraction unit 500.

[0183] The capsule extraction unit 500 may include any embodiment of the top portion 506 (e.g. Figure 6A-6B ) with any embodiment of the bottom portion 503 (e.g. Figures 7A-7E shown).

[0184] Continue to refer Figures 7A-7E In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 503 may include one or more inlets 513 to allow the extraction medium to be introduced into the capsule extraction unit 500 through the first portion 503 (which may be the bottom portion 503, as described above). The inlet 513 may include, for example, Figure 7A-7B and Fig.7D The pin and washer configuration shown, such as Figure 7C Multiple needles and washers as shown, or Fig. 7E The opening and gasket shown. One or more needles 524 can be used to create one or more openings in the first part 503, which can serve as one or more inlets 513 for the flow of extraction medium. The inlet 513 can in turn be in fluid communication with an inlet conduit. The inlet conduit can include a generally elongated hollow cross-section pipe or tube for providing a passage for a flow of extraction medium (e.g., water or gas) from any suitable source to flow toward the inlet 513. In this way, the inlet conduit is in fluid communication with the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 through the inlet 513, for example, by one or more needles and gaskets or by an opening and gasket. Therefore, the supplied water (or any other extraction medium) can be introduced into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 through the inlet conduit (the inlet conduit 513 of the first part 503). Although Figure 7A-7B and Figure 7D-7E Although one entrance 513 is shown, more than one entrance 513 may be used, or the entrance 513 may be divided into several sub-entrances. Figure 7C As shown, there may be more multiple entries.

[0185] exist Fig. 7EIn the embodiment shown, the bottom portion 503 can be equipped with a filter 505, which can be a coarse filter. In this way, the extraction material can be prevented from flowing back toward the inlet conduit. In some configurations, the average pore size of the coarse filter 505 can range from 20 μm to 150 μm, for example, between 40 μm and 70 μm, or between 20 μm and 40 μm. In some configurations, the weight of the coarse filter 505 can range from 30 g / m 2 Up to 100g / m 2 .

[0186] Figure 8 An internal view of an embodiment of the second portion 506 of the extraction unit 500 is depicted. Figure 8 As shown, the filter 505 can be disposed adjacent to the hole so that the filter 505 substantially completely covers the hole. In this way, the spent coffee grounds can be separated from the extraction slurry so that only a substantially homogenous extract is allowed to flow through the filter 505 into the hole or outlet and toward the extract outlet conduit. In some configurations, the diameter D of the filter 505 can be approximately 7% to 12% of the width W of the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, and in some embodiments, 10% of the width W of the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. In some embodiments, the diameter D of the filter is substantially equal to the diameter D of the pore. However, the diameter D of the filter 505 can be varied to accommodate desired extraction characteristics. For example, in certain configurations, the diameter D of the filter 505 can be increased to reduce the back pressure applied to the contents of the capsule extraction unit 500. Alternatively, in certain configurations, the diameter D of the filter 505 can be reduced to slow the rate at which the extract can be displaced from the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The diameter of the filter 505 can be varied alone. However, in certain configurations, the diameter of the filter 505 can be varied in conjunction with a corresponding change in the diameter of the pore or unit. For example, in certain configurations, the diameter D of the pore and filter 505 can have a diameter D of 7% to 12% of the inner diameter of the unit. The diameter of the cell may be 10% of the inner diameter of the cell, and in some embodiments 10% of the inner diameter of the cell. In some examples, the area of ​​the outlet and filter 505 may have an area of ​​7% to 12% of the area of ​​the cell.

[0187] Likewise, the position of the filter 505 relative to the second portion 506 can be varied. For example, the filter 505 can be substantially centrally disposed on the second portion 506. In alternative embodiments, the filter 505 can be offset such that the outer circumference of the filter intersects the center of the second portion 506. The above-described diameters and / or area ratios of the filter 505 can be used alone or in combination with the above-described average pore diameters, aspect ratios, and / or volume ranges of the capsule extraction unit 500.

[0188] Embodiments and / or components of capsule extraction unit 500 may be used in combination with the methods described below. In addition, embodiments and / or components of capsule extraction unit 500 may be used to produce a cold extract according to the embodiments described below.

[0189] As will be explained below, the arrangement shown has certain advantages. For example, in some configurations, the first part 503 and / or the second part 506 can be partially or completely removed to facilitate the introduction of the desired extraction material. In certain configurations, at least one of the first part 503 or the second part 506 can be implemented as having an opening through which the extraction material can be loaded into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, and then the opening can be sealed with a cover such as a foil. In some embodiments, the first part 503 and the second part 506 can be permanently connected to each other or integrally formed with each other. The capsule extraction unit 500 can also have more than two parts. For example, as described above, the second part 506 can be implemented as a removable or permanently closed, but various other embodiments can also be used. As another example, the first part 503 can be implemented as a foil fixed to the bottom surface of the capsule extraction unit 500 or as a removable cover. For example, the extraction material can be loaded into the capsule extraction unit 500 through the open bottom portion. The extraction material may then be sealed into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 by securing the foil to the bottom surface of the capsule extraction unit 500. In other examples, the first portion 503 or the second portion 506 may be configured to be continuous or integral with the sidewall 504.

[0190] Furthermore, in some arrangements, the orientation of the capsule extraction unit 500 can be changed so that the orientation of the first portion 503 and the second portion 506 are reversed or located at other positions, such as by rotating the capsule extraction unit 500 sideways so that the first portion 503 and the second portion 506 are located at the same or nearly the same height. Figure 6A-6B and Figures 7A-7E 5. The orientation shown in FIG. 5 is varied, but it has been found that causing the extraction medium flow to rise upward through unit 500 has certain advantages in producing a more uniform and consistent product with reduced processing time. Exemplary Extraction Methods for Capsule Extraction Units

[0191] For ease of illustration, the method is discussed in the context of preparing cold-extracted coffee or tea from roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans and loose leaf tea in packaged tea bags. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these methods can be used to prepare a variety of different brews, including tea and various other brews. The process may include using an extraction medium (also referred to herein as a solvent) not exceeding 100°C, and not using a pressure exceeding tens of atmospheres. For example, in certain configurations described below, the extraction medium may be between 0°C and 100°C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium may be between 10°C and 30°C, and in certain embodiments, between 20°C and 30°C. In certain embodiments, the pressure in the extraction chamber is between 0 and 16 bar (gauge pressure). In certain configurations, the pressure is between 0 and 2 bar (gauge pressure). In certain configurations, the above temperature and pressure ranges may be combined. In certain embodiments, the extraction medium may be a liquid such as water, but in certain embodiments, the extraction medium may be other liquids. In other configurations, certain inert gases may also be used to replace the extraction medium. In certain embodiments, as described below, the extraction medium is at ambient temperature when added to the extraction unit. Additionally, while the process is described in the context of an upward flow direction and upward material flow, the capsule extraction unit 500 can be oriented in other positions such that the material flow is directed downward, horizontally, or in between the two directions. As described above, it has been found that increasing the flow of extraction medium to pass upward through the capsule extraction unit 500 has certain advantages in producing a more uniform and consistent product with reduced processing time.

