Water treatment device and method for coffee machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for treating water before the water is used for extracting coffee in a coffee machine. The coffee machine includes a water treatment chamber, a first set of one or more conduits. A water treatment chamber for use in a coffee machine includes a rotating element, a brewing chamber, a second set of one or more conduits, and a third set of one or more conduits. The water treatment chamber also includes one or more fins, one or more sensors, and a heating element. The rotating element is electrically connected and magnetically coupled with the motor. The water treatment chamber receives water through a first set of one or more conduits, rotates the received water in the water treatment chamber, and draws steam and water from the water treatment chamber, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the treatment of water before it is used to extract coffee in a coffee machine. The present invention particularly relates to an apparatus and method for treating water before it is used to extract coffee in a coffee machine. Background Art

[0002] Coffee is a very popular beverage that is consumed in different forms around the world. Billions of cups of coffee are enjoyed by consumers around the world every year. Coffee consumption is common among people of all ages and at any time of the day. Coffee can be consumed at home, at work, in cafes, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.

[0003] Coffee generally refers to a liquid that includes various substances found in coffee beans, such as fruit acids, caffeine, lipids, melanoidins, carbohydrates, and plant fibers, dissolved in water. However, coffee can also refer to different forms of coffee in different physical states, such as coffee beans, coffee powder, coffee grounds, etc.

[0004] Coffee, as a beverage, is derived from coffee beans. The coffee beans are ground to form coffee grounds. The coffee grounds are brewed to prepare coffee for consumption as a beverage. Brewing is the process of preparing coffee by passing water or steam through coffee grounds, which are typically prepared from roasted coffee grounds. However, other materials and steps may also be involved in the process of brewing coffee.

[0005] While coffee beans are often ground to form coffee grounds before brewing, coffee beans can also be brewed without grinding.

[0006] Coffee beans, coffee powder and coffee grounds are different forms of coffee in a solid state. Coffee beans refer to the seeds of the coffee plant, which is the original source of coffee. Coffee powder and coffee grounds refer to the finely ground form of coffee beans used to prepare coffee beverages.

[0007] When preparing a coffee beverage, coffee solubles need to be extracted from the coffee grounds into the water used to brew the coffee. The process of extracting coffee solubles into water is commonly referred to as coffee extraction. Coffee solubles refer to substances in coffee beans or coffee grounds that can be dissolved by water or steam. These solubles may include acids (such as malic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid or chlorogenic acid), lipids, fats, melanoidins, caffeine, carbohydrates and coffee bean fibers.

[0008] In today's coffee world, coffee is usually prepared using coffee machines of different types and with different levels of automation. Some of these machines are fully automated, i.e. the entire preparation process of the coffee drink is automated from start to finish. On the other hand, some coffee machines require human involvement to prepare the coffee drink. These coffee machines that require human involvement in making the coffee drink but are partially automated are called semi-automatic coffee machines.

[0009] Cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops around the world use automatic and semi-automatic machines to serve coffee drinks to their customers. They also employ baristas who specialize in preparing different types of coffee drinks using semi-automatic coffee machines. Coffee lovers also purchase semi-automatic coffee machines to prepare customized coffee drinks at home.

[0010] Both automatic and semi-automatic coffee machines require water heating components. Coffee machines typically use one or more boilers to heat water to produce hot water and steam to extract coffee solubles from coffee grounds and to steam milk. Some coffee machines may use a flow heater instead of a boiler.

[0011] The boiler generally works in a heat exchange manner. The boiler includes a heating element and a heat exchanger tube. Due to the heat exchange between the water in the boiler boiled by the heating element, the steam generated thereby and the heat exchanger tube, the water present inside the heat exchanger tube is heated. However, due to various reasons, such as the temperature difference between the water in the boiler and the steam, the water inside the heat exchanger tube is heated unevenly, and the water inside the heat exchanger tube will be subsequently transported to the place where coffee extraction is performed.

[0012] The boilers currently used in available machines are unable to maintain a stable temperature of the hot water flowing out of the boiler (usually from a heat exchanger in the boiler). When the boiler starts to heat the water and reaches the boiling point of the water, steam is also generated inside the boiler, which causes temperature differences at different locations inside the boiler. Therefore, the temperature differences at different locations inside the boiler affect the temperature of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger and also cause energy waste.

[0013] Furthermore, such variations in temperature inside the boiler result in uneven temperatures and pressures at different locations in the water in the heat exchanger, which results in inconsistent water flow, reducing the reliability of the heating process for coffee extraction. The presence of these variations in brewing water temperature significantly impedes the desired taste characteristics in the coffee after extraction.

[0014] Furthermore, in currently available coffee machines, it is also difficult for the user to lower the temperature of the water in the boiler.

[0015] These problems also exist and persist with coffee machines that use flow heaters.

