Coffee bean baking system

Abstract

A coffee bean roaster includes: a roaster unit having a roaster chamber to roast a dose of coffee beans; a quantitative feeding unit; and a coffee bean reservoir to contain a plurality of doses of coffee beans wherein the dosing unit is arranged to extract a predetermined dose of coffee beans from the plurality of doses of coffee beans in the reservoir and to transfer the predetermined dose of coffee beans to the roasting unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrically operated coffee bean roaster for preparing roasted coffee beans from unroasted coffee beans using the same. Background Art

[0002] A system for roasting coffee beans is implemented to chemically and physically change the properties of unroasted green coffee beans into roasted coffee beans. The roasted coffee beans produce the characteristic flavor of coffee.

[0003] Such systems typically implement large standalone machines that can only roast a large batch of coffee beans of about several kilograms at a time. The disadvantage is that smaller establishments (including coffee shops) operating such machines require a rather long waiting period for the large batch before use, which may result in poor roasting freshness of the coffee beans being used.

[0004] Therefore, despite the efforts invested in developing the system, further improvements are still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a coffee bean roaster including: a roasting unit having a roasting chamber for roasting a dose of coffee beans; a metering and feeding system including a metering and feeding unit and a coffee bean reservoir for accommodating a plurality of doses of coffee beans. The metering and feeding unit is arranged to extract a predetermined dose of coffee beans from the plurality of doses of coffee beans in the reservoir and transfer the predetermined dose of coffee beans to the roasting unit.

[0006] The roasting unit includes: a roasting chamber inlet arranged to cooperate with the dose outlet of the metering and feeding unit (e.g., so that the roasting chamber can receive the dose from the metering and feeding system); and a separate roasting chamber outlet for discharging the roasted coffee beans. By implementing a separate inlet and outlet for the coffee beans, the machine can perform subsequent roasting processes without removing the roasting unit (including a part thereof) because the coffee beans can flow through the roasting chamber via the inlet and outlet.

[0007] The roasting chamber inlet is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the roasting chamber inlet blocks air from the air transfer system and / or coffee beans passing through it; in the open position, the roasting chamber inlet enables coffee beans to be transferred through it (e.g., from the dose outlet of the metering and feeding unit). By having an actuatable inlet, the flow conditions of the coffee beans and / or air can be controlled.

[0008] The roasting chamber outlet is movable between an open position and a closed position: in the closed position, the roasting chamber outlet blocks air from the air transfer system and / or coffee beans being transferred therethrough; and in the open position, the roasting chamber outlet enables coffee beans to be transferred through the roasting chamber outlet and optionally enables air from the air transfer system to be transferred. By having an actuatable outlet, the flow conditions of the coffee beans and / or air can be controlled.

[0009] The roasting unit includes: an air inlet arranged to transfer air from the air transfer system to the roasting chamber; and an air outlet separable from the inlet, the air outlet for discharging exhaust air from the air transfer system and material from the roasting chamber. By implementing separate inlets and outlets, a flow path for the air in the roasting chamber can be achieved, which can improve roasting.

[0010] The air outlet is movable between an open position and a closed position, in which closed position the air inlet / outlet blocks air from the air transfer system from leaving the roasting chamber; in the open position, the air inlet / outlet enables air from the air transfer system to leave the roasting chamber. By having an actuatable outlet, the flow conditions of the air can be controlled.

[0011] The roasting unit can be configured to have one or more of the following configurations:

[0012] A roasting configuration, in which the roasting chamber inlet and / or the roasting chamber outlet are arranged in the closed position and the air outlet (or more generally, the flow regulator) is arranged in the open position. In this way, air can be transferred through the flow path to roast the coffee beans, and the air and / or coffee beans do not escape via the roasting chamber outlet and / or the roasting chamber inlet.

[0013] A metering configuration, in which the roasting chamber inlet is arranged in the open position and the roasting chamber outlet is arranged in the closed position. In this way, coffee beans can enter the roasting chamber from the metering system for roasting without escaping via the roasting chamber outlet. The air outlet (or more generally, the flow regulator) can also be arranged in the closed position. In this way, coffee beans can be prevented from escaping via the air outlet (or flow regulator).

[0014] Extraction configuration, in which the roasting chamber outlet is arranged in the open position. The air outlet (or more generally, the flow regulator) can be arranged in the open (including partially open) position or the closed position to control / force air to flow through the roasting chamber outlet, thus helping to eject the coffee beans through the roasting chamber outlet. In this position, the roasting chamber inlet can be arranged in the closed position to prevent the roasted coffee beans or air from leaving via the roasting chamber inlet.

[0015] By implementing a metering system to obtain a preset fixed portion size of unroasted coffee beans from a container containing a plurality of loose doses of unroasted coffee beans, the roasting unit can process a single dose at a time instead of processing all the multiple doses in the container at once. Thus, small doses of roasted coffee beans can be supplied on demand instead of supplying multiple doses in batches, which may result in using roasted coffee beans with optimal freshness when grinding and coffee preparation processes are required.

[0016] In an embodiment, the capacity of the roasting chamber of the roasting unit is sized to correspond to the capacity of the predetermined dose of coffee beans transferred by the metering system. For example, the roasting chamber is sized such that it can accommodate a dose that occupies 10% to 50% of its volume, so that there is free space for the coffee beans in the roasting chamber to move and collide with each other during roasting.

[0017] In an embodiment, the predetermined dose extracted by the metering unit is 100 g to 200 g of unroasted coffee beans. The predetermined dose of coffee beans is a fixed amount independent of the amount of coffee beans present in the reservoir (unless the reservoir is empty or contains less than a single dose of coffee beans). In an embodiment, the internal volume of the roasting chamber of the roasting unit is 0.25 liters to 0.75 liters. Such volumes can correspond to the said dose.

[0018] In an embodiment, the metering system includes a positioning system for guiding the coffee beans in the reservoir to a dosing unit to dose out the predetermined dose of coffee beans from the positioned coffee beans. Such an arrangement can facilitate automation.

[0019] In an embodiment, the dosing unit is arranged to transfer the received dose to the dose outlet of the metering system. In an embodiment, the metering system includes an actuator unit (e.g., controlled by an electrical circuit) arranged to actuate the dosing unit.

[0020] In an embodiment, the coffee bean reservoir and / or the metering unit can be removably attached to the coffee bean roaster. A removable reservoir can be more conveniently filled with unroasted coffee beans.

[0021] In an embodiment, the coffee bean roaster is configured with the roasting unit (e.g., its roasting chamber), which does not need to be removed from the machine (e.g., other components of the machine and / or components of at least the main body of the machine) as part of the roasting process. By arranging the roasting unit so that it cannot be removed as part of the roasting process (e.g., it can be automatically filled with a certain dose and automatically dispensed to the outlet for roasted coffee beans), the removal of the roasting unit (e.g., for refilling coffee beans) can be avoided, which is desirable because the roasting unit may get hot during use and is thus dangerous to handle.

[0022] In an embodiment, the roasting chamber inlet is arranged above the roasting chamber outlet. By arranging the inlet above the outlet in the depth direction (e.g., during use), the metering unit can feed coffee beans into the roasting chamber by gravity.