[0192] As mentioned above, and as Figure 6A-6B and Figures 7A-7E As shown, the extraction material can be loaded or pre-loaded into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, and the extraction material can be roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans. The extraction material can be added until the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 is partially or substantially completely filled. In some embodiments, between 10 grams and 20 grams of extraction material are loaded into the unit 500, in some embodiments 10 grams, and in some embodiments 12 grams of material are loaded into the unit 500. In some embodiments, the extraction material in the form of ground coffee that has been ground to a particle size between 200 μm and 400 μm, for example, between 270 μm and 370 μm, is loaded into the unit 500. In some embodiments, the extraction material that has been ground to an average particle size between 200 μm and 400 μm is loaded into the unit 500. Extraction material in the form of ground coffee of between 100 μm and 200 μm, for example between 270 μm and 370 μm, is loaded into unit 500. In such an embodiment, such an amount of extraction material can produce a single serving of cold brew coffee. In some embodiments, the amount of a single serving can be between 6 fl.oz. to 10 fl.oz., and in certain embodiments 8 fl.oz.

[0193] As noted above, the extraction material may vary widely within the context of the present disclosure. For example, In some configurations, the extraction material may include coffee beans, such as roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans. In addition, the degree of grinding can also enhance the extraction characteristics and improve the delivery time of the final product. For example, in some configurations, when finely ground coffee beans are used, the extraction is carried out faster. In some embodiments, the coffee beans can be ground to an average particle size of 200 μm to 400 μm, and in some embodiments, ground to an average particle size between 250 μm and 500 μm, or between 270 μm and 370 μm. However, additional or alternative extraction materials may also be used. For example, in some configurations, fruits, leaves, roots and / or skins of other plants and herbs may be extracted, and different average particle sizes or particle sizes may be used.

[0194] As described above, in some embodiments, the extraction material is charged until the density of the extraction material in the unit 500 is between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml. In some embodiments, ground coffee is charged as the extraction material until the density of the extraction material in the unit 500 is between 0.3 g / ml and 0.33 g / ml.

[0195] As previously described, after the extraction material has been loaded into the extraction unit 500, a flow of extraction medium may be introduced. As with the extraction material, a wide variety of potential extraction mediums may be used. For ease of description, the present disclosure often refers to the use of water as the extraction medium, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that additional or alternative extraction mediums, such as gases, may be used in the methods disclosed herein.

[0196] In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be water. As described above, in some embodiments, the extraction medium may be water that has not been temperature treated (e.g., not heated) before the water is delivered to the capsule extraction unit 500. That is, in some embodiments, the water is delivered to the capsule extraction unit 500 at ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the extraction medium (e.g., water) does not exceed 100° C., and in some configurations, the extraction medium may be at 0 ℃ and 100℃, and in some embodiments, the temperature range of the extraction medium may be between 10℃ and 30℃, between 15℃ and 30℃, or between 20℃ and 30℃. The extraction medium flow flows from the inlet conduit through the inlet 513 and into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. In the illustrated arrangement, the extraction medium flow flows generally upward into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, first permeating the lowest layer of extraction material, and then traveling vertically through the capsule extraction unit 500. However, as described above, the capsule extraction unit 500 may be oriented differently, The extraction medium is caused to flow downward, horizontally, or between vertical and horizontal directions.

[0197] As described above, the extraction medium may flow from the inlet 513 conduit through the inlet 513 of the capsule extraction unit 500, which may be in the form of a needle and / or opening at the bottom portion 503 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The flow of extraction medium may move upward through the extraction material to produce an extraction slurry in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. In this way, the desired compound material to be extracted in the extraction material may be extracted into the extraction medium and dissolved to form an extract. The flow of extraction medium may be continuous to displace the extract from the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. As described above, the extract may then flow through the filter 505 and through the outlet 507 of the capsule extraction unit 500 (which may be a needle and / or opening at the top portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500) and reach the outlet conduit for distribution into a cup.

[0198] The flow of extraction medium may be stagnant or discontinuous, thereby allowing the extraction slurry to soak in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The stagnation time may range from a period of time of 1 second to 20 seconds, and may be broken down into several segments within the overall soaking time of the extraction medium through the capsule extraction unit 500. The overall soaking time may be adjusted using the flow rate so that the extract may be extracted from the extraction material by the extraction medium in less than 3 minutes, and in certain embodiments, less than 2 minutes, after the extraction medium flow is introduced into the extraction unit.

[0199] As the flow of extraction medium flows into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, the extraction material of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be pressed toward the second portion 506. This includes the extraction material to be extracted as well as any gas residing in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. In some embodiments, the outlet 507 may be opened so that the upward flow of extraction medium forces the gas (e.g., air) residing in the capsule extraction unit 500 to be discharged through the second portion 506 and through the outlet 507. In some embodiments, the outlet 507 may remain open as the extraction medium flows upward through the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. In some examples, as the material flow travels in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, the outlet 507 may remain open and pressure may build up in the interior 509.

[0200] In some embodiments, once sufficient air has been expelled from the capsule extraction unit 500, the extraction medium may flow upward into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, and a desired level of pressure may be established in the interior 509. Once the extraction medium has traveled through the extraction material and reached the second portion 506 (thus being converted into an extract), the extract may be withdrawn from the outlet 507.

[0201] In addition to displacing entrapped air, the upward flow of extraction medium may also have certain advantages. First, the upward flow of extraction medium may more evenly wet the extraction material within the capsule extraction unit 500. The even wetting of the extraction material may promote even extraction, thereby preventing certain areas of the extraction material from being over-extracted while other areas remain under-extracted.

[0202] Second, the upward flow of extraction material can tamp the extraction material against the second portion 506 of the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. In this way, efficient and automatic extraction is facilitated by the upward flow of material and by eliminating the need for additional tamping components or user intervention. Since the upward flow of extraction material provides the necessary tamping pressure, the extraction process can be started and unattended, without the need for a user to stand by and tamp the coffee or espresso powder after it is loaded into the capsule extraction unit or after the extraction solvent is introduced. In addition, the degree to which the grounds are tamped can be controlled by adjusting the amount of solvent introduced into the extraction unit, and therefore, can be controlled by adjusting the internal pressure caused by the solvent.

[0203] Third, tamping the extraction material against the second portion 506 may aid in uniform extraction. Because the extraction material is rammed and compacted against the second portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500, the risk of channeling is reduced. Channeling may occur where the interstitial spaces between the extraction material are irregular; as the extraction medium flows through the extraction material, the extraction medium is diverted to larger interstitial spaces. This phenomenon can result in over-extraction of the extraction material adjacent to larger interstitial spaces and under-extraction of the extraction material adjacent to smaller spaces. In addition, such channeling may inhibit the formation of piston flow by preventing or impairing the extraction medium flow from achieving or maintaining a substantially constant velocity. In contrast, with a uniform, upward flow of the extraction medium, the extraction material may be rammed against the second portion 506 of the capsule extraction unit 500, thereby compressing the grind into a cake. The compressed extraction material exhibits more uniform interstitial spaces, thereby facilitating uniform extraction and producing an extract with a more delicate flavor profile.