[0016] Patent US20160353919A1 discloses a "beverage brewing system and method of use thereof", which includes a rotating / spinning inlet nozzle through which hot water is introduced into the coffee contained in the coffee box and mixed. The inlet nozzle can rotate at variable speeds in different directions. In addition, the inlet nozzle can move, rotate, nutate, oscillate, or perform any combination of various movements depending on the duration of the brewing cycle, the type of beverage box, the temperature of the water, or other desired factors. Patent US20160353919A1 discloses a method for introducing water from a rotating inlet nozzle in a brewing chamber for uniform mixing of coffee and water. It does not disclose a chamber for treating water inside the coffee machine before extracting coffee. It also does not disclose a method and device for treating and heating water in a uniform and efficient manner inside the chamber of the coffee machine before extracting coffee.

[0017] CN101243945B discloses a "press and immersion extractor" in which an extraction cup, an eccentric filter bowl and an agitator are arranged inside the extraction cup body. The agitator is rotated by a drive motor to generate a vortex in the brewing liquid injected into the extraction cup. The filter bowl has a container / cup that is placed inside the extraction cup. Tea leaves are placed inside the cup. When a vortex is created by a stirrer or agitator, the movement of the water helps to better mix the tea. The rotation of the water inside the container is described to extract tea from the tea leaves, which allows for faster extraction of the tea. CN101243945B uses a method of forming a millet paste to achieve an ideal extraction of tea or coffee. It does not disclose a chamber for treating the water inside the coffee machine before extracting the coffee.

[0018] US9307860B2 discloses "Processor control of soluble extraction system", which relates to a beverage system and / or brewing system for rotating, spinning or vertically oscillating an inlet nozzle in a beverage box, through which water is introduced into the box to wet and fluidize the beverage medium inside the box, thereby producing a brewed beverage. US9307860B2 discloses a method and system including a moving inlet nozzle for mixing hot water and coffee in a coffee box. It does not disclose a chamber for treating water inside a coffee machine before extracting coffee. It also does not disclose a method and device for treating and heating water in a uniform and efficient manner inside a chamber of a coffee machine before extracting coffee.

[0019] Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism that can be used to treat water in a coffee machine before use for coffee extraction so as to provide evenly heated and steady-flowing water for coffee extraction in the coffee machine. The mechanism should also be able to effectively separate hot water and steam in the coffee machine so that the water and steam can be used in an ideal manner, i.e., to extract coffee solubles from coffee grounds and / or to steam milk, respectively. Steam, along with hot water, can also be used to extract coffee solubles from coffee grounds.

[0020] This reliable method and apparatus for treating and heating water in a uniform and efficient manner is essential to achieving the desired taste characteristics, and can be implemented in currently used coffee machines (automatic and semi-automatic) with only minimal changes to other parameters such as temperature, coffee dosage, pressure and grind size.

[0021] Invention Disclosure

[0022] The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for treating water in a coffee machine prior to coffee extraction.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for effectively separating hot water and steam before extracting coffee.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus that can be used in a coffee machine to treat water in such a way that the desired taste characteristics are reliably achieved without changing other parameters such as temperature, coffee dose, pressure and grind size.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for treating water in a coffee machine prior to coffee extraction for effectively maintaining a stable temperature, thereby reducing the adverse effects of uneven heating of the water.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of cooling water from a boiler or flow heater.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of providing steam for some coffee based beverages without having to change the parameters of the boiler. Summary of the invention

[0028] The following information is a simplified summary of the present disclosure to provide the reader with a basic understanding. This summary does not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Its only purpose is to summarize some of the concepts disclosed herein as a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.

[0029] In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, particularly the problem of undesirable variations and inconsistencies in the temperature of hot water used to brew and extract coffee, which results in uneven and inefficient extraction of coffee solubles into the extracted coffee / espresso (particularly in a coffee machine), the present invention discloses the use of a method and apparatus for treating water before it is used for coffee extraction purposes. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to stabilize and regulate the temperature and pressure of hot water flowing from a boiler, which hot water will subsequently be used to extract coffee from coffee grounds. The extracted coffee, which is typically espresso but may also include other coffee liquids and beverages, is extracted using different extraction methods, which include the use of valves or controllers, sensors, and pipes or tubes.

[0030] The present invention may be implemented as a coffee brewer, coffee extractor, espresso machine or part of a coffee machine. Such machines are typically used to brew coffee grounds, extract coffee or espresso, by passing water or steam through the coffee grounds, usually under pressure. Coffee machines include automatic coffee machines (no human involvement in the preparation of the beverage) and semi-automatic coffee machines (human involvement (such as a barista) is required to prepare the beverage after the machine has extracted the coffee).

