Suggested coffee bean grind size for a beverage machine

Abstract

Various illustrative systems, devices, and methods for a beverage machine (e.g., a drip coffee maker, an espresso machine, etc.) are provided. In an example embodiment, an espresso machine is configured to brew and dispense espresso. In an example embodiment, the espresso machine is configured to determine a recommended coffee bean grind size for a beverage (e.g., espresso or a concentrated pour-over beverage) selected by a user, and provide the recommended coffee bean grind size to the user.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 622,442, filed January 18, 2024, entitled “Espresso Machine”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 627,571, filed January 31, 2024, entitled “Recommended Coffee Bean Grind Size for Beverage Machine”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to recommended coffee bean grind sizes for use in beverage machines. Background Technology

[0004] Various systems and methods for brewing beverages such as coffee or tea are known. These systems typically include drip brewing systems or French press systems. In a drip brewing system, hot water is poured through coffee grounds and into a glass bottle. In a French press system, coffee grounds and water are mixed in a container, and a water-permeable stopper is pressed into the container from above to trap the ground coffee at the bottom of the container.

[0005] Existing beverage brewing systems capable of brewing espresso may include a grinder for grinding coffee beans. Grind size (grind level) is a factor affecting espresso quality. Baristas typically adjust the grind size to achieve optimal espresso based on one or more other factors. These factors include the espresso beverage size (liquid volume), the roast type of the coffee beans (dark, medium, etc.), the age of the coffee beans (freshness), and the type of coffee beans (Arabica, Robusta, etc.). Baristas often adjust the grind size daily because even a day's aging of coffee beans can affect espresso quality. However, even for trained baristas, accurately adjusting the grind size to achieve optimal espresso can be challenging because accurately assessing the relevant variables when selecting a grind size can be difficult. For untrained users of home espresso machines, adjusting the grind size to achieve optimal espresso is even more challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In general, systems, apparatus and methods are provided for beverage machines (e.g., coffee machines, espresso machines, etc.).

[0007] In one aspect, a system for recommending coffee bean grind size is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes an espresso machine comprising a grinder, a user interface, a controller, and a memory. The grinder is configured to grind coffee beans. The user interface is configured to receive user input selecting an espresso beverage for formation and dispensing from the espresso machine. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations, including determining a recommended grind size for the coffee beans based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for the selected espresso beverage and based on the grind size and brewing time of the last espresso beverage formed and dispensed by the espresso machine.

[0008] The system can vary in any number of ways. For example, one or more operations may also include providing a recommended grind size to the user via a user interface. Furthermore, the user interface may be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, and may provide the recommended grind size via the user interface before receiving such user input. Additionally, the espresso machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0009] For example, an espresso machine may also include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by a user to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground. Furthermore, the grind size adjustment mechanism may include a rotatable wheel operatively coupled to the grinder. Additionally, the espresso machine may include a gear train operatively coupled to the wheel and the grinder, the grinder including an outer grinding disc and an inner grinding disc defining a space therebetween where the coffee beans are configured to be ground, and rotation of the wheel may be configured to adjust the size of this space, thereby adjusting the grind size. Furthermore, rotation of the wheel may be configured to cause rotation of the gears in the gear train, thereby moving the outer grinding disc relative to the inner grinding disc, and / or the espresso machine may also include an encoder operatively coupled to a controller and the gear train, and configured to transmit a signal to the controller indicating the current grind size setting of the grinder.

[0010] In yet another example, the user interface can be configured to receive user input requesting a recommended grinding size, and the determination of the recommended grinding size can be configured to occur in response to receiving user input requesting a recommended grinding size.

[0011] For example, the user interface can be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, and the determination of the recommended grind size can be configured to occur automatically in response to receiving user input requesting to begin.