[0204] The user can control many aspects of the extraction process by adjusting the flow rate to meet the needs of a particular embodiment. For example, the internal pressure (and the degree to which the extraction material is rammed against the second portion 506) can depend on the rate at which the extraction medium is introduced into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. In some embodiments, the flow rate ranges from 15 ml / min to 50 ml / min. ml / min, for example, between 20ml / min and 40ml / min. In some configurations, the average flow rate is 30ml / min. In some instances, the flow rate into the unit is constant or substantially constant during the extraction process. In some instances, the flow rate into the unit 500 varies within 50% to 100% during the extraction process, and in some embodiments, the flow rate varies within 75% to 100% of the initial flow rate, and in some embodiments, varies within 90% to 100% during the extraction process. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the extraction medium entering and passing through the unit 500 is constant during the extraction process. In other instances, the flow rate can be adjusted throughout the process. For example, during the process, the flow rate can stop and then gradually increase. For example, during the process, the flow rate can be continuous. For example, during the process, the flow rate can be continuous and substantially constant. For example, during the process, the flow rate can be continuous and can be adjusted.

[0205] In various embodiments, the flow rate is set to achieve piston flow. When a given flow rate is too high, the extraction solvent may use irregularities in the interstitial spaces of the coffee powder or espresso powder to form channels that penetrate the cake. Such channels can cause uneven extraction. Similarly, when the flow rate is too low, the speed of the solvent may not be sufficient to cause piston flow. Therefore, the desired flow rate will be affected by the geometry of the extraction unit and the contents residing therein. Therefore, in various configurations of the methods and devices described herein, the flow rate is measured relative to the volume of the extraction medium residing in the interior of the extraction unit. For example, in some configurations, the flow rate can be configured to flow through the available volume of the extraction unit and through the outlet 507 for a time period of less than 3 minutes; in some embodiments less than 2.5 minutes, and in some embodiments less than 2 minutes. In such a configuration, the soak time (which is defined as the time from when a portion or aliquot of the extraction medium is introduced into the unit 500 and contacts the initial portion of the extraction material to when the portion or aliquot of the extraction material is extracted from the filter) can be adjusted so that the soak time of the portion or aliquot of the extraction medium withdrawn from the filter is less than 3 minutes; in some embodiments, less than 2.5 minutes, and in some embodiments, the soak time is less than 2 minutes. As described above, the flow of extraction medium through the unit 500 can be continuous or substantially continuous. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by supplying a constant or substantially constant flow of extraction medium into the unit 500 through the inlet.

[0206] When the water flows into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500, an extraction slurry is formed. The extraction slurry is typically a heterogeneous mixture comprising an extraction material to be extracted in an extraction medium solution. For example, in certain configurations, the extraction slurry can be roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans in an aqueous solution. The strength of the resulting extract is affected by certain characteristics of the extraction slurry. For example, the ratio of roasted, ground coffee beans or espresso beans to water has an effect on the final strength of the extracted extract. Similarly, the temperature of the extraction slurry and the pressure at which the extraction slurry is maintained have similar effects on the final beverage characteristics, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0207] The extraction slurry may be maintained in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 without soaking or for a soaking time of less than 3 minutes, and in some embodiments less than 2.5 minutes, and in certain embodiments less than 2 minutes.

[0208] The extraction slurry is typically maintained at a substantially constant temperature and pressure throughout the process. However, some variations are contemplated. For example, in some configurations, the temperature of the feed stream may be approximately ambient temperature. In such a configuration, the capsule extraction unit may be maintained at a certain temperature or a low temperature. In such a configuration, the temperature of the feed stream may be at ambient temperature or a low temperature. In some configurations, the temperature of the feed stream may be between 0°C and 100°C. In some configurations, the temperature of the feed stream may be between 10°C and 30°C, between 15°C and 30°C, or between 20°C and 30°C.

[0209] Likewise, as the flow of extraction medium moves through the extraction slurry, the pressure within the capsule extraction unit 500 is generally maintained. For example, in certain configurations, a flow of water may flow into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 until the internal pressure exceeds one atmosphere. Once the desired pressure is established, the flow may continue to move upward through the capsule extraction unit 500 to displace the extract through the extract outlet conduit. Then, as the extraction medium is continuously introduced and the extract is continuously displaced and extracted, the pressure within the extraction chamber may be maintained at a substantially constant level. In certain embodiments, the pressure within the extraction chamber is between 0 and 16 barg. In certain configurations, the pressure is between 0 and 2 barg.

[0210] An extract may be extracted from the capsule extraction unit 500. The extract may be displaced by a continuous flow of extraction medium into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. The continuous flow of extraction medium flows upward from the first portion 503, thereby displacing the contents of the capsule extraction unit 500 upward toward the filter 505. The filter 505 is used to separate the heterogeneous extraction slurry into its components: extract and spent extraction material. The continuous flow of extraction medium is allowed to flow into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 via the inlet through the inlet conduit.

[0211] In various configurations of the methods and devices described herein, the flow rate of the extraction medium is metered relative to the volume of the extract stream. Likewise, in certain configurations, a given flow rate will depend on the size of the extraction unit, the average particle size or particle size of the material to be extracted, the diameter of the filter, and the pore size or weight of the filter.

[0212] Due to the flow rate, the cylindrical nature of the illustrated embodiment of the capsule extraction unit 500, and the back pressure caused by the filter 505, plug flow can be induced when a continuous flow of extraction medium is introduced into the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. As described above, plug flow is characterized by a substantially constant velocity across a radial section of the capsule extraction unit 500. The substantially constant velocity across a radial section of the extraction unit can inhibit mixing of adjacent layers (specifically, mixing between the first portion of the extraction medium and the second portion of the extraction medium).

[0213] Displacing the extract in this manner can improve efficiency because no soaking time or only a very short soaking time is required, and no additional equipment is required to remove the extract from the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500; displacing the extract only utilizes the network of inlets and outlets previously used to introduce the extraction medium. Therefore, the extract can be discharged from the capsule extraction unit 500 without excessive dilution, without the need for additional extraction procedures or components, and without stopping the flow of the extraction material into the unit 500. Since there are no redundant recovery conduits or mechanisms, the corresponding transmission losses are reduced, thereby ensuring that a high extraction rate can be maintained. In addition, the extract can be produced and discharged from the capsule extraction unit 500 quickly and without soaking. Eliminating the soaking time enables the extract to be conveniently provided on demand, for example, less than 3 minutes or less than 2.5 minutes or 2 minutes.