[0023] In an embodiment, the air inlet and the air outlet define a flow path for the air of the air transfer system, and the flow path is arranged to extend through a predetermined dose of coffee beans in the roasting chamber. The air outlet can be arranged above the air inlet. By implementing the flow path that extends through the dose of coffee beans (e.g., where the inlet is at its base and the outlet is arranged to convey the flow from its base to its top), improved roasting can be achieved.

[0024] The flow path may include a flow regulator, which is arranged to control the flow path through the roasting chamber, and the roasting chamber has open (including fully open and semi-open) positions and a closed position. The flow regulator is generally implemented as the air outlet having the said open position and the said closed position.

[0025] In an embodiment, the air outlet and the roasting chamber inlet are moved between the associated open position and the associated closed position by actuating a common member. By implementing a common member, a single actuator system can be used to drive the common member to control the said outlet and the said inlet.

[0026] In an embodiment, the metering system is arranged to transfer the predetermined dose of coffee beans to the roasting chamber when the roasting unit is in the metering configuration.

[0027] In an embodiment, the coffee bean roaster includes an air transfer system for delivering air (e.g., hot air at 150°C to 250°C) along a flow path to the roasting chamber. In an embodiment, the air transfer system includes: a flow generator; a heat exchanger for heating the air; and a filtration unit for filtering materials from the air. In an embodiment, the flow path includes the air inlet and the air outlet of the roasting chamber.

[0028] In an embodiment, the coffee bean roaster includes a delivery system arranged to transfer roasted coffee beans through the roasting chamber outlet of the roasting unit to an outlet container (e.g., where the roasting unit is in the extraction configuration and air is supplied by the air transfer system).

[0029] The present disclosure provides a method of roasting coffee beans. The method can implement the features of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method includes: extracting a predetermined dose of coffee beans from a reservoir configured to hold a plurality of doses of coffee beans using an automatic dosing system; transferring the predetermined dose of coffee beans to a roasting unit using the automatic dosing system; roasting the predetermined dose of coffee beans using the roasting unit; and transferring the roasted predetermined dose of coffee beans from the roasting unit to an outlet.

[0030] The present disclosure provides a coffee roasting system that includes a roaster according to one or more of the foregoing features and further includes: a processing unit having a roasting chamber for roasting a predetermined dose of coffee beans; an electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit to perform a roasting process in which the predetermined dose of coffee beans is roasted, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to control the processing unit to automatically perform a series (e.g., two or more successive) of roasting processes such that a plurality of predetermined doses of coffee beans are roasted in sequence.

[0031] By implementing the coffee roasting system to automatically and continuously perform more than one roasting process (without user instructions for each roasting process), when a shortage is determined, the system can roast multiple doses one after another, or when a shortage is anticipated, the system can roast multiple doses one after another at a predefined time.

[0032] As used herein, the term "automatically" can refer to an automated control process that has no user instructions via a user interface after an initial instruction, e.g., from the end of one roasting process to the start of another roasting process in the series, without user intervention.

[0033] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit includes a user interface configured to provide instructions (e.g., as a result of user input) that include one or more of the following: the time to perform one or more roasting processes (e.g., the time can be set to a period of a high-demand day, including morning or noon); the frequency of the roasting processes to be performed (e.g., this can be a predetermined number of roasting processes per hour throughout the day or during one or more user-selected hours of the day, or a first time period for a first predetermined frequency and a second time period for a second predetermined frequency); and the amount of coffee to be roasted (e.g., the number of a predetermined dose of coffee beans to be roasted, or instructions to roast all the coffee beans present in the reservoir as successive predetermined doses of coffee beans until the reservoir is depleted). In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to control the processing unit (e.g., the roasting unit, the dosing system, and the air transfer system) to perform the roasting process according to the one or more instructions. It should be understood that the commands can also be used to perform a single roasting process (rather than a number of roasting processes as a sequence).

[0034] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to receive the instructions from: the user interface of the coffee bean roaster (e.g., which includes the roasting unit); and / or the user interface of a portable electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone), the user interface being separate from the machine and in electronic communication therewith via a communication interface.

[0035] In an embodiment, the coffee roasting system includes a dosing system controlled by the electrical circuit. The dosing system is arranged to extract a predetermined dose of coffee beans from a reservoir (e.g., of a plurality of portions of loose coffee beans) and transfer the predetermined dose of coffee beans to the roasting unit.

[0036] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to determine whether there are sufficient coffee beans in the reservoir for extracting a predetermined number of doses (e.g., one or more doses, which can depend on the instructions), and if so, perform the roasting process (e.g., one or more roasting processes, which can depend on the instructions).

[0037] In an embodiment, if there are not enough coffee beans present in the reservoir to extract the predetermined number of doses, the electrical circuit may not perform the roasting process or may only perform a plurality of roasting processes for the doses present in the reservoir (e.g., fewer than the indicated number of roasting processes). The electrical circuit may alternatively or additionally provide a notification to the user interface (e.g., to notify the user that there are not enough doses present in the reservoir to execute the instruction). Such an implementation may avoid unnecessary energy use or damage to the machine since the roasting process is only performed when there are sufficient doses of coffee beans present.

[0038] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to determine whether the reservoir is present and, if so, perform the roasting process. In an embodiment, if the reservoir is not determined to be present, the roasting process may not be performed. The electrical circuit may alternatively or additionally provide a notification to the user interface (e.g., to notify the user that the reservoir is not present). Such an implementation may avoid unnecessary energy use or damage to the machine since the roasting process is only performed when the reservoir is present (e.g., coffee beans are present).

[0039] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to provide a notification to the user interface that the roasting process is complete. By notifying the user that the roasting process has been completed, they may collect the freshly roasted coffee and / or provide instructions to perform another roasting process.

[0040] In an embodiment, the system includes a delivery system that includes an outlet container for receiving the roasted coffee beans from the roasting unit. The outlet container may hold a plurality of doses of roasted coffee beans such that it does not need to be replaced for each dose.

[0041] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to determine whether the outlet container is present and, if so, perform the roasting process, including dispensing the roasted coffee beans into the outlet container.

[0042] In an embodiment, if the outlet container is not determined to be present, the roasting process may not be performed. In an embodiment, if the outlet container is not determined to be present, the roasting process may be performed but does not include the step of dispensing the roasted coffee beans into the outlet container (the step may be subsequently performed once the outlet container is detected). The electrical circuit may alternatively or additionally provide a notification to the user interface (e.g., to notify the user that the outlet container is not present). Such an implementation may avoid unnecessary energy use or damage to the machine since the roasting process is only performed when the outlet container is present to receive the roasted coffee beans.

[0043] In an embodiment, the electrical circuit is configured to determine the filling condition of the outlet container (e.g., the absence of roasted coffee beans or the presence of less than or greater than a predetermined amount, such as one or more doses), and if the filling condition is met, perform or not perform the roasting process.

[0044] By determining a first filling condition in the case of the presence of less than a specific amount of roasted coffee beans in the outlet container and then automatically performing the roasting process, the outlet container can hold a partial amount of roasted coffee beans so that there is no shortage.

[0045] By determining a second filling condition in the case of the presence of more than a specific amount of roasted coffee beans in the outlet container and then automatically preventing further execution of the roasting process, the outlet container can hold a partial amount of roasted coffee beans so that there is no overfilling.