[0031] As technology advances, the automation of coffee machines is also increasing, meaning that most of the steps involved in the preparation of coffee drinks are increasingly being performed electronically and automatically. Commonly consumed beverages, such as cappuccino and latte, are prepared from extracted espresso by mixing it with other ingredients such as water, milk and sugar, whether made by hand or by machine.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a water treatment chamber is provided for treating the water after it leaves the boiler or flow heater. The water heating components in different coffee machines may be different. For the purpose of describing the invention, the most common component for heating water in a coffee machine, i.e. the boiler, has been used. However, the invention may also be implemented in coffee machines having other systems for heating water.

[0033] The water that leaves the boiler and is ultimately used to extract the coffee may come from a heat exchanger present in the boiler, or the water may also come from the boiler itself. The water from the boiler enters a water treatment chamber, and a vortex treatment is applied to the hot water that flows out of the boiler before the water is used to extract the coffee solubles from the coffee grounds. The vortex treatment is performed using a propeller or a rotor (hereinafter referred to as a rotating element) present inside the water treatment chamber. The rotating element can be rotated inside the water treatment chamber using different methods, such as using an electric motor or by using magnets.

[0034] The water treatment chamber may also contain additional features, such as fins, to improve the temperature consistency of the water received from the boiler. The fins help to create cavitation of the water inside the water treatment chamber, which helps to separate the water and steam inside the chamber.

[0035] The rotation of the rotating element and the flow of water along the fins inside the water treatment chamber work together to cause cavitation of the water. This causes a low pressure area to form in the water, causing the steam to rise to the top of the chamber and the liquid water to settle to the bottom of the chamber.

[0036] The water treatment process in the chamber separates the steam and water, while also reducing the inconsistency of the water temperature. The chamber, after treating the water received from the boiler, ends up with water at the bottom and steam at the top. In some cases, the water at the bottom of the chamber may contain very little steam.

[0037] The water processing chamber contains a plurality of inlets and outlets for water or steam to flow into and out of the chamber. The hot water in the chamber is used to extract coffee solubles from the coffee grounds. The hot water can also be used to prepare other beverages, such as Americano.

[0038] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hot water drawn from the water treatment chamber may contain a very small amount of dissolved steam. In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the steam present at the top of the water treatment chamber may contain a small amount of liquid water.

[0039] The water treatment chamber feature may also be implemented in the boiler itself to stabilize and regulate the temperature of the water subsequently used for coffee extraction.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in fully automatic coffee machines, semi-automatic coffee machines, and other coffee machines such as espresso machines and filter coffee machines.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in coffee machines with a single boiler system or in coffee machines with multiple boiler systems. Embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented in coffee machines that use different systems to heat water.

[0042] The flow of water and steam from the boiler to the water treatment chamber is automatically controlled by valves (which may be controlled using a CPU / microcontroller) that take into account and measure parameters such as water pressure, water temperature, water flow rate and other desired parameters. The components inside the water treatment chamber are also electrically controlled using a microcontroller or computer / CPU. The control of the components inside the coffee machine and the control of the flow of water / steam may depend on real-time information received by the CPU / microcontroller.

[0043] Treating the water before it is passed into the brewing chamber, typically including stabilizing the water's temperature and density, will help to more efficiently and evenly extract coffee solubles. Coffee solubles are substances in coffee beans or coffee grounds that can be dissolved by water. These solubles may include acids (such as malic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, or chlorogenic acid), lipids, fats, melanoidins, caffeine, carbohydrates, and coffee bean fibers. This method and apparatus will help to improve the dissolution of coffee solubles in water according to the desired taste characteristics.

[0044] The above embodiments are exemplary and fairly broadly summarize the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order to better understand the detailed description of the present invention below. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described below, and these features and advantages constitute the subject matter of the claims of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosed concepts and specific embodiments can be easily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes to achieve the same purpose of the present invention.

[0045] Other aspects of the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be better understood and appreciated in conjunction with the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description, although indicating preferred embodiments and many specific details thereof, is provided by way of illustration only and not limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 A conventional, single boiler coffee maker with a boiler having a heat exchanger is shown.

[0047] Figure 2 The present invention is shown as a preferred embodiment of a water treatment chamber.

[0048] Figure 3 An implementation of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the water treatment chamber is implemented in a single boiler (with heat exchanger) coffee machine.

[0049] Figure 4 An implementation of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein a water treatment chamber is implemented in a multi-boiler (with heat exchanger) coffee machine, the water treatment chamber having water.

[0050] Figure 5 An implementation of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the water treatment chamber is implemented in a multi-boiler (without heat exchanger) coffee machine, wherein steam and water for brewing coffee are delivered to each boiler separately.

[0051] Figure 6An implementation of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the water treatment chamber is implemented in a single boiler (with heat exchanger), fully automatic coffee machine.