[0214] Once the desired volume of extract is collected, the extraction cycle is complete. In some embodiments, the desired volume of extract may be a portion, which may be between 6 fl.oz. and 10 fl.oz. oz., and in some embodiments, 8 fl.oz. These ranges are particularly advantageous for capsule extraction units 500 for smaller servings. In some embodiments, the cycle can be restarted by inserting another capsule extraction unit 500. The extract can be a finished product that can be delivered for drinking. According to some embodiments, after only a single pass through the extraction material, at least a portion of the resulting extract is delivered to the consumer for drinking. As described above, embodiments of the extraction method can be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 6A-6B and Figures 7A-7E The described capsule extraction unit 500 is used in combination. In addition, the above-described extraction method embodiments can be used to produce a cold extract according to the following embodiments.

[0215] In certain embodiments, the extraction material may include different extraction materials in layers, For example, different coffee blends are provided to provide different beverage characteristics. In addition, various additives or infusions can be added to the extraction material to enhance the flavor of the final product. It is also contemplated that multiple extraction units can be arranged in series or in parallel to achieve modular capacity.

[0216] In addition, the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be equipped with one or more sensors to monitor the internal characteristics of the capsule extraction unit 500. For example, in some configurations, the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 may include a temperature sensor that allows a user to monitor the temperature of the contents residing in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500. In addition, in some configurations, it may be advantageous to provide a plurality of pressure sensors in the interior 509 of the capsule extraction unit 500 so that the internal pressure can be monitored. In some configurations, one or more of the sensors may be coupled to a controller to automate certain aspects of the extraction. For example, in some configurations, a pressure sensor may be provided within the capsule extraction unit 500 and communicatively coupled to the controller. In this manner, the pressure within the capsule extraction unit 500 may be monitored as the unit is filled with extraction medium. As described herein, in some embodiments, the flow of material into and out of the capsule extraction unit 500 may be manually and / or semi-manually controlled. Exemplary Embodiments of Capsule Extraction Unit Systems

[0217] In the above Figure 6A-6B , Figures 7A-7E and Figure 8 In some examples shown, the capsule extraction unit 500 can be used to perform extraction on a small scale, for example, to provide individual beverages on demand, such as single serving amounts, as described above. Fig. 9 An embodiment of a capsule extraction unit system 600 is schematically shown, for example a single-use or personal coffee system.

[0218] The capsule extraction unit system 300 may include Figure 6A-6B , Figures 7A-7E and Figure 8 The extraction unit 500, system 600, similar to the above-described embodiments, can be used to produce cold extract. For ease of description, the capsule extraction unit system 600 is often described in the following context: The extraction material is in the form of tea leaves or ground coffee beans, and water is used as the extraction medium to brew an extract (which is a tea or coffee extract). However, as mentioned above, certain features and aspects of the present disclosure may also be applied in other contexts.

[0219] The capsule extraction unit system 600 may include a space configured to accommodate the capsule extraction unit 600. The capsule extraction unit system 600 may further include an engagement mechanism to close and seal the pod or unit 500. The engagement mechanism may include a needle to pierce the capsule extraction unit 500 and create an opening at the bottom portion 503 of the capsule extraction unit 500 as an inlet to receive the extraction medium flow. The engagement mechanism may include a gasket to seal on the capsule extraction unit 500.

[0220] As shown, the capsule extraction unit system 600 includes an extraction medium source. The extraction medium source can be a tank or reservoir 602 filled with an extraction medium. A pump 608 can be operated to direct the extraction medium from the tank 602 to the bottom of the capsule extraction unit 500. In this way, the extraction medium (e.g., ambient water) can be introduced into the capsule extraction unit 500 via the pump 608. As previously described, the pump 608 can be operated to pump a first extraction medium flow, with a flow rate ranging from 10 The flow rate is from 20ml / min to 50ml / min, for example, between 20ml / min and 40ml / min, and in some embodiments, the flow rate is 30ml / min. The extraction medium can be introduced into the bottom portion of the capsule extraction unit 500 from the extraction medium source (e.g., box 602). The extraction medium can be water, such as ambient water, which can be regarded as a first water flow. The extraction medium can flow upward from the bottom portion of the capsule extraction unit 500 to the top portion and pass through the extraction medium in the capsule extraction unit 500. The upwardly flowing water can extract the desired compound in the extraction material, extract it into the extraction medium and dissolve it to form an extract. Then, the extract can be discharged through the filter 505 to produce an extract or concentrate. The concentrate or extract can be distributed to the outside of the capsule extraction unit 500.

[0221] In some embodiments, the system 600 may optionally include a second pump 304. Then, The concentrate or extract dispensed from the capsule extraction unit 500 may be further diluted by a second water stream via a second pump 604. The second water stream may come from a tank 602 or another source. The second pump 604 may be operated to pump the first extraction medium stream at a flow rate ranging from 50 ml / min to 150 ml / min. ml / min, for example between 80 ml / min and 150 ml / min, and in certain embodiments, the flow rate is 100 ml / min. The diluted concentrate or extract can then be consumed as a non-carbonated cold brew.

[0222] The extraction unit system 600 uses ambient water, advantageously without the need for a water heater or chiller. This advantageously allows the use of potable water readily available to consumers, such as water directly from a tap, which can be used to fill the tank 602 and used throughout the system without further additional processing.

[0223] During the extraction process embodiments described herein, a portion of the extraction medium can flow continuously or substantially continuously through the extraction unit during the extraction process. During the above-described extraction process embodiments, a portion of the extraction medium can flow continuously or substantially continuously through the extraction unit during the extraction process. During the above-described extraction process embodiments, a constant or substantially constant flow rate can be maintained throughout the radial axis of the chamber of the extraction unit during the extraction process and as the extract is formed and removed from the extraction unit. Exemplary Embodiment of a White Coffee Extraction Unit System

[0224] In the above Figure 1-4 In some examples shown, the extraction unit 100 can be used to produce an extract from white coffee, which can be coffee roasted at a low temperature for a short time, such as between 250°F and 290°F for 4 to 7 minutes, thereby producing very light coffee beans. Fig.10 As shown, the extraction unit 100 can be used to produce an extract from white coffee, which can produce a lighter colored extract and provide a different taste profile or texture than other roasts. For example, the white coffee extract from this process can have a very light flavor and natural sweetness. The color of the coffee extract from this process can be gray or light green. An optimal extraction unit is important to ensure that the white coffee extract can be brewed quickly and efficiently while still maintaining a high concentration and the desired characteristics of the extract (e.g., taste, color, and texture).

[0225] Fig.10 An embodiment of an extraction unit system 700 for nitrogen-filled white coffee is schematically shown. As described herein, the extraction unit system 700 can include an extraction unit 100 for larger or smaller servings. As previously described, the system 700 can also be scaled down to produce cold brew on a small scale, such as above. Figure 1-4 The extraction unit system 700 can also be scaled up to produce cold extract on a large scale, for example Figure 5 shown.

[0226] The extraction unit system 700 may include Figure 1-4 The embodiment shown is similar to the extraction unit 100. The system 700 can be used to produce cold extract. For ease of description, the extraction unit system 700 is often described in the following context: the extraction material is in the form of white coffee, and water is used as the extraction medium to brew the extract (which is a white coffee extract). However, as described above, certain features and aspects of the present disclosure can also be applied to other contexts.