[0046] The present disclosure provides a method for roasting coffee beans. The method can implement the features of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method includes: automatically controlling a processing unit (e.g., using an electrical circuit) to automatically perform a series of roasting processes in which the predetermined dose of coffee beans is roasted such that a plurality of predetermined doses of coffee beans are roasted in sequence.

[0047] These methods can be implemented as part of a method for making a beverage in which a grinding unit grinds the roasted coffee beans and a ground coffee processing unit processes the ground coffee beans to extract a beverage therefrom.

[0048] The present disclosure provides a computer-readable medium including program code that can be executable on one or more processors to implement the method of any of the foregoing embodiments or another embodiment disclosed herein.

[0049] The electrical circuit or the computer-readable medium can include program code (e.g., including instructions) for causing the processing unit to execute the method.

[0050] To provide a basic understanding of the various aspects of the subject matter described herein, the above Summary has been provided to summarize some embodiments. Accordingly, the above features are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting in any way the scope or essence of the subject matter described herein. Additionally, the above and / or foregoing embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner to provide additional embodiments. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, the Drawings, and the Claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The various aspects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements.

[0052] Figure 1 is a system block diagram showing an embodiment system for roasting coffee beans.

[0053] Figure 2 is showing Figure 1 a system block diagram of an embodiment machine of the system.

[0054] Figure 3 is showing Figure 2 a system block diagram of an embodiment processing unit of the machine.

[0055] Figure 3 is showing Figure 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of the machine.

[0056] Figures 5 to 7 is showing Figure 3 corresponding side perspective view, side cross-sectional view, and top cross-sectional view of an embodiment metering system of the machine.

[0057] Figure 8 and Figure 9 are showing Figure 3 corresponding top perspective view and side cross-sectional view of an embodiment roasting unit of the machine.

[0058] Figures 10 to 12 is showing Figure 8 and Figure 9 in corresponding metering, roasting, and extraction configurations, a top view and top perspective view of the roasting unit of.

[0059] Figure 13 is showing Figure 2 a schematic diagram of an embodiment air transfer system of the machine.

[0060] Figure 14 is showing Figure 1 a system block diagram of an embodiment electrical circuit of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Before describing several embodiments of the system, it should be understood that the system is not limited to the details of the construction or process steps mentioned in the following detailed description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure that the system is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways.

[0062] The present disclosure can be better understood in view of the following explanations:

[0063] As used herein, the term "machine" may refer to an electrically operated device that can perform a roasting process on green coffee beans to obtain roasted coffee beans therefrom. The machine may implement the process through one or more of the following processes: heating; pressurizing; collision between coffee beans; stirring the coffee beans to improve the uniformity of heat transferred to the coffee beans. The dimensions of the machine may be set for use on a workbench. For example, the length, width, and height of the machine may be less than 70 cm. The machine may be configured to operate on a mains AC power supply (e.g., 110v to 240v, 40hz to 70hz). The machine may be capable of being moved by a single user. For example, it is less than 10 kg.

[0064] As used herein, the term "green coffee beans" may refer to natural raw coffee beans that may have undergone some processing such as fermentation or drying or partial roasting / pre-roasting. As used herein, the term "roasted coffee beans" may refer to coffee beans that have undergone a roasting process such that they are distinguishable from green coffee beans in terms of their chemical and physical appearance. For example, their color ranges from light to medium, medium-dark, and dark brown, and their moisture content is reduced.

[0065] As used herein, the term "roasting process" may refer to a process of subjecting green coffee beans to a temperature (e.g., 150°C to 250°C) and optionally colliding with other coffee beans as part of an endothermic and / or exothermic process to obtain roasted coffee beans.

[0066] As used herein, the term "predetermined" or "dose" may refer to a preset fixed mass (e.g., 100g or 150g or 200g or any of the foregoing ±20% or 40% or any amount from 100g to 200g), volume, or quantity of coffee beans in either green or roasted form. The dose may be one of a number of different fixed amounts that a user can select as a pre-determined quantity. For example, it may not be the amount of coffee beans present in a reservoir (e.g., unless this precisely corresponds to the dose). It is intended to refer to an amount that is independent of the amount of coffee beans in the reservoir (e.g., unless there is less than a certain dose present in the reservoir).

[0067] As used herein, the term "external device" or "external electronic device" or "peripheral device" may include electronic components external to the machine, such as those located in the same location as the machine or those remote from the machine, which communicate with the machine via a computer network). The external device may include a communication interface for communicating with the machine and / or a server system. The external device may include devices such as: smart phones; PDAs; video game controllers; tablets; laptops; or other similar devices.

[0068] As used herein, the term "server system" may refer to electronic components external to a machine, such as those located at a position remote from the machine, which communicate with the machine via a computer network. The server system may include a communication interface for communicating with the machine and / or external devices. The server system may include: a network-based computer (e.g., a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.

[0069] As used herein, the term "system" or "roasting system" may refer to a combination of a roasting machine and one or more of the following: coffee beans; a server system; and peripheral devices.

[0070] As used herein, the term "electrical circuit" or "circuit" or "control electrical circuit" may refer to one or more hardware and / or software components, examples of which may include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); electronic / electrical components (which may include a combination of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.); one or more processors; non-transitory memory (e.g., implemented by one or more memory devices) that may store one or more software or firmware programs; combinational logic circuits; interconnections of the foregoing. The electrical circuit may be entirely located at the machine or distributed among one or more of the following: the machine; external devices; the server system.

[0071] As used herein, the term "processor" or "processing resource" may refer to one or more units for processing, examples of which include ASICs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), state machines, or other suitable components. The processor may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g., the computer program may be in the form of machine-readable instructions that may be stored in non-transitory memory and / or programmable logic. The processor may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuit (e.g., on-board the machine) or distributed as part of a system. As used herein, any machine-executable instructions or computer-readable medium may be configured to cause the disclosed methods to be executed, for example, by the machines or systems disclosed herein, and may thus be used synonymously with the term method or with each other.

[0072] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium / media" or "data storage device" may include any medium capable of storing a computer program and may be in any conventional non-transitory memory form, such as one or more of the following: random access memory (RAM); CD; hard disk drive; solid state drive; memory card; DVD. The memory may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuit.

[0073] As used herein, the terms "communication resource" or "communication interface" may refer to hardware and / or firmware for the transfer of electronic information. The communication resource / interface may be configured for wired communication ("wired communication resource / interface") or wireless communication ("wireless communication resource / interface"). The wireless communication resource may include hardware for transmitting and receiving signals via radio, and may include various protocol implementations, e.g., the 802.11 standard described in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Bluetooth from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland, Wash. TM ; Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations. The machine may include a communication resource for wired or wireless communication with external devices and / or server systems.

[0074] As used herein, the terms "network" or "computer network" may refer to a system for the transfer of electronic information between multiple devices / apparatuses. The network may include, for example, any type of one or more networks, which may include: Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); telephone network (e.g., Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and / or wireless network); Local Area Network (LAN); Metropolitan Area Network (MAN); Wide Area Network (WAN); Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network; private network; Internet; intranet.