[0052] Figure 7 The preferred embodiment of the invention is shown implemented in a single boiler coffee machine for preparing filtered coffee.

[0053] Figure 8 A flow chart showing a method for water treatment in a water treatment chamber for a coffee machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the present invention provides a wide range of inventive concepts that can be implemented in various specific implementations. The specific embodiments discussed herein only illustrate the specific mode of implementing the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0055] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It is apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention can be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0056] If the specification discloses that a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” or “might” be included or have a property, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have that property.

[0057] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meanings of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0058] Throughout the specification, use of the words “comprise,” “contain,” and “include,” and variations such as “comprises,” “comprising,” “contains,” “containing,” and “includes,” may imply that additional elements are included but are not specifically recited.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the exemplary embodiments are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In addition, all statements of embodiments of the present invention and their specific examples recorded herein are intended to cover their structural equivalents and functional equivalents. In addition, such equivalents include currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any element developed to perform the same function, regardless of its structure).

[0060] Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0061] There are many types of coffee machines used around the world. Coffee machines have a water heating component, such as a boiler, which is used to heat water that is ultimately used to extract coffee solubles from coffee grounds. Some boilers have a heat exchanger, while others do not. Coffee machines may also use components such as flow heaters to heat the water. Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in any type of coffee machine that has a water heating component, such as a boiler (with or without a heat exchanger) or a flow heater. Embodiments of the present invention are described as using a boiler because a boiler is a common component used to heat water in a coffee machine.

[0062] Furthermore, although the embodiments of the present invention described below use coffee grounds to extract coffee solubles, the use of coffee pods / capsules as a substitute for coffee grounds is well known in the art and is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 1 A conventional, semi-automatic, single boiler coffee maker 100 is shown having a boiler 102 with a heat exchanger 104. The boiler 102 receives water from a conduit 108 through a water inlet 110. The flow of water through the water inlet 110 can be controlled using a solenoid valve 112.

[0064] The heat exchanger 104 inside the boiler 102 receives water through a pipe 114, which enters the heat exchanger through a water inlet 116. The flow of water through the water inlet 116 for the heat exchanger 104 can be controlled using a solenoid valve 118.

[0065] The boiler 102 has a heating element 106 for heating water 136. This results in the generation of steam 134 inside the boiler 102. The heat exchanger 104 is typically placed inside the boiler 102. The bottom portion of the heat exchanger 104 is immersed in the hot water 136, while the top portion of the heat exchanger 104 is exposed to the steam 134 inside the boiler 102. The temperature of the steam 134 under pressure inside the boiler 102 is higher than the temperature of the water 136. Therefore, the water 138 inside the heat exchanger 104 is exposed to a higher temperature in the top portion than the temperature it is exposed to in the bottom portion of the heat exchanger 104.

[0066] Steam 134 may be released through outlet 124 via conduit 126 to steam wand 130. The flow of steam 134 to steam wand 130 may be controlled using valve 128. The steam 134 is typically used to steam and create foam in milk to prepare milk-based coffee beverages.

[0067] Water 138 in the heat exchanger 104 flows out of the outlet 120, through the pipe 122, and flows to the group head 132. The flow of water 138 from the heat exchanger 104 to a portafilter 140, which can be locked to the group head, is controlled using a valve 142. The portafilter 140 contains a filter basket that contains coffee grounds, through which the water 138 passes to extract coffee solubles.

[0068] The temperature differences of the water 138 result in temperature differences of the water used to extract the coffee solubles in the filter portafilter 140. Such temperature differences result in undesirable taste characteristics of the extracted coffee beverage. This also results in inefficient and uneven extraction of coffee solubles from the coffee grounds.

[0069] To overcome the drawbacks of conventionally used coffee makers, a water treatment chamber is implemented as an embodiment of the present invention to treat water from the boiler in the coffee maker before the water from the boiler is used to extract coffee solubles from coffee grounds.

[0070] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is implemented as follows Figure 2 The water treatment chamber 200 is shown. The water treatment chamber 200 can be implemented in an automatic coffee machine or a semi-automatic coffee machine.

[0071] The water treatment chamber 200 has a container 202, which contains multiple components for treating water. The chamber 200 has a rotating element 206, which can be a rotor, a rotator, a stirrer, a propeller or any other component that can rotate with or without a blade attached. The rotating element 206 is connected to a motor 204, and the motor 204 uses an electric current to generate mechanical motion so that the rotating element 206 rotates. The rotating element 206 can be connected to the motor 204 using different technologies, including but not limited to electrical connection or magnetic coupling. The motor speed can be preset, or it can be controlled by a computer / microcontroller / CPU according to the information received from the chamber 200 using a sensor, such as a temperature sensor 214 and a water level sensor 218.

[0072] The water treatment chamber 200 receives water from the boiler via a conduit 208. The flow of water through the water inlet 210 can be controlled using a valve 212.