[0227] As shown, extraction unit system 700 includes one or more extraction medium sources. One or more extraction medium sources may include a whole bean white coffee hopper 702, which feeds a grinder 704 to produce ground white coffee. Due to the high water content, the white coffee whole beans may be particularly hard, which may make it difficult to grind. In order to solve this problem, the white coffee beans can be loaded into a grinder 704 with a high grinding torque or a high starting force. Alternatively, the grinder 704 can be started or run before the whole bean white coffee is loaded into the grinder 704. This will allow the running grinder 704 to have a strong force when the whole bean white coffee is loaded into the running grinder 704, which can provide enough starting force to grind the whole bean white coffee. In some instances, pre-ground white coffee powder can be loaded into the grinder 704. Then, the grinder 704 can further grind the pre-ground white coffee powder.

[0228] The grinder 704 can then fill the extraction unit 100 with ground white coffee as an extraction medium so that the extraction medium is located in the interior of the extraction unit 100. As described above, the extraction unit 100 can be filled with the extraction medium, for example, by a removable cover or by removing a portion of the extraction unit 100. An extraction medium such as ambient water can be introduced into the extraction unit 100 by a water pump 706. The extraction medium can be introduced into the bottom portion of the extraction unit 100 from an extraction medium source. The extraction medium can be water, such as ambient water, which can be considered as a first water stream. The extraction medium can flow upward toward the top portion of the extraction unit 100 and through the extraction medium in the extraction unit 100. The upwardly flowing water can extract the desired compounds in the extraction material, extract them into the extraction medium and dissolve them to form a white coffee extract or concentrate. The white coffee extract or concentrate can then be discharged through the filter 105 and a white coffee extract or concentrate is produced. The white coffee concentrate or extract can be distributed to the outside of the extraction unit 100.

[0229] In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be water. As described above, in some embodiments, the extraction medium may be water that has not been temperature treated (e.g., not heated) before the water is delivered to the extraction unit 100. That is, in some embodiments, the water is delivered to the extraction unit 100 at ambient temperature, for example, from the first water pump 706. In some embodiments, the extraction medium (e.g., water) does not exceed 100°C, and in some configurations, the extraction medium may be between 0°C and 100°C, and in some embodiments, the temperature range of the extraction medium may be between 10°C and 30°C, between 15°C and 30°C, or between 20°C and 30°C. ℃.

[0230] The white coffee extract or concentrate from the extraction unit 100 may then be cooled or chilled in a refrigerator 708. In some examples, the white coffee extract or concentrate may be cooled to a temperature of 5° C. to 15° C., and in certain embodiments, between 10° C. and 12° C. The cooled white coffee extract or concentrate may then be dispensed into a reservoir 710.

[0231] The white coffee extract or concentrate may then be dispensed from the reservoir 710 to the exterior of the reservoir 710 by an extract pump 712. The white coffee concentrate or extract may then be further diluted by a second water stream by a second water pump 714. Second water stream (e.g., ambient water) The extraction medium may come from the same source as the first water pump 706 or from another source (not shown).

[0232] The white coffee extract or concentrate from the extraction unit 100 may then be cooled or chilled in the second chiller 716. In some examples, the white coffee extract or concentrate may be cooled to a temperature of less than 10°C, and in certain embodiments, less than 5°C. The cooled white coffee extract or concentrate may be processed through the nitrogen injection system 400. The diluted white coffee concentrate or extract may also be processed through the nitrogen cold brew system 400. In the nitrogen cold brew system 400, nitrogen 402 may be injected into the white coffee concentrate or extract to produce nitrogen-charged white coffee cold brew 406. Using the first and / or second refrigerators 708, 716 can cool the white coffee concentrate or extract and then inject nitrogen, which can advantageously allow the white coffee concentrate or extract to be at a desired temperature to allow nitrogen to be injected therein, and allow the resulting nitrogen-infused white coffee cold brew 406 to be served at a desired temperature without the use of ice. In some embodiments, other types of gases (e.g., carbon dioxide or mixed gases) can be injected into the white coffee concentrate or extract.

[0233] The diluted white coffee concentrate or extract can also be consumed as a still white coffee cold brew 404 without the injection of nitrogen or any other gas. Similarly, the still white coffee cold brew 404 can be cooled using the first and / or second chillers 708, 716 prior to dispensing, which can advantageously allow the still white coffee cold brew 404 to be served at a desired temperature without the use of ice.

[0234] Fig.11 FIG. 8 is an illustrative system of an extraction unit system 800 for juice-infused white coffee. The extraction unit system 800 for juice-infused white coffee may include components similar to or identical to the extraction unit system 700 for nitrogen-infused white coffee. Fig.11 The components of the extraction unit system 800 are the same as those described above. Fig.10 The extraction unit system 700 in FIG. 8 has the same reference numerals. For example, the extraction unit system 800 may include a whole bean white coffee hopper 702, a grinder 704, a first water pump 706, an extraction unit 100 with a filter 105, a reservoir 710, an extract pump 712, and a second water pump 714. The extraction unit system 800 may operate these components similarly to the extraction unit system 700. However, as Fig.11 As shown, there is no need to use a refrigerator, so that the resulting white coffee extract or concentrate can be produced at room temperature. In some embodiments, a refrigerator can be optionally introduced into various parts of the system. For example, a refrigerator can be used between the extraction unit 100 and the reservoir 710 or before injecting juice into the diluted white coffee extract.

[0235] The white coffee extract or concentrate may then be dispensed from the reservoir 710 to the exterior of the reservoir 710 by an extract pump 712. The white coffee concentrate or extract may then be further diluted by a second water stream by a second water pump 714. Second water stream (e.g., ambient water) The white coffee extract or concentrate may be from the same extraction medium source as the first water pump 706 or from another source (not shown). Then, the white coffee extract or concentrate may be processed by a juice injection system 810. The juice injection system 810 may include one or more juices or concentrated juices, teas or other liquids. The juice injection system 810 may include a pump and a valve to distribute liquids, such as juice, concentrated juice or tea. As shown, the juice, concentrated juice or tea may be diluted by a second water flow through a second water pump 714. In this way, juice may be injected into the white coffee extract or concentrate. The juice may be injected in the pipeline before being distributed in the cup 802, or the juice may be injected in the cup 802.

[0236] The volume of the extraction unit 100 in any of these extraction unit systems 700, 800 for white coffee may range from 30 ml to 150 ml, for example, from 40 ml to 120 ml. In some configurations, the internal aspect ratio AR may range from 0.5:1 to 1:1 or any value between these ranges, and In some embodiments, the internal aspect ratio is 0.75:1. In some configurations, the average pore size of the filter 105 of the extraction unit 100 can range from 75 μm to 200 μm, such as between 80 μm and 175 μm or between 90 μm and 150 μm. The flow rate through the extraction unit 100 can range from 20 ml / min to 100 ml / min, such as between 50 ml / min and 90 ml / min. The extraction medium may be configured to flow through the available volume of extraction unit 100 for a period of time ranging from 30 seconds to 75 seconds, such as between 40 seconds and 60 seconds, and in some embodiments, the period of time is 50 seconds. In some configurations, the yield may range from 6% to 15%, and in some embodiments, the yield is from 8% to 12% or the yield is 10%.