[0012] For example, one or more operations may also include forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, and storing the grind size and brewing time of the formed and dispensed espresso beverage. Furthermore, the user interface may be configured to receive second user input selecting a second espresso beverage for forming and dispensing from the espresso machine, and one or more operations may also include determining a second recommended grind size for the coffee beans based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for the selected second espresso beverage and based on the stored grind size and brewing time.

[0013] In yet another example, one or more operations may further include forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage; one or more operations may further include providing a recommended grind size to a user via a user interface before forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage; the user interface may be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage; and the recommended grind size may be provided via the user interface before receiving user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage. Furthermore, the espresso machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0014] For example, an espresso machine may also include a hopper configured to store coffee beans, and a grinder configured to receive coffee beans from the hopper.

[0015] In another embodiment, the system for recommending coffee bean grind size includes a controller and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations, including determining a recommended grind size for coffee beans to be ground by the grinder of the espresso machine based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for an espresso beverage selected by a user via the espresso machine's user interface and based on the grind size and brewing time of the last espresso beverage formed and dispensed by the espresso machine.

[0016] The system can have any number of variations. For example, one or more operations may also include providing a recommended grind size to the user via a user interface. Furthermore, the user interface may be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, and may provide the recommended grind size via the user interface before receiving such user input. Additionally, the espresso machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0017] For example, an espresso machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to a grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by a user to adjust the grind size of coffee beans to be ground by the grinder; the espresso machine may include an encoder operatively coupled to the grind size adjustment mechanism and a controller; and one or more operations may also include receiving a signal from the encoder indicating the current grind size setting of the grinder.

[0018] In another example, an espresso machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to a grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by a user to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder. Furthermore, the grind size adjustment mechanism may include a rotatable wheel operatively coupled to the grinder. Additionally, the espresso machine may include a gear train operatively coupled to the wheel and the grinder, which may include an outer grinding disc and an inner grinding disc defining a space therebetween where the coffee beans to be ground are configured to reside, and rotation of the wheel may be configured to adjust the size of this space, thereby adjusting the grind size. Furthermore, rotation of the wheel may be configured to cause rotation of gears in the gear train, thereby moving the outer grinding disc relative to the inner grinding disc, and / or the espresso machine may also include an encoder operatively coupled to a controller and the gear train, and configured to transmit a signal to the controller indicating the current grind size setting of the grinder.

[0019] In yet another example, the user interface can be configured to receive user input requesting a recommended grinding size, and the determination of the recommended grinding size can be configured to occur in response to receiving user input requesting a recommended grinding size.

[0020] For example, the user interface can be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, and the determination of the recommended grind size can be configured to occur automatically in response to receiving user input requesting to begin.

[0021] For example, one or more operations may also include forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, and storing the grind size and brewing time of the formed and dispensed espresso beverage. Furthermore, one or more operations may also include determining a second recommended grind size for the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder of the espresso machine based on a second predetermined optimal brewing time for a second espresso beverage selected by the user via the espresso machine's user interface and based on the stored grind size and brewing time.

[0022] In yet another example, one or more operations may further include forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage; one or more operations may further include providing a recommended grind size to a user via a user interface before forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage; the user interface may be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage; and the recommended grind size may be provided via the user interface before receiving user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage. Furthermore, the espresso machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0023] For example, an espresso machine may also include a hopper configured to store coffee beans, and a grinder configured to receive coffee beans from the hopper.

[0024] In another aspect, a system is provided that, in one embodiment, includes a beverage machine comprising a grinder, a user interface, a controller, and a memory. The grinder is configured to grind coffee beans. The user interface is configured to receive user input selecting a beverage for formation and dispensing from the beverage machine. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations, including determining a recommended grind size for the coffee beans based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for the selected beverage and based on the grind size and brewing time of the final beverage formed and dispensed by the beverage machine.