[0075] [General system description]

[0076] Reference Figure 1 , system 2 includes machine 4, coffee beans 6, server system 8, and peripheral device 10. Server system 8 communicates with machine 4 via computer network 12. Peripheral device 10 communicates with machine 4 via computer network 12.

[0077] In an unillustrated variant embodiment: the peripheral device and / or server system is omitted.

[0078] Although computer network 12 is illustrated as being the same between machine 4, server system 8, and peripheral device 10, other configurations are possible, including: different computer networks for the mutual communication between each device: the server system communicates with the machine via the peripheral device (rather than directly). In a specific example: the peripheral device communicates with the machine via a wireless interface (e.g., using the Bluetooth TM protocol); and the server system communicates with the machine via a wireless interface (e.g., using the IEEE 802.11 standard), and also via the Internet.

[0079] [Machine]

[0080] Reference Figure 2, the machine 4 includes: a processing unit 20 configured to perform a roasting process in which loose unroasted coffee beans 6 are processed to obtain a predetermined dose of roasted coffee beans (not illustrated) therefrom; and an electrical circuit 22 configured to control the processing unit 20 to perform the roasting process.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 , the processing unit 20 of the machine 4 includes: a metering system 24 configured to extract a predetermined dose of unroasted coffee beans from a loose batch of multiple doses of unroasted coffee beans 6; a roasting unit 26 configured to receive and roast the predetermined dose of unroasted coffee beans; an air transfer system 28 configured to transfer heated air for roasting the coffee beans to the roasting unit 26; and a delivery system 30 configured to deliver a predetermined dose of roasted coffee beans from the roasting unit 26.

[0082] The metering system 24, the roasting unit 26, the air transfer system 28 and the delivery system 30 are connected to or form part of the machine body.

[0083] Figure 4 An example machine 4 assembly including the above components (except for the top cover and the metering system 24 not illustrated) is shown; Figures 5 to 7 A compatible metering system 24 is shown; Figure 8 And Figure 9 The roasting unit 26 is shown in more detail, and Figure 13 The air transfer system 28 is shown.

[0084] The machine 4 has a global depth direction 100, a longitudinal direction 102 and a lateral direction 104, and these directions will be referred to when describing the machine 4 and its components. In use, the depth direction 100 is aligned with the vertical direction.

[0085] [Quantitative feeding system]

[0086] Reference Figures 5 to 7 , a first example of the metering system 24 includes a reservoir 36 and a metering unit 34. The metering unit 34 is arranged to extract a predetermined dose of coffee beans (not illustrated) from a plurality of loose doses of coffee beans in the reservoir 36 and transfer the predetermined dose of coffee beans to the roasting unit 26.

[0087] The metering unit 34 includes a positioning system 40 configured to guide the coffee beans in the reservoir 36 to a dispensing unit 42 which obtains a predetermined dose of coffee beans from the positioned coffee beans.

[0088] In this example, the positioning system 40 includes a funnel arrangement within the reservoir 36. Thus, the positioning system 40 can be separate from the machine body 32 having the reservoir 36. The funnel is arranged to narrow towards the base of the reservoir 36 in the transverse direction 104 and the longitudinal direction 102 relative to the depth direction 100. The base of the reservoir 36 includes a reservoir outlet 48, which is also positioned proximal to the dispensing unit 42 to direct the positioned coffee beans to the dispensing unit.

[0089] In a non-illustrated variant embodiment, the positioning system is formed separately from the reservoir. For example, the reservoir has an outlet that couples the coffee beans to the positioning system, and the positioning system is formed with or removably coupled to the dispensing unit, etc.; the positioning system may also be omitted. For example, the reservoir is formed as an elongated column that feeds directly onto the dispensing system.

[0090] The dispensing unit 42 is arranged as a rotating member 44 having a cutout portion 46. An actuator unit (not illustrated) drives the rotating member 44 to rotate about an axis extending in the depth direction 100. The outlets 48 of the positioning unit 42 periodically align with the cutout portion 46 as they rotate, at which point the coffee beans in the funnel of the reservoir 36 can be transferred under gravity as a dispensed amount into the cutout portion 46. As the rotating member 44 further rotates, the dispensed coffee beans are rotationally dragged to the metering system outlet 50. When the cutout portion 46 is aligned with the metering system outlet 50, the coffee beans in the cutout portion 46 can be transferred under gravity as a dispensed amount into the roasting unit 26, as will be discussed. The base wall 52 of the metering unit 34 prevents the coffee beans from exiting at locations other than the metering system outlet 50. One or more cutout portions 46 can be used to define a single predetermined dose of coffee beans. For example, a predetermined dose of coffee beans can have different fixed amounts to correspond to one or more cutout portions 46 (such as can be programmed in the electrical circuit 22), including as a user input to the user interface that can be selected as will be discussed.

[0091] In a non-illustrated variant embodiment, an alternative metering system is implemented. For example: in the example embodiment, the described dispensing unit is replaced by an auger or counter-rotating rollers that rotate for a predetermined amount of time or otherwise define a predetermined dose of coffee beans; such systems can also be implemented without a positioning unit (such as an auger extending directly into the reservoir); a predetermined container that individually holds a predetermined dose of coffee beans can also be accommodated by the metering system, which extracts the dose from the container, for example, by opening the container and dispensing the dose from the container. Such systems can also have a number of fixed dose amounts that the user can select.

[0092] The coffee bean reservoir 36 and / or the metering unit 34 can be removably attached to the body 32 of the machine 4 and / or to each other. In a variant embodiment not shown, one or more of the components are integrally formed with each other.

[0093] [Baking unit]

[0094] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 and, the roasting unit 26 includes a roasting chamber 60 for roasting a predetermined dose of coffee beans supplied by the metering system 24. The roasting chamber 60 is shaped cylindrically and has a side wall 62 between a top wall 64 and a bottom wall 66. The cylindrical shape is arranged to be used with a cylindrical axis in the depth direction 100, where the bottom wall 66 is at a greater depth than the top wall 64.

[0095] In a variant embodiment not shown, the roasting chamber is alternatively shaped, for example, it is cubic or frustoconical or frustopyramidal.

[0096] The roasting chamber 60 is sized to accommodate a predetermined dose of coffee beans at an occupancy rate of 10% to 50% or 15% to 30% of its internal volume. The internal volume can be 0.1 liters to 0.9 liters or 0.25 liters to 0.75 liters or approximately 0.5 liters. A large proportion of the unoccupied volume allows the coffee beans to move within the roasting chamber 60 during roasting so that the coffee beans collide with each other in the case where air passes over the coffee beans, which may result in the removal and transportation of the skin / outer layer of the coffee beans as debris from the roasting chamber 60 by the air, as will be discussed.

[0097] The roasting unit 26 includes a roasting chamber inlet 68 that is arranged to pass through the top wall 64 to cooperate with the dose outlet 50 of the metering system 24, so that the roasting chamber 60 can receive a predetermined dose of coffee beans. The roasting unit 26 includes a roasting chamber outlet 70 that is arranged to pass through the side wall 62 to discharge the roasted coffee beans, as will be discussed.

[0098] Thus, the roasting chamber inlet 68 is arranged above the roasting chamber outlet 70 with respect to the depth direction 100. In this way, the roasted product can flow through the roasting chamber 60 with the assistance of gravity without the need to extract the roasted product from the body 32 of the machine 4, as will be discussed.