[0237] During the extraction process embodiments described herein, a portion of the extraction medium can flow continuously or substantially continuously through the extraction unit during the extraction process. During the above-described extraction process embodiments, a flow rate of a portion of the extraction medium into the extraction unit during the extraction process can be constant or substantially constant. During the above-described extraction process embodiments, a constant or substantially constant flow rate can be maintained throughout the radial axis of the chamber of the extraction unit during the extraction process and when the extraction medium is removed from the extraction unit.

[0238] As previously described, the extraction material, which may be white coffee powder, may be loaded into the interior of the extraction unit 100. In certain embodiments, the extraction material is loaded until the density of the ground white coffee extraction material in the extraction unit 100 is between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml. In certain embodiments, the extraction material is ground white coffee and is loaded until the density of the extraction material in the extraction unit 100 is between 0.3 g / ml and 0.35 g / ml, and In some embodiments, the density is 0.34 g / ml. In some embodiments, between 15 grams and 30 grams of white coffee extraction material are loaded into the extraction unit 100, and in some embodiments, between 20 grams and 22 grams of white coffee extraction material are loaded into the extraction unit 100, and in some embodiments, 21 grams of material are loaded into the extraction unit 100. In some embodiments, the white coffee extraction material is loaded into the extraction unit 100 in the form of ground white coffee ground to a particle size between 600 μm and 1000 μm, such as between 700 μm and 900 μm. In such embodiments, such an amount of extraction material can produce an extract output of between 30 g and 40 g, and in some embodiments between 33 g and 37 g. The concentration of the white coffee extract or concentrate may be between 5 and 9 Brix, and in some embodiments between 5.5 and 8.5 Brix, and in certain embodiments between 5.7 and 8.3 Brix. The TDS of the white coffee extract or concentrate may be between 4% and 8%, and in some embodiments between 5% and 7%. The TDS of the white coffee extract or concentrate may be between 40 and 80 g / L, and in some embodiments between 50 and 70 g / L. Cold Extract

[0239] Preparation of edible extracts can be a time-consuming process. The extraction process involves extracting the desired compounds contained in the target material into an extraction medium. The extract can be characterized by the concentration of the compounds dissolved in the extraction medium, usually measured as TDS (total dissolved solids). However, depending on the solubility of the desired compound, the extraction process can typically take hours or even days. Therefore, traditional methods use high temperatures to increase the extraction rate and reduce the time required to prepare an infused beverage. However, high temperatures increase the rate at which undesirable components are extracted from the plant material, which can result in off-flavors or other undesirable characteristics.

[0240] While extraction can be performed at lower temperatures, such efforts typically produce a thin, bland extract that lacks the flavor and aroma of an infusion prepared according to traditional methods due to the large presence of water without dissolved extraction material and lower TDS content, and A large amount of extraction material may also be required, resulting in low yield. TDS is a measure of organic and inorganic substances in a solvent. For example, TDS can be a measure of coffee compounds extracted into a beverage by water. TDS can be a measure of the concentration of the beverage produced. TDS can be expressed as a percentage or grams per liter (g / L). When expressed as a percentage, TDS represents the mass of all solids dissolved in a solution divided by the mass of the solution. When expressed as grams per liter (g / L), TDS represents the mass (in grams) of solids dissolved in one liter of solution. For example, traditional hot espresso prepared at high temperature and pressure exhibits a TDS content of 50g / L to 70g / L, compared to 200g / L to 400g / L for cold brew preparations. For example, traditional hot espresso prepared at high temperature and pressure exhibits a TDS content of 8% to 11%. In contrast, the TDS content of cold brew preparations can be 3% to 4%, and in some embodiments 3.2% to 3.6%. The TDS of the cold brew preparation may be further diluted to between 1% and 2%, and in certain embodiments 1.7%.

[0241] Subjecting the material to multiple rounds of extraction in an attempt to increase TDS content or yield may likewise be ineffective or lead to undesirable results. Yield is generally related to TDS according to Equation 1.

[0242] Equation 1

[0243] Given the above relationship, manufacturers may attempt to increase their yield by repeatedly extracting the same mass of coffee or espresso beans in order to increase the total extract volume without increasing the mass of the extracted material. As a result, the overall yield is artificially inflated.

[0244] In contrast, extracts produced according to certain described embodiments can exhibit high TDS content and high yields without relying on high temperatures and extreme pressures that can easily over-extract undesirable compounds. Specifically, the cold-extracted preparations described herein are surprisingly concentrated, exhibiting high TDS content without sacrificing overall yield. Furthermore, the high TDS content of the cold extracts prepared according to the present disclosure does not sacrifice yield, nor does it require high temperatures or multiple rounds of extraction, which can result in off-flavors and undesirable characteristics.

[0245] For example, the upward flow process described herein allows the extraction medium flow to remain in substantially complete contact with the extraction material. Therefore, the extraction can be carried out efficiently, and there is almost no possibility that the remaining extraction material remains dry or unused. Therefore, the resulting extract contains more dissolved solids. Compared with traditional cold preparations, the absence of dry extraction materials results in a richer and more pronounced flavor. Importantly, since the amount of dry extraction material used to produce the extract is limited, and since the coffee flavor is richer, high-concentration cold-extracted espresso, coffee and tea can be prepared by the upward filtration cold extraction process described herein. In addition, due to the upward flow filtration and piston flow displacement process, high concentrations can be achieved without sacrificing overall yield. Surprisingly, due to the high TDS content of the cold extract, the extract described herein can be added to a variety of beverages. For example, in certain configurations, the techniques and methods described herein can be used to prepare beverages that can be consumed alone, or combined with other beverage components such as milk, non-dairy products and / or plant-based additives, water or juice to prepare cold brew Americano, mocha, latte, macchiato, cappuccino, etc., Including Frappuccinos.