[0073] The water treatment chamber 200 rotates the water received from the boiler to remove excess steam therein. The rotation also eliminates inconsistencies in the temperature of the water, so that the taste characteristics and temperature of the coffee beverage are more ideal when the water is used to extract coffee solubles.

[0074] When the rotating element 206 rotates at the bottom of the water treatment chamber 200, the cavitation process of the water begins. The rotation of the rotating element 206 creates a vortex in the water in the water treatment chamber 200. The vortex creates a centrifugal force in the chamber 200, due to which the high-density water moves toward the bottom of the chamber 200 and the side walls of the chamber 200. The low-density steam moves toward the top of the chamber 200. The centrifugal force creates a low-pressure area in the center of the vortex. At the bottom of the chamber 200, the rotation speed of the water is the highest and the pressure of the water is the lowest. At the top of the chamber 200, the pressure is the highest and the rotation speed of the water is the lowest. Due to the difference in pressure and speed of the water inside the chamber 200, cavitation occurs in the water. Cavitation causes the generation of tiny steam bubbles, which are pushed to the top of the chamber.

[0075] The rotation of the water results in the separation of water 240 and steam 242 inside the water treatment chamber 200. Steam 242 is present at the top of the water treatment chamber 200, while water 240 is present at the bottom of the water treatment chamber 200. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment chamber 200 has additional components, such as fins 220 or temperature sensors 214. The fins 220 help to increase the efficiency of separating steam from water received from the boiler 102. Sensors 214 and 218 provide important information to the computer / microprocessor, which can be used to control valves in the coffee machine or the rotation speed of the motor 204.

[0076] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the water 240 drawn from the water treatment chamber 200 may include a certain amount of steam 242, however this amount is very small. In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the steam 242 present at the top of the water treatment chamber 200 will contain a small amount of liquid water. The reference numerals for the water 240 and steam 242 are for indication and reference purposes only.

[0077] Water 240 is drawn from the water treatment chamber 200 through the pipe 222 for coffee extraction. The flow of water through the pipe 222 can be controlled using a valve 226, which is present near the water outlet 224. The outlet 230 can also be used to draw water 240 from the water treatment chamber 200.

[0078] Any excess water in the water treatment chamber 200 may also be released as waste through outlet 236 , water inlet pipe 234 , which is controlled using valve 238 .

[0079] Steam 242 present at the top of chamber 200 can be directed through conduit 228 using valve 232. Steam 242 flows out of outlet 230. Steam 242 can also be released from chamber 200 using valve 216.

[0080] In an automatic coffee machine, the water treatment chamber 200 is placed between the boiler and the brewing chamber. On the other hand, in a semi-automatic coffee machine, the water treatment chamber 200 is placed between the boiler and the group head. Hot water from the boiler, after being treated in the water treatment chamber, is used in the brewing chamber of the automatic coffee machine to extract coffee solubles from coffee grounds.

[0081] Figure 3 A semi-automatic, single boiler coffee machine 300 is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the water treatment chamber 200 is implemented in a conventional, semi-automatic, single boiler coffee machine 100. Figure 2 As shown, the water treatment chamber 200 is implemented between the outlet 120 of the heat exchanger 104 present in the boiler 102 and the group head 132 of this conventional, semi-automatic, single boiler coffee machine 100 .

[0082] Hot water from the heat exchanger 104 in the boiler 102 enters the water treatment chamber 200 through the inlet 210 after flowing through the pipe 208. Figure 2 The process is shown to separate steam 242 and water 240 in chamber 200. Water at the bottom of water treatment chamber 200, with low density dissolved steam, flows to group header 132 through outlet 224. Valve 226 is used to control the flow of water through pipe 222.

[0083] Water 240 flows through outlet 230 to group header 132 along with a small amount of steam 242 at the top of water treatment chamber 200. Valve 232 is used to control the flow of this water through pipe 228. The flow of steam 242 through pipe 228 can be controlled using valve 232. The amount of steam 242 and water 240 drawn from water treatment chamber 200 depends on the desired beverage taste characteristics and beverage flavor.

[0084] The treated water 240, which is supplied to the group head 132 via the conduit 228 and the conduit 222, allows for better extraction of coffee solubles from the coffee grounds in the filter portafilter 140, while also providing a more desirable beverage mouthfeel characteristic. The filter portafilter 140 includes a filter basket that holds the coffee grounds, through which the treated water 240 passes to extract the coffee solubles. In addition, it is desirable that the beverage after extraction has a consistent temperature throughout to improve the consumer's drinking experience. This consistent temperature can be achieved by the apparatus disclosed herein because the water 240 is treated in the water treatment chamber 200 prior to preparing the coffee beverage.