[0099] The roasting chamber inlet 68 can be in an open position ( Figure 10 ) and a closed position ( Figure 8 , Figure 11 , Figure 12) move between. In the closed position, the roasting chamber inlet 68 blocks air (including the debris that may be present in the air) from the air transfer system 28 and the transfer of coffee beans through the roasting chamber inlet 68. In the open position, the roasting chamber inlet 68 enables the transfer of coffee beans therethrough.

[0100] The roasting chamber inlet 68 is formed as an inlet hole 72 in the top wall 64, and this inlet hole rotates around the side wall 62 as an end cap. In the open position, the inlet hole 72 is aligned with the dosing outlet 50 of the metering system 24. In the closed position, the inlet hole 72 is not aligned with the dosing outlet 50, such that the base wall 52 of the metering system 24 closes the inlet hole 72.

[0101] An actuator unit (not illustrated) drives the roasting chamber inlet 68 between the open position and the closed position by rotating the end cap.

[0102] In an unillustrated variant embodiment, the roasting chamber inlet is alternatively implemented, for example: instead of a rotating end cap, the top wall and the side wall are integrally formed, and a closing member moves relative to the inlet hole in the wall to achieve the open position and the closed position; the roasting chamber inlet is formed in the side wall; the roasting chamber inlet is arranged as a hatch that pivots between the open position and the closed position as for the roasting chamber outlet.

[0103] The roasting chamber outlet 70 can move between the open position ( Figure 9 ) and the closed position ( Figure 8 ). In the closed position, the roasting chamber outlet 70 blocks air (including the debris that may be present in the air) from the air transfer system 28 and the transfer of coffee beans through the roasting chamber outlet 70. In the open position, the roasting chamber outlet 70 enables the transfer of coffee beans therethrough.

[0104] The roasting chamber outlet 70 is formed as an outlet hole 74 in the side wall 62 and a hatch 76 that pivots around an axis aligned with the depth direction 100. In the open position, the hatch 76 is separated from the outlet hole 74. In the closed position, the hatch 76 closes the outlet hole 74. The outlet hole 74 is located proximal to the bottom wall 66 but is separated therefrom in the depth direction 100.

[0105] An actuator unit (not illustrated) drives the roasting chamber outlet 70 between the open position and the closed position by rotating the hatch 76.

[0106] In an unillustrated variant embodiment, the roasting chamber outlet is alternatively implemented, for example: instead of a rotating hatch, it is the same as the roasting chamber inlet or any of the variants discussed, including a ring with a hole that aligns with the outlet hole in a first rotational position and closes the outlet hole in a second rotational position.

[0107] The roasting unit 26 includes an air inlet 80 which is arranged to transfer air from the air transfer system 28 to the roasting chamber 60. The roasting unit 26 includes an air outlet 82 which is used to discharge the exhaust air from the air transfer system 28 and the debris from the roasting chamber 60. The air inlet 80 and the air outlet 82 implement a part of the flow path 84 which extends through a predetermined dose of coffee beans in the roasting chamber 60, as will be discussed.

[0108] The air outlet 82 is arranged as a plurality of outlet holes 84 which are circumferentially distributed in the side wall 62 which is proximal to but separated from the top wall 64. The end cap forming the top wall 64 includes corresponding outlet holes 86. The outlet holes 84, 86 are aligned (or at least partially aligned in the open position or semi-open position as will be discussed) or are completely misaligned in the closed position.

[0109] Accordingly, the air outlet 82 is capable of moving between an open position ( Figure 8 ) and a closed position ( Figure 9 ). In the closed position, the air outlet 82 blocks the air from the air transfer system 28 from leaving the roasting chamber 60; in the open position, the air outlet 82 enables the air from the air transfer system 28 to leave the roasting chamber 60.

[0110] An actuator unit (not illustrated) drives the air outlet 82 between the open position and the closed position by rotating the end cap. Since the end cap actuates the roasting chamber inlet 68 and the air outlet 82, it is a common member that can be driven by the same actuator.

[0111] In a non-illustrated variant embodiment: the air outlet may alternatively be arranged, including the examples and variants discussed for the roasting chamber inlet (for example, it may be on the top wall); there may be no open position and closed position; the air outlet may be permanently in the open position; the air outlet may have a single outlet hole; the air inlet and the air outlet may be integrated, for example, one flow path is used for two different flow directions in sequence, and a bleed / release valve is used for pressure equalization.

[0112] The air inlet 80 is arranged as a plurality of inlet holes 88 which are circumferentially distributed in the side wall 62 which is proximal to but separated from the bottom wall 66.

[0113] In a non-illustrated variant embodiment, the air inlet is arranged for the air outlet and its associated variants, for example, in addition to or instead of the flow outlet, it may include a closed position and an open position; both the air inlet and the air outlet are in the side wall such that the flow path extends through the dose of coffee beans in the transverse direction and / or the longitudinal direction (opposite to the substantially depth direction in the illustrated example).

[0114] Both the air inlet and / or the air outlet can more generally be referred to as a flow regulator for the processing chamber, which has an open position and a closed position to control the flow therethrough. The associated components of the roasting unit can have any suitable operating arrangement. For example, the flow regulator, the roasting chamber inlet, and the roasting chamber outlet do not need to be integrally formed with the roasting chamber, and they can be distributed anywhere on the machine. For example, the roasting chamber inlet can be arranged on the metering system, and the flow regulator can be elsewhere in the flow path (as will be discussed).

[0115] [Configuration of the baking chamber]

[0116] In an embodiment, the roasting unit 26 can be configured to have one or more of the following configurations:

[0117] Metering configuration ( Figure 10 ), in which the roasting chamber inlet 68 is arranged in the open position and the roasting chamber outlet 70 is arranged in the closed position. In this way, the coffee beans can enter the roasting chamber 60 from the metering system 24 for roasting without escaping through the roasting chamber outlet 70. The air outlet 82 can be arranged in the closed position. In this way, the coffee beans can be prevented from escaping through the air outlet.

[0118] Roasting configuration ( Figure 11 ), in which the roasting chamber inlet 68 and the roasting chamber outlet 70 are arranged in the closed position and the air outlet 82 is arranged in the open position. In this way, air can be transmitted through the flow path to roast the coffee beans, and air and / or coffee beans will not escape through the roasting chamber outlet 70 or the roasting chamber inlet 68.

[0119] Extraction configuration ( Figure 12 ), in which the roasting chamber outlet 70 is arranged in the open position. The air outlet 82 is arranged in a partially open position to control / force air to flow through the roasting chamber outlet 70, thereby helping to eject the coffee beans through the roasting chamber outlet 70. In this position, the roasting chamber inlet 68 can be arranged in the closed position to prevent the roasted coffee beans from leaving through the roasting chamber inlet 68.

[0120] The roasting unit 26 is controlled by an electrical circuit 22 between the positions (as will be discussed). The electrical circuit 22 also controls the metering unit 24 to transfer a predetermined dose of coffee beans to the roasting chamber 60 when the roasting unit 26 is in the metering configuration.

[0121] The coffee bean roaster 4 is configured with a roasting unit 26 that does not need to be removed from the machine 4 (e.g., other components of the machine and / or components of the main body 32 of the machine) as part of the roasting process.