[0246] The techniques and methods described herein can be used to prepare smaller portions of cold extract. For example, In some embodiments, the extraction material is ground roasted coffee or espresso with an average diameter of 250 μm to 500 μm. 200, 500 and methods, wherein a single pass extraction material in a cold extraction process can exhibit In some configurations, the yield may range from 10% to 20%. In some configurations, the yield may range from 16% to 18%, and in some embodiments, the yield is 17.4%. In some configurations, the yield may range from 13% to 17%, and in some embodiments, the yield is 15%. In further embodiments, the extract prepared may be prepared using an extraction medium that does not exceed 100°C, and in some configurations, the extraction medium may be between 0°C and 100°C, and In certain configurations, the extraction medium may be between 10°C and 30°C, and in certain embodiments between 20°C and 30°C. In the foregoing configurations, the extraction process may be carried out at a pressure between 0 and 16 bar (gauge), and in certain configurations, the pressure may be between 0.5 bar and 2.5 bar (gauge), or between 0 and 2 bar (gauge). In some embodiments, the coffee or espresso used to produce the extract is kept below 50°C after roasting. ℃ until the extract is displaced from the extraction unit. In further embodiments, after the extraction material is introduced into the extraction unit, the extraction medium used to produce the extract is maintained at a pressure of between 0 and 16 bar (gauge) until the extract is displaced from the extraction unit. In the above configurations, the extraction material can be exposed to the extraction medium for a time period of less than 75 seconds, and in some embodiments less than 60 seconds or 30 seconds, and in some embodiments between 15 seconds and 75 seconds, and in some embodiments, between 15 seconds and 60 seconds. In some embodiments, the extraction medium flows continuously through the extraction unit without being inhibited by an outlet valve. In some configurations, the extraction material can be exposed to the extraction medium for a time period of less than 3 minutes, and in some embodiments less than 2.5 minutes, and In some embodiments, less than 2 minutes. In some embodiments, the extraction medium flows continuously through the extraction unit without being inhibited by the outlet valve. These ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for smaller servings or capsule extraction units 500 for smaller servings, such as for single-person coffee machines.

[0247] The techniques and methods described herein can be used to prepare larger quantities of cold extracts. For example, In some embodiments, the extraction material is ground roasted coffee or espresso with an average diameter of 250 μm to 500 μm. 200 and a method, wherein a single pass extraction material in a cold extraction process can exhibit a temperature from 15% to In some configurations, the yield can range from 16% to 20%, and in some embodiments, the yield ranges from 18% to 19%. In further embodiments, the extract prepared can be prepared using an extraction medium that does not exceed 100°C, and in some configurations, the extraction medium can be between 0°C and 100°C, and in some configurations, the extraction medium can be between 10°C and 30°C, and in some embodiments, at 19 In the above configuration, the extraction process can be carried out at 0 and 16 bar (gauge pressure). and in some configurations the pressure can be between 0.5 bar and 2.5 bar (gauge pressure). In some embodiments, the coffee or espresso used to produce the extract is maintained at a temperature of less than 50°C after roasting until the extract is displaced from the extraction unit. In a further embodiment, after the extraction material is introduced into the extraction unit, the extraction medium used to produce the extract is maintained at a pressure between 0 and 16 bar (gauge pressure) until the extract is displaced from the extraction unit. In the above configuration, the extraction material can be exposed to the extraction medium for a period of time of 4 minutes to 30 minutes; in certain embodiments, between 4 minutes and 15 minutes or between 20 minutes and 30 minutes, and in certain embodiments less than 30 minutes or less than 20 minutes. In certain embodiments, the extraction medium flows continuously through the extraction unit without being inhibited by the outlet valve. These measurement ranges are particularly advantageous for extraction units 100 for larger servings.

[0248] Compared with traditional hot extraction, cold extracts prepared according to the present disclosure can show lower acidity to obtain sweeter and smoother flavor. Therefore, these extracts are suitable for mixing in a variety of beverage matrices. For example, in some configurations, cold extracts prepared according to the present disclosure can be drunk alone, or mixed with other beverages or ingredients such as milk, citrus, tea and soda. In other configurations, the cold extract can be separated and further processed or stored. For example, in some configurations, the cold extract can be delivered to a barrel for aging or storage. In some configurations, whiskey barrels made of oak or other suitable wood can be used for storage and aging.

[0249] During the above extraction process embodiments, a portion of the extraction medium may flow continuously or substantially continuously through the extraction unit during the extraction process. During the above extraction process embodiments, a flow rate of a portion of the extraction medium into the extraction unit during the extraction process may be constant or substantially constant. During the above extraction process embodiments, a constant or substantially constant flow rate may be maintained throughout the radial axis of the chamber of the extraction unit during the extraction process and when the extraction medium is removed from the extraction unit.

[0250] In certain embodiments, the embodiments of the extraction units 100, 200, 500 described above can be used to produce a cold extract, and according to the embodiments described above, can be used to produce a cold brew coffee extract, with a final product concentration between 7 Brix and 11 Brix, and in certain embodiments, 9 Brix. In some examples, the product concentration of the cold extract produced can be between 3 Brix and 7 Brix, or between 6.5 Brix and 10 Brix. The concentration can be further diluted to a concentration between 1 Brix and 2 Brix, and in certain embodiments, 1.5 Brix. The Brix can be measured using a refractometer (RFM340+). ​​The relevant factor is TDS=0.85(Bx). Extracts having such properties can be formed using extraction units 100, 200, 500 and methods according to the embodiments described above.

[0251] In certain embodiments, for example, for the case of using extraction units 100, 200 to obtain smaller portions or using capsule extraction unit 500 to produce smaller portions, during the cold extraction process, the extract formed by a single pass through the extraction material can exhibit a yield range from 10% to 20%. In some configurations, the yield range can be from 16% to 18%, and in some embodiments, the yield is 17.4%. In some configurations, the yield range can be from 13% to 17%, and in some embodiments, the yield is 15%. In further embodiments, the prepared extract can be prepared using an extraction medium that does not exceed 100°C, and in some configurations, the extraction medium can be between 0°C and 100°C, and in some configurations, the extraction medium can be between 10°C and 30°C, and in some embodiments, between 20°C and 30°C.

[0252] In certain embodiments, for example, for larger portions, during a cold extraction process, the extract formed from a single pass through the extraction material can exhibit a yield ranging from 15% to 22%. In some configurations, the yield can range from 16% to 20%, and in some embodiments, the yield ranges from 18% to 19%. In further embodiments, the extract prepared can be prepared using an extraction medium that does not exceed 100°C, and in some configurations, the extraction medium can be between 0°C and 100°C, and in some configurations, the extraction medium can be between 10°C and 30°C, and in some embodiments, between 19°C and 22°C. ℃.

[0253] In certain embodiments, the above-described embodiments of the extraction unit 200 can be used to produce a cold extract according to the above-described embodiments. Figures 7A-7EThe methods described can be used in combination to produce the extracts described above.

[0254] In certain embodiments, the embodiments of the capsule extraction unit 500 described above can be used to produce a cold extract according to the embodiments described above. Fig. 9 The methods described can be used in combination to produce the extracts described above. Specific terms

[0255] As used herein, the term "beverage" has its ordinary and customary meaning and includes within it any edible liquid or substantially liquid substance or product having flowable properties (e.g., juice, coffee drinks, tea, milk, beer, wine, cocktails, liqueurs, spirits, cider, non-alcoholic beverages, flavored waters, energy drinks, soups, broths, combinations thereof, etc.).

[0256] Unless expressly stated otherwise or understood otherwise in the context in which they are used, conditional terms (e.g., "can, could," "might, may") are generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional terms are generally not intended to imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic to determine whether the features, elements, and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0257] Unless expressly stated otherwise, phrases such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" Connective terms such as , should be understood in context and are generally used to express that an item, term, etc. can be any of X, Y, or Z. Therefore, such connective terms are generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z.