[0085] Figures 4 to 7 The implementation of the preferred embodiment of the invention in different types of coffee machines is shown, with different types of boilers and different degrees of automation.

[0086] Figure 4 is an optional embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A semi-automatic coffee machine 400 with a multi-boiler arrangement is shown. The coffee machine has a dual boiler arrangement, including a first boiler 102 and a second boiler 402. In one embodiment, the second boiler 402 includes features of the water treatment chamber 200, such as the rotating element 206, the motor 204, and the fins 220. The water treatment chamber 200 and the water 138 treatment process have been described in detail. Figure 2 4. The second boiler 402 receives hot water from the heat exchanger 104 in the first boiler 102 through a water inlet 408, which is connected to a pipe 406. The second boiler 402 has a separate heating element 404 to heat the water if required by the consumer or the barista when preparing the coffee beverage. A valve 410 controls the flow of water from the heat exchanger 104 into the second boiler 402. The water from the heat exchanger 104 is processed in the second boiler 402, which is similar to Figure 2 The water treatment chamber 200 shown in FIG.

[0087] Water at the bottom of the second boiler 402 flows out of the outlet 414 through the pipe 412. Valve 416 controls the flow of water 240 through the pipe 412. Steam 242 at the top of the second boiler 402 flows out of the outlet 420 through the pipe 418. Valve 422 controls the flow of water through the pipe 418. In addition, the steam 242 in the second boiler 402 can also be used at the group head 132 because the steam 242 can flow through the outlet 420 of the second boiler 402. The flow of steam 242 through the pipe 418 can be controlled using valve 422.

[0088] The treated water 240 or steam 242 is supplied to the group head 132 and the filter portafilter 140, where the coffee solubles are extracted, depending on the desired taste characteristics and flavor requirements. The flow of the treated water 240 to the group head 132 can be controlled using a valve 424.

[0089] Figure 5 Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 A semi-automatic, multi-boiler coffee machine 500 without a heat exchanger is shown, wherein the water treatment chamber 200 is implemented as a second boiler 402. Water for brewing coffee is delivered to the first boiler 102 and the second boiler 402, respectively. In this particular embodiment, the first boiler 102 does not have a heat exchanger 104. The first boiler 102 including the heating element 106 is used as a reservoir for steam 134 for supplying the steam 134 to the steam wand 130. The steam wand 130 is used to supply steam 134 to steam the milk. Water flows from the water supply pipe 502 to the second boiler 402 through the water inlet 504. The flow rate of water flowing to the second boiler 402 through the water inlet 504 can be controlled using a valve 506. In this embodiment, the second boiler 402 includes features of the water treatment chamber 200, such as the rotating element 206, the motor 204 and the fins 220. The water treatment chamber 200 and the water treatment process therein have been Figure 2 4. If the consumer or barista requires when preparing a coffee beverage, the second boiler 402 has a separate heating element 404 to heat water. The water received by the second boiler 402 through the inlet 504 is processed according to the principles of the present invention. The flow rate of water through the inlet 504 can be controlled using a valve 506.

[0090] The water at the bottom of the second boiler 402 flows out of the outlet 414 through the pipe 412. The valve 416 controls the flow of the water through the pipe 412. The water at the top of the second boiler 402, with the high density dissolved steam, flows out of the outlet 420 through the pipe 418. The valve 422 controls the flow of the water through the pipe 418. In addition, the steam 242 in the second boiler 402 can also be used at the group head 132, because the steam 242 can flow through the outlet 420 of the chamber 200. The flow of the steam 242 through the pipe 418 can be controlled using the valve 422.

[0091] The treated water 240 or steam 242 is supplied to the group head 132 and the filter portafilter 140, where the coffee solubles are extracted, depending on the desired taste characteristics or flavor requirements. The flow of the treated water 240 to the group head 132 can be controlled using a valve 424.

[0092] Figure 6 An optional embodiment of the present invention is shown. A single boiler, fully automatic coffee machine 600 with a heat exchanger 104 is shown. The coffee machine 600 is primarily used to prepare coffee beverages, including but not limited to espresso, cappuccino, and Americano. The coffee machine 600 includes a single boiler 102 having a heating element 106 for heating water supplied through a water inlet 110. The coffee machine 600 also includes a heat exchanger 104 for heating water 138 that is subsequently used to extract coffee solubles from the coffee grounds. The hot water 136 inside the boiler 102 is used to heat the water 138 inside the heat exchanger 104. The boiler 102 and the heat exchanger 104 face a number of problems that affect the quality of the extracted coffee, which have been described in the previous sections. According to this embodiment of the present invention, by installing a water treatment chamber 200 ( Figure 2 These problems are overcome in a fully automatic coffee machine 600.