[0122] That is, without removing the roasting chamber 60, the electrical circuit 22 is configured to control the processing unit 20 to automatically perform a roasting process that includes obtaining a predetermined dose of coffee beans, roasting the predetermined dose of coffee beans, and dispensing the predetermined dose of coffee beans. In the illustrated example, this includes the electrical circuit 22 controlling the metering system 24 to meter a roasting unit 26 with a predetermined dose of coffee beans, and controlling the roasting unit 26 to move between a metering configuration, a roasting configuration, and an extraction configuration in an automated manner, with corresponding control of the air transfer system 28 as will be discussed.

[0123] Accordingly, it should be understood that the machine 4 is configured to not remove the required roasting chamber 60 that is part of the roasting process. Although the machine 4 is not limited to the roasting chamber 60, it cannot be removed for purposes such as cleaning or replacement.

[0124] [Air transmission system]

[0125] Reference Figure 13 , the air transfer system 28 includes: a flow generator 90 for generating an air flow; a heat exchanger 92 for heating the air; and a filtration unit 94 for filtering materials (e.g., debris from coffee beans) and / or gases (e.g., gases that are by-products of the roasting process and may have a specific odor) from the air after the air has passed through the roasting chamber 60.

[0126] The flow generator 90 is implemented as a fan or other suitable system for generating flow in a flow path. The heat exchanger 92 heats the air flow from the flow generator 90 and includes a heating element disposed in the flow path or other suitable system. The filtration unit filters the materials from the air by means of a cyclone filtration system or other suitable system (e.g., a built-in filter through which air can permeate but the materials / gases cannot).

[0127] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 13 , the flow path 96 includes: a flow path inlet 98; a flow generator 90; a heat exchanger 92; an air inlet 80 of the roasting unit 26?; an air outlet 82 of the roasted unit 60 of the coffee and the predetermined dose of coffee beans in the roasting chamber 60; a filtration unit 94 and a flow path outlet 100. The flow path 96 and the flow generator 90 are configured to be able to provide a sufficient flow rate to agitate / move the coffee beans into each other in the roasting chamber 60.

[0128] In an unillustrated variant embodiment, the air transfer system is alternatively arranged. For example, the flow generator is arranged downstream of the roasting chamber and operates by suction. Other suitable arrangements of the components of the air transfer system should also be understood to be included in the present disclosure. In other examples, the roasting chamber roasts the coffee beans by other means (including a hot plate without an air transfer system).

[0129] [Delivery system]

[0130] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 8 , the delivery system 30 is arranged to transfer the roasted coffee beans through the roasting chamber outlet 70 of the roasting unit to the outlet container 38. When the roasting unit 26 is in the extraction configuration ( Figure 12 ) previously discussed, the flow path 96 of the air transfer system 28 is modified to divert from the air outlet 82 to the roasting chamber outlet 70 such that the flow path transports the roasted coffee beans from the roasting chamber 60 through the roasting chamber outlet 70 and to the outlet container 38. For the modified flow path, the air does not need to be heated by the heat exchanger 92. A conduit (not illustrated) may interconnect the roasting chamber outlet 70 and the outlet container 38.

[0131] In an unillustrated variant embodiment, other delivery systems may be implemented. For example, a hatch at the base of the roasting chamber, which is arranged above the outlet container; and other systems that may not require extracting air from the air transfer system.

[0132] [Control electrical circuit]

[0133] Reference Figure 14 , the electrical circuit 22 at least partially implements (e.g., in combination with hardware): an input unit / user interface 110 that receives inputs from a user to confirm that the machine 4 will perform a roasting process and other inputs (as will be discussed); a processor 112 that receives inputs from the input unit 110 and provides control outputs to the processing unit 20; and a feedback system 114 that provides feedback to the processing unit 20 during the roasting process, which can be used to control the roasting process.

[0134] As previously discussed, the electrical circuit 22 may be distributed above the system 2 (e.g., on one or more of the machine 4, the server system 8, and the peripheral device 10). Thus, one or more of the following: the input unit 110; the processor 112; and the feedback system 114 may also be distributed in this manner.

[0135] The input unit 110 is implemented as a user interface, which may include one or more of the following: buttons, such as joystick buttons or push buttons; a joystick; an LED; a graphic or character LDC; a graphic screen with touch sensing and / or screen edge buttons; other similar devices; a sensor for determining whether a consumable has been supplied by a user to the machine.

[0136] The feedback system 114 may implement one or more of the following or other feedback control-based operations:

[0137] One or more flow sensors or fan speed sensors for determining the flow rate / volume of air passing through the flow path 96, which can be used to ensure that the flow rate of air to the baking chamber 60 is at a target flow rate and thus adjust the power to the flow generator 90.

[0138] One or more temperature sensors for determining the temperature of one or more of the following: the baking chamber 60; the air in the flow path 96; the heat exchanger 92, which can be used to ensure that the temperature of the air to the baking chamber 60 is at a target temperature and thus adjust the power to the heat exchanger 92 and / or the flow generator 90.

[0139] One or more position sensors for determining the position (e.g., open, half-open, or closed) of one or more of the following: the air outlet 82; the baking chamber inlet 68; the baking chamber outlet 70.

[0140] One or more level sensors for determining the level or presence of coffee beans in one or more of the following: the reservoir 36; the outlet container 38; the baking chamber 60.

[0141] [Method for baking coffee beans]

[0142] A method of roasting coffee beans includes the following steps:

[0143] Step 1: Extract a predetermined dose of coffee beans from the reservoir 36 using the metering and feeding system 24. The electrical circuit 22 controls the metering and feeding system 24 to extract the predetermined dose of coffee beans as discussed above.

[0144] Step 2: Transfer the predetermined dose of coffee beans from the metering and feeding system 24 to the roasting unit 26. The electrical circuit 22 controls the roasting unit 26 to be arranged in the metering and feeding configuration as discussed above.

[0145] Step 3: Roast a predetermined dose of coffee beans using the roasting unit 26. The electrical circuit 22 controls the roasting unit 26 to be arranged in the roasting configuration as discussed above, and controls the air supply system 28 to apply heated air to the flow path 96 in the manner as discussed above.

[0146] Step 4: Transfer the roasted predetermined dose of coffee beans from the roasting unit 26 to the outlet container 38. The electrical circuit 22 controls the roasting unit 26 to be arranged in the extraction configuration as discussed above, and controls the air supply system 28 to apply air to the modified flow path to assist the ejection as discussed above.

[0147] Before step 1, the reservoir 36 can be filled with multiple doses of loose unroasted coffee beans. This step can include emptying one or more containers (e.g., packages) into the reservoir 36. The container can include a code that is read by the code reader 120 ( Figure 4 ) of the electrical circuit 22, and the code reader provides parameters to the processor 112 used in the roasting process. The parameters can be one or more of the following: the temperature of the roasting process (e.g., for air or the roasting chamber or the heat exchanger); the time of the roasting process (e.g., the time during which heated air is applied or the time in the roasting chamber); the air flow rate (e.g., the power applied to the flow generator 92); and the stage of the process for which one or more of the parameters are applied, where the roasting process includes multiple consecutive stages. Alternatively, default parameters or user-selected parameters input via the user interface 110 can be used.