[0258] Unless expressly stated otherwise, articles such as "a" or "an" are used. It should generally be interpreted to include one or more of the items described. Thus, phrases such as "a device configured to" are intended to include one or more of the recited devices. Such one or more of the recited devices may also be collectively configured to execute the content. For example, "a processor configured to execute content A, B, and C" may include a first processor configured to execute content A, used in conjunction with a second processor configured to execute content B and C.

[0259] The terms "comprising, including," "having," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively in an open-ended manner and do not exclude other elements, features, actions, operations, and the like. Likewise, the terms "some," "certain," and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended manner. In addition, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive sense), so that, for example, when the term "or" is used to connect a list of elements, it means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0260] As used herein, the terms "approximately" and "about" "Approximately" and "substantially" refer to an amount that is close to the stated amount and still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context dictates, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within 10% or less of the stated amount. A numerical value preceded by a term such as "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and is to be interpreted as appropriate (e.g., as accurately as reasonably possible under the circumstances), e.g., "about 1 gram" includes "1 gram." In the embodiments described in the present application, terms such as "about" or "approximately" preceding a value or range in the specification or claims may be omitted so that the present application explicitly includes embodiments of the stated values ​​or ranges in which the term "about" is omitted from those values ​​and ranges. or "approximately", and thus can also be protected without using the term "about" or "approximately" before the disclosed range. As used herein, the term "approximately" means a value, amount or feature that mainly includes or tends to a specific value, amount or feature. For example, in certain embodiments, as indicated by the context, the term "approximately parallel" can refer to a situation where the deviation is less than or equal to 20 degrees from completely parallel, and / or the term "approximately perpendicular" can refer to a situation where the deviation is less than or equal to 20 degrees from completely perpendicular.

[0261] In general, the language of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims. The claims are not limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples shown and described in this disclosure or discussed during the prosecution of this application.

[0262] The following exemplary embodiments illustrate some possible permutations and combinations of features disclosed herein, but other permutations and combinations of features are possible. Overview

[0263] Although the present disclosure describes certain embodiments and examples of beverage systems and methods, many aspects of the above systems and methods can be combined and / or changed in various ways to form further embodiments or acceptable examples. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0264] In addition, although there may be some embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure that are not explicitly described above or elsewhere herein, the present disclosure contemplates and includes all embodiments within the scope given and described in the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure contemplates and includes embodiments of any combination of any structure, material, step or other feature disclosed anywhere herein with any other structure, material, step or other feature disclosed anywhere herein.

[0265] In addition, in this disclosure, certain features described in the context of different embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although some features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, in some cases, one or more features may be deleted from the claimed combination, and the combination may claim sub-combinations or variations of sub-combinations.

[0266] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention are described herein. Not all of these advantages may necessarily be achieved according to any particular embodiment of the present invention. Thus, for example, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be implemented or performed in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages taught herein without achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0267] Some embodiments have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be construed as limiting. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily have an exact relationship to the actual size and layout of the device shown. Components may be added, removed, and / or rearranged. In addition, any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, etc. disclosed herein in connection with the various embodiments may be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. In addition, any method described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the steps described.

[0268] In addition, although some components and operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a specific arrangement or order, these components and operations do not have to be arranged and performed in the specific arrangement and order shown, nor do they have to be arranged and performed in sequence, nor do they have to include all components and operations to achieve the desired result. Other components and operations that are not depicted or described can be introduced into the embodiments and examples. For example, one or more other operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously or between any described operations. In addition, in other embodiments, operations can be rearranged or reordered. In addition, the separation of various system components in the above-mentioned embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can usually be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0269] In summary, various illustrative embodiments and examples of beverage dispensing systems and methods have been disclosed. Although the systems and methods have been disclosed in the context of these embodiments and examples, the present disclosure is not limited to these specifically disclosed embodiments and extends to other alternative embodiments and / or other uses of the described embodiments, and specific variations and equivalents thereof. The present disclosure expressly contemplates that the various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or substituted with one another. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-described specifically disclosed embodiments, but should be determined solely by properly reading the full scope of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a white coffee extract, the method comprising: loading an extraction material into an extraction unit having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the extraction material comprises ground coffee having a density between 0.2 g / ml and 0.4 g / ml and an average particle size between 700 μm and 900 μm; introducing a flow of extraction medium through said first portion of said extraction unit; within less than 60 seconds after introducing the partial flow of extraction medium into the extraction unit, withdrawing from the filter at the second portion of the extraction unit the white coffee extract extracted from the extraction material by the partial flow of extraction medium introduced into the extraction unit, Wherein the extraction material comprises ground white coffee.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the yield of the extract is between 8% and 12%.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentration of the extract is between 5.5 and 8.5 Brix.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction medium is not heated before being introduced into the extraction unit.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction medium is water at a temperature between 10°C and 30°C.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the white coffee extract extracted from the extraction material by the partial flow of extraction medium introduced into the extraction unit is withdrawn between 40 seconds and 60 seconds after the introduction of the partial flow of extraction medium into the extraction unit.

7. The method of any of the above claims, wherein introducing extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction unit comprises introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate to achieve plug flow.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extracted material has not been subjected to prior extraction.

9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior chamber of the extraction unit has a length and an average width along the length, and wherein the ratio of the length to the average width of the extraction unit is between 0.5:1 and 1:

1.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein charging the extraction material into the extraction unit comprises charging between 15 grams and 30 grams of ground white coffee into the extraction unit.

11. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the density of the extraction material is between 0.3 g / mL and 0.35 g / mL.

12. The method of any of the above claims, wherein introducing the flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction unit comprises introducing the extraction medium at a flow rate between 50 ml / min and 90 ml / min.

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion is a bottom portion of the extraction cell and the second portion is a top portion of the extraction cell.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction medium flows upwardly from the first portion through the extraction unit to the second portion.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the average pore size of the filter at the second portion is 80 μm to 175 μm.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising activating a grinder to produce the ground white coffee before loading the whole bean white coffee into the grinder.

17. An extraction unit for preparing a white coffee extract, the extraction unit comprising: bottom part; a top portion having a cross-sectional width and a cross-sectional area; a side wall extending between the bottom portion and the top portion, the side wall having a length; an inlet located on the bottom portion for introducing an extraction medium; an outlet disposed on the top portion for removing the extract from the extraction unit; as well as Wherein, the aspect ratio of the length to the cross-sectional width is between 0.5:1 and 1:

1.

18. The extraction unit of claim 17, wherein the aspect ratio of the length to the cross-sectional width is 0.75:

1.

19. An extraction unit according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the top portion comprises a filter, wherein the filter has an average pore size of 80 to 175 μm.

20. The extraction unit according to any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising an extraction material disposed in the extraction unit, wherein the extraction material in the extraction unit is ground white coffee having a density between 0.2 g / mL and 0.4 g / mL.

21. An extraction unit according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the extraction unit comprises white coffee beans ground to an average particle size of 700 to 900 μm.

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