[0093] Water 138 from the heat exchanger 104 is supplied to the water treatment chamber 200 at an inlet 210 via a conduit 208. A valve 212 may be used to control the flow of water 138 to the water treatment chamber 200. The water treatment chamber 200 rotates the water received from the heat exchanger 104 to separate steam from the water. The rotation also eliminates inconsistencies in the temperature of the water, resulting in a more ideal taste profile and temperature for the coffee beverage when the water is used to extract coffee solubles from the coffee grounds. Figure 2 The water treatment process is shown in detail. Treated water 240 and steam 242 are supplied to the brewing chamber 618 through pipe 222 and pipe 228. The flow of treated water 240 and steam 242 can be controlled using valve 226 and valve 232, respectively.

[0094] The treated water 240 or steam 242 can be used to prepare a coffee beverage. To prepare a coffee beverage, coffee beans are added to a container 612. Thereafter, the coffee beans are ground using a grinder 614 to produce coffee grounds. The coffee grounds are then supplied to a brewing chamber 618 through a funnel 616. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the coffee machine 600 can be implemented without a container 612 and a grinder 614. In this case, the coffee grounds are added directly to the funnel 616, which can then be used in the brewing chamber 618, where coffee solubles are extracted. Coffee pods / coffee capsules can also be used instead of coffee grounds or coffee powder. The treated water 240 passes through the coffee grounds / coffee pods / coffee capsules to extract coffee solubles. The extracted coffee, which contains the extracted coffee solubles, is then poured into a cup 610 through a pipe 620. The flow of the extracted coffee to the cup 610 can be controlled using a valve 634.

[0095] In one embodiment, the coffee machine 600 further includes a milk module 622 for mixing the steam 134 from the boiler 102 with milk supplied to the milk module 622 from a milk container 628 through a pipe 624. A valve 626 can be used to control the flow rate of milk from the milk container 628 to the milk module 622. A valve 128 can be used to control the flow rate of steam 134 from the boiler 102 to the milk module 622 through the pipe 126. According to the needs of the user, the hot milk from the milk module 622 can be added to the extracted coffee inside the cup 610 using pipes 630 and 620. The flow rate of the hot milk to the cup 610 can be controlled using valves 632 and 634. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the milk module 622 and the milk container 628 and its supporting components can be implemented outside the coffee machine 600 without departing from the scope of the present invention, or they can be implemented in a different manner than described in this embodiment. In this case, hot milk is prepared separately and can be supplied directly to the cup 610 outside the coffee machine 600 .

[0096] In another embodiment, the coffee machine 600 can also be used to prepare different types of beverages, including but not limited to Americano (a coffee beverage) or tea. In this coffee machine 600, the water treatment chamber 200' is disposed between the boiler 102 and the cup 610'. To prepare the Americano, hot water 136 from the boiler 102 is supplied to the water treatment chamber 200' through the outlet 602, the pipe 604 and the inlet 606. The flow rate of the hot water 136 to the water treatment chamber 200' can be controlled using a valve 608. The water treatment chamber 200' has a container 202', which contains a plurality of components for Figure 2The process shown processes the hot water 136 from the boiler 102. The chamber 200' has a rotating element 206', which can be a rotor, a rotator, a stirrer, a propeller, or any other part capable of rotating with or without blades attached. The rotating element 206' is connected to a motor 204', which uses electric current to generate mechanical motion. The motor speed can be preset or controlled by a computer / microcontroller / CPU based on information received from the chamber 200' using sensors, such as a temperature sensor 214' and a water level sensor 218'. Treated water 240' and steam 242' are supplied to the cup 610' through pipes 222' and pipes 228', respectively. The flow rate of treated water 240' and steam 242' to the cup 610' can be controlled using valves 232' and 226'. Steam 242' can also be released from the chamber 200' using valve 216'. The flow of water through the conduit 222' may be controlled using a valve 226', which is present near the water outlet 224'. An outlet 230' may also be used to direct water 240' from the water treatment chamber 200'.

[0097] Figure 7 An embodiment of the present invention is shown, which has an automatic, single-boiler coffee machine 700 for preparing filtered coffee, wherein the water treatment chamber 200 is implemented between the boiler 102 and the shower head 702 of the coffee machine 700. After flowing through the pipe 208, the hot water 136 flows from the boiler 102 to the water treatment chamber 200 through the inlet 210. The hot water 136 passes through Figure 2 The process shown in the figure is to separate steam 242 and water 240 in the water treatment chamber 200. The water at the bottom of the chamber 200 flows to the shower head 702 through the outlet 224. The valve 226 is used to control the flow rate of the water flowing to the shower head 702 through the pipe 222. The steam 242 at the top of the chamber 200 flows to the shower head 702 through the outlet 230. The valve 232 is used to control the flow rate of the steam 242 flowing to the shower head 702 through the pipe 228. The flow rate of water 240 and steam 242 through the pipe 222 and the pipe 228 can be controlled using the valve 226 and the valve 232 respectively. The amount of steam 242 and water 240 drawn from the water treatment chamber 200 depends on the desired beverage taste characteristics and beverage flavor.