[0148] [Method for baking subsequent doses of coffee beans]

[0149] Since the machine 4 can perform the roasting process (which includes obtaining a predetermined dose of coffee beans from loose coffee beans (or otherwise), roasting the predetermined dose of coffee beans, and dispensing the roasted predetermined dose of coffee beans to the outlet) in a fully automatic manner under the control of the electrical circuit 22, the electrical circuit 22 can be used to perform the method as previously discussed, which is configured to control the processing unit 20 to automatically (without user intervention) perform a series of subsequent roasting processes such that subsequent multiple predetermined doses of coffee beans are roasted in sequence.

[0150] The fully automatic roasting process opens up a wide range of control options for the machine 4, which can be indicated by the user via the user interface 110:

[0151] Example 1: - Input time to automatically execute the baking process

[0152] The user interface 110 is configured to provide the time to perform one or more roasting processes as an instruction. For example, the user can input via the user interface 110 the time when there is expected to be high demand for coffee, including in the morning or at noon.

[0153] Example 2: - Input frequency to automatically execute the baking process

[0154] The user interface 110 is configured to provide the execution frequency of the baking process as an instruction. For example, the user can input a predetermined quantity via the user interface 110, including 1 to 10 or 1 to 5 per hour, or other time periods including 12 hours or the whole day.

[0155] The first embodiment and the second embodiment can be combined to have a baking process with a first frequency within a first predetermined time period, and a second frequency within a different second predetermined time period, and so on.

[0156] Example 3: - Input a certain amount of coffee beans to be baked

[0157] The user interface 110 is configured to provide an amount as an instruction. For example, the user can input an amount in grams or the quantity of coffee beans for a predetermined dose to be baked via the user interface 110. The instruction can also be to bake all the coffee beans in the reservoir 36 in a sequential baking process until the reservoir 36 is depleted.

[0158] One or more checks / notifications can be provided as part of the baking process (including the first to third embodiments), and the embodiments include:

[0159] Example 1 - Determine whether there are enough coffee beans in the reservoir

[0160] The electrical circuit 22 is configured to determine whether there is enough coffee beans in the reservoir 36 for the extraction of a predetermined quantity of doses by the metering unit 34, and the predetermined quantity of doses can be one or more doses. The quantity of coffee beans in the reservoir 36 can be determined by a level sensor, and the level sensor includes an optical sensor or other suitable sensors.

[0161] If there is not enough coffee beans in the reservoir to extract the predetermined quantity of doses, the electrical circuit may not execute the baking process, or may only execute multiple baking processes for the doses present in the reservoir.

[0162] The electrical circuit 22 can alternatively or additionally provide a notification to the user interface 110 to notify the user that the doses present in the reservoir are not enough to execute the instruction.

[0163] Example 2 - Presence of the reservoir

[0164] The electrical circuit 22 is configured to determine whether the reservoir 36 exists. The existence of the reservoir 36 can be determined by a proximity sensor, and the proximity sensor includes an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or other suitable sensors.

[0165] If reservoir 36 is determined to be present, the baking process may be executed. If reservoir 36 is not determined to be present, the baking process may not be executed.

[0166] The electrical circuit 22 may alternatively or additionally provide a notification to the user interface 110 that reservoir 36 is not present.

[0167] Example 3 - Notification of completion of the baking process

[0168] The electrical circuit 22 is configured to provide a notification of completion of the baking process to the user interface 110, for example, once the dispensing system 30 has finished dispensing a predetermined dose of coffee beans into the outlet container 38 or after the baking in the baking chamber 60 has been completed or at another suitable step during the baking process.

[0169] Example 4 - Presence of the outlet container

[0170] The electrical circuit 22 is configured to determine whether the outlet container 38 is present. The presence of the outlet container 38 may be determined by a proximity sensor, which includes an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or other suitable sensors.

[0171] If the outlet container 38 is determined to be present, the baking process may be executed, including step 4 (transferring the predetermined dose of roasted coffee beans from the roasting unit 26 to the outlet container 38). If the outlet container 38 is not determined to be present, the baking process may not be executed. Alternatively, if the outlet container 38 is not determined to be present, the baking process may be executed, however step 4 may not be performed, such that the predetermined dose of roasted coffee beans remains in the roasting unit 26. Once the outlet container 38 is determined to be present, step 4 may be executed.

[0172] The electrical circuit 22 may alternatively or additionally provide a notification to the user interface 110 that the outlet container 38 is not present.

[0173] Example 5 - Filling conditions of the outlet container

[0174] The electrical circuit 22 is configured to determine the filling condition of the outlet container 38. The filling condition in the outlet container 38 may be determined by a level sensor, which includes an optical sensor or a weight sensor or other suitable sensors.

[0175] In a first variant, the first filling condition may be that there are no roasted coffee beans in the outlet container 38 or there is a quantity of roasted coffee beans less than a predetermined amount (e.g., one or more doses).

[0176] If the first filling condition is met, the electrical circuit 22 automatically performs the roasting process. In this way, it can be ensured that there is always a minimum amount of coffee beans in the outlet container 38 to avoid shortages. If the first filling condition is not met, the roasting process may not be performed.

[0177] In a second variant, the second filling condition may be that there is a quantity of roasted coffee beans in the outlet container 38 that is greater than a predetermined amount.

[0178] If the filling condition is met, the electrical circuit 22 may not perform the roasting process. In this way, it is ensured that the outlet container 38 is not overfilled.

[0179] The filling condition can be set by the user interface 110.

[0180] The above method can be implemented as part of a method for making a beverage, in which a grinding unit grinds the roasted coffee beans and a processing unit processes the ground coffee beans to extract a beverage therefrom.

[0181] As used in this specification, any statement for the style “at least one of A, B, or C” and the statement “at least one of A, B, and C” use the separate “or” and the separate “and” such that these statements include any and all combinations and several permutations of A, B, C, that is, A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B in any order, A and C in any order, B and C in any order, and A, B, C in any order. More or fewer than three features may be used in such statements.

[0182] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. Further, as used herein, the term “a” or “an” is defined as one or more than one. Additionally, when introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” are used in the claims, it should not be understood that any other claim element introduced by the indefinite article “a” or “an” will limit such introduced claim element to including only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase “one or more” or “at least one” and the indefinite article such as “a” or “an”. The same applies to the use of the definite article. Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish the elements so described. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to denote a temporal or other priority of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are stated in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0183] Unless otherwise expressly specified as incompatible, or the physics or other aspects of the embodiments, examples or claims prevent such combinations, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples and the following claims may be combined in any suitable permutation, especially where doing so has beneficial effects. This is not limited to any particular beneficial effect, but may result from "after-the-fact" beneficial effects. That is, the combination of features is not limited by the forms described, especially not by the forms (e.g., numbering) of one or more examples, one or more embodiments or one or more dependent claims. In addition, this also applies to phrases such as "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", etc., which are merely matters of style of wording and should not be construed as limiting the following features to a single embodiment, but apply to all other cases with the same or similar wording. That is, the mention of "one", "a" or "some" embodiments may refer to any one or more and / or all of the disclosed embodiments or combinations thereof. Similarly, the mention of "the" embodiment may not be limited to the previous embodiment.

[0184] As used herein, any machine-executable instructions or computer-readable media can execute the methods disclosed herein and can thus be used synonymously with the term method or used interchangeably with each other.

[0185] The foregoing description of one or more specific embodiments provides illustration and explanation, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, or may be obtained from practice of the various specific embodiments of this disclosure.

[0186] List of markings

[0187] 2 System

[0188] 4 Machine

[0189] 20 Processing Unit

[0190] 24 Quantitative Feeding System

[0191] 34 Quantitative Feeding Unit

[0192] 40 Positioning Unit

[0193] 48 Reservoir Outlet

[0194] 42 Material Distribution Unit

[0195] 44 Rotating Member

[0196] 46 Notch Portion

[0197] 52 Base Wall

[0198] 50 Dose Outlet

[0199] 36 Storage

[0200] 26 Baking Unit

[0201] 60 Baking Chamber

[0202] 62 Side Wall

[0203] 64 Top Wall

[0204] 66 Bottom Wall

[0205] 68 Baking Chamber Entrance

[0206] 72 Entrance Hole

[0207] 70 Baking Chamber Exit

[0208] 74 Exit Hole

[0209] 76 Hatch

[0210] 80 Air Inlet

[0211] 88 Entrance Hole

[0212] 82 Air Outlet

[0213] 84, 86 Exit Holes

[0214] 28 Air Transmission System

[0215] 90 Flow Generator

[0216] 92 Heat Exchanger

[0217] 94 Filter Unit

[0218] 96 Flow Path

[0219] 98 Flow Path Inlet

[0220] 100 Flow Path Inlet

[0221] 30 Delivery System

[0222] 38 Exit Container

[0223] 22 Electrical Circuit

[0224] 110 Input Unit

[0225] 112 Processing Unit

[0226] 114 Feedback System

[0227] 32 Main Body

[0228] 6 Coffee Beans

[0229] 8 Server System

[0230] 10 Peripheral Devices

Claims

1. A coffee bean roaster, the coffee bean roaster comprising: A roasting unit having a roasting chamber for roasting a certain dose of coffee beans; And A metering and feeding system including a metering and feeding unit and a coffee bean storage container for accommodating a plurality of doses of coffee beans, Wherein the metering and feeding unit is arranged to extract a predetermined dose of coffee beans from the plurality of doses of coffee beans in the storage container and transfer the predetermined dose of coffee beans to the roasting unit, Wherein the roasting unit includes: a roasting chamber inlet arranged to cooperate with the dose outlet of the metering and feeding unit; and a separate roasting chamber outlet for discharging roasted coffee beans, Wherein the roasting chamber inlet is movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position, the roasting chamber inlet blocks air from the air transfer system and / or coffee beans passing through it, and in the open position, the roasting chamber inlet enables coffee beans to be transferred from the dose outlet of the metering and feeding system through the roasting chamber inlet to the roasting chamber, Wherein the roasting chamber outlet is movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position, the roasting chamber outlet blocks air from the air transfer system and / or coffee beans passing through it, and in the open position, the roasting chamber outlet enables coffee beans to be transferred through the roasting chamber outlet, Wherein the roasting unit includes: an air inlet arranged to transfer air from the air transfer system to the roasting chamber; and a separate air outlet for discharging exhaust air from the air transfer system and materials from the roasting chamber, Wherein the air outlet is movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position, the air inlet and outlet blocks air from the air transfer system from leaving the roasting chamber, and in the open position, the air inlet and outlet enables air from the air transfer system to leave the roasting chamber, Wherein the roasting unit can be configured to have one or more of the following configurations: A roasting configuration in which the roasting chamber inlet and the roasting chamber outlet are arranged in the closed position and the air outlet is arranged in the open position; A metering and feeding configuration in which the roasting chamber inlet is arranged in the open position and the roasting chamber outlet is arranged in the closed position and the air outlet is arranged in the closed position; An extraction configuration in which the roasting chamber outlet is arranged in the open position and the air inlet is arranged in the open position.

2. The coffee bean roaster according to claim 1, wherein the internal volume of the roasting chamber of the roasting unit is 0.25 liters to 0.75 liters, and the predetermined dose of coffee beans extracted by the metering and feeding unit is 100 g to 200 g of unroasted coffee beans.

3. The coffee bean roaster according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metering and feeding system includes a positioning system for guiding the coffee beans in the reservoir to a dosing unit to separate the predetermined dose of coffee beans from the positioned coffee beans.

4. The coffee bean roaster according to claim 3, wherein the dosing unit is arranged to transfer the received dose to a dose outlet of the metering and feeding system.

5. The coffee bean roaster according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the metering and feeding system includes an actuator unit arranged to actuate the dosing unit.

6. The coffee bean roaster according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The coffee bean reservoir and / or the metering and feeding unit can be removably attached to the coffee bean roaster.

7. The coffee bean roaster according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coffee bean roaster is configured with the roasting unit which does not need to be removed from the machine as part of the roasting process.

8. The coffee bean roaster according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roasting chamber inlet is arranged above the roasting chamber outlet.

9. The coffee bean roaster according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet and the air outlet define a flow path of the air of the air transfer system, the flow path being arranged to extend through a predetermined dose of coffee beans in the roasting chamber, and wherein the air outlet is arranged above the air inlet.

10. The coffee bean roaster according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air outlet and the roasting chamber inlet are moved between an associated open position and a closed position by actuating a common member.

11. The coffee bean roaster according to claim 10, wherein the metering and feeding system is arranged to transfer the predetermined dose of coffee beans to the roasting chamber when the roasting unit is in the metering and feeding configuration.

12. The coffee bean roaster according to any one of the preceding claims, the coffee bean roaster including an air transfer system for delivering air for the roasting process along a flow path, the air transfer system including: A flow generator; A heat exchanger for heating the air; And A filtration unit for filtering materials from the air, The flow path including an air inlet and an air outlet of the roasting chamber.

13. The coffee bean roaster according to any one of the preceding claims, the coffee bean roaster including a delivery system arranged to transfer the roasted coffee beans through the roasting chamber outlet to an outlet container.

14. A method of roasting coffee beans using the coffee bean roaster according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Extracting a predetermined dose of coffee beans from a reservoir configured to hold a plurality of doses of coffee beans using an automatic metering and feeding system; Transferring the predetermined dose of coffee beans to a roasting unit using the automatic metering and feeding system; Roasting the predetermined dose of coffee beans using the roasting unit; And Transferring the roasted predetermined dose of coffee beans from the roasting unit to an outlet.

15. A coffee roasting system, the coffee roasting system comprising a roasting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and further comprising: A processing unit having a roasting chamber for roasting a predetermined dose of coffee beans; An electrical circuit for controlling the processing unit to perform a roasting process, during which the predetermined dose of coffee beans is roasted, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to control the processing unit to automatically perform a series of roasting processes such that a plurality of predetermined doses of coffee beans are roasted in sequence.

16. A method of roasting coffee beans using the coffee roasting system according to claim 15, the method comprising: Automatically controlling a processing system to automatically perform a series of roasting processes during which the predetermined dose of coffee beans is roasted such that a plurality of predetermined doses of coffee beans are roasted in sequence.

17. A computer-readable medium comprising program code for implementing the method according to claim 16.

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