[0098] Treated water 240, which is supplied to showerhead 702 via conduit 228 and conduit 222, allows for better and consistent extraction of coffee solubles from coffee grounds present in filter basket 704 of coffee machine 700, while also providing a more desirable beverage mouthfeel profile. In addition, it is desirable that the extracted coffee solubles drip 708 downward from filter basket 704 into coffee cup 706. Such an extracted beverage has a consistent temperature throughout to improve the consumer's drinking experience. Treated water 240 may be used to prepare different types of other coffee beverages, including but not limited to filtered coffee.

[0099] Figure 8 A flow chart of a method 800 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown for water treatment in a water treatment chamber 200 for use in a coffee machine. At step 801, the water treatment chamber 200 receives water from a boiler via a pipe 208. At step 803, the water received from the boiler is spun / rotated in the water treatment chamber 200 using a rotating element 206 to separate water and steam. The rotating element 206 can be connected to the motor 204 using different technologies, including but not limited to electrical connection or magnetic coupling. The motor speed can be pre-set or controlled by a computer / microcontroller / CPU based on information received from the chamber 200 using sensors, such as a temperature sensor 214 and a water level sensor 218. At step 805, the separated water and steam are drawn from the water treatment chamber 200. The flow of water 240 and steam 242 through pipes 222 and 228 can be controlled using valves 226 and 232, respectively.

[0100] The present invention can be implemented according to the above-described embodiments to improve the taste characteristics of coffee beverages consumed using different types of coffee machines with different degrees of automation and different types of coffee extraction systems. The above-described embodiments of the present invention are exemplary and non-restrictive. These embodiments describe specific implementations of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in different ways and can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coffee machine, comprising: a water treatment chamber, wherein the water treatment chamber includes a rotating element; and a first set of one or more conduits for delivering water to the water treatment chamber through one or more inlets; The rotating element in the water treatment chamber rotates to separate water and steam.

2. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The water treatment chamber includes one or more fins attached to the water treatment chamber.

3. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The water treatment chamber includes one or more sensors attached to the water treatment chamber.

4. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating element is electrically connected to a motor, and the speed of the motor is controlled by a computer, microcontroller or CPU.

5. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating element is magnetically coupled to the motor.

6. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The flow of water through the first set of one or more conduits is controlled using a first set of one or more valves.

7. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The water treatment chamber has a heating element inside the water treatment chamber.

8. The coffee machine according to claim 7, wherein: The water treatment chamber comprises: a second set of one or more conduits for conveying water from the water treatment chamber through the first outlet; and A third set of one or more conduits for conveying steam from the water treatment chamber through a second outlet.

9. The coffee machine according to claim 1, wherein: The water from the water treatment chamber is used to prepare coffee or tea.

10. A water treatment chamber for a coffee machine, the coffee machine comprising: Boiler; a water treatment chamber, wherein the water treatment chamber comprises a rotating element; Brewing chamber; a first set of one or more conduits for conveying water from the water treatment chamber; and a second set of one or more conduits, the second set of one or more conduits being used to convey steam from the water treatment chamber, wherein the rotating element in the water treatment chamber rotates to separate water and steam, and The brewing chamber receives treated water and steam from the water treatment chamber.

11. The water treatment chamber for a coffee machine according to claim 10, wherein: The rotating element is electrically connected to a motor, and the speed of the motor is controlled by a computer, microcontroller or CPU.

12. The water treatment chamber for a coffee machine according to claim 10, wherein: The rotating element is magnetically coupled to the motor.

13. The water treatment chamber for a coffee machine according to claim 10, wherein: A first set of one or more valves is used to control the flow of water through the first set of one or more conduits.

14. A method for water treatment in a water treatment chamber for use in a coffee machine, the method comprising: receiving water through a first set of one or more conduits; Using a rotating element, rotating the received water in the water treatment chamber to separate water and steam; and The water and the steam are respectively drawn out from the water treatment chamber.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: A first set of one or more valves is used to control the flow of water directed through the first set of one or more conduits.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The tapped water and the tapped steam are merged into a merging pipe, and wherein a processor, a microcontroller or a computer controls the flow rates of the tapped water and the tapped steam into the merging pipe.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The rotating element is electrically connected to a motor whose speed is controlled by a computer, microcontroller or CPU.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The rotating element is magnetically coupled to the motor.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The water treatment chamber has a heating element inside the water treatment chamber.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The water treatment chamber comprises: a second set of one or more conduits for conveying water from the water treatment chamber through the first outlet; and A third set of one or more conduits for conveying steam from the water treatment chamber through a second outlet.

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