[0025] The system can vary in any number of ways. For example, one or more operations may also include providing a recommended grind size to the user via a user interface. Furthermore, the user interface may be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing a selected beverage, and the recommended grind size may be provided via the user interface before receiving such user input. Additionally, the beverage machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after the recommended grind size is provided and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0026] For example, the beverage machine may also include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground. Furthermore, the grind size adjustment mechanism may include a rotatable wheel operatively coupled to the grinder. Additionally, the beverage machine may include a gear train operatively coupled to the wheel and the grinder, the grinder including an outer grinding disc and an inner grinding disc defining a space between them where the coffee beans to be ground are configured to reside, and rotation of the wheel may be configured to adjust the size of the space, thereby adjusting the grind size. Furthermore, rotation of the wheel may be configured to cause rotation of the gears in the gear train, thereby moving the outer grinding disc relative to the inner grinding disc, and / or the beverage machine may also include an encoder operatively coupled to the controller and the gear train, and configured to transmit a signal to the controller indicating the current grind size setting of the grinder.

[0027] In yet another example, the user interface can be configured to receive user input requesting a recommended grinding size, and the determination of the recommended grinding size can be configured to occur in response to receiving user input requesting a recommended grinding size.

[0028] For example, the user interface can be configured to receive user input to begin forming and assigning a beverage selection, and the determination of the recommended grind size can be configured to occur automatically in response to receiving user input to begin forming.

[0029] For example, one or more operations may also include forming and dispensing the selected beverage, and storing the grind size and brewing time of the formed and dispensed beverage. Furthermore, the user interface may be configured to receive a second user input selecting a second beverage for forming and dispensing from the beverage machine, and one or more operations may also include determining a second recommended grind size for the coffee beans based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for the selected second beverage and based on the stored grind size and brewing time.

[0030] In yet another example, one or more operations may further include forming and dispensing the selected beverage; one or more operations may further include providing a recommended grind size to a user via a user interface before forming and dispensing the selected beverage; the user interface may be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage; and the recommended grind size may be provided via the user interface before receiving user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage. Furthermore, the beverage machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0031] For example, an espresso machine may also include a hopper configured to store coffee beans, and a grinder configured to receive coffee beans from the hopper.

[0032] In yet another example, a beverage machine could be a coffee machine.

[0033] For example, a beverage machine could be an espresso machine.

[0034] In another embodiment, the system includes a controller and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations, including determining a recommended grind size for coffee beans to be ground by the grinder of the beverage machine based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for a beverage selected by a user via the beverage machine's user interface and based on the grind size and brewing time of the final beverage formed and dispensed by the beverage machine.

[0035] The system can have any number of variations. For example, one or more operations may also include providing a recommended grind size to the user via a user interface. Furthermore, the user interface may be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing a selected beverage, and the recommended grind size may be provided via the user interface before receiving such user input. Additionally, the beverage machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after the recommended grind size is provided and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing a selected beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0036] For example, the beverage machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to a grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by a user to adjust the grind size of coffee beans to be ground by the grinder; the beverage machine may include an encoder operatively coupled to the grind size adjustment mechanism and the controller; and one or more operations may also include receiving a signal from the encoder indicating the current grind size setting of the grinder.

[0037] In another example, the beverage machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to a grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by a user to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder. Furthermore, the grind size adjustment mechanism may include a rotatable wheel operatively coupled to the grinder. Additionally, the beverage machine may include a gear train operatively coupled to the wheel and the grinder, which may include an outer grinding disc and an inner grinding disc defining a space therebetween where the coffee beans to be ground are configured to reside, and rotation of the wheel may be configured to adjust the size of this space, thereby adjusting the grind size. Furthermore, rotation of the wheel may be configured to cause rotation of the gears in the gear train, thereby moving the outer grinding disc relative to the inner grinding disc, and / or the beverage machine may also include an encoder operatively coupled to a controller and the gear train, and configured to transmit a signal to the controller indicating the current grind size setting of the grinder.

[0038] In yet another example, the user interface can be configured to receive user input requesting a recommended grinding size, and the determination of the recommended grinding size can be configured to occur in response to receiving user input requesting a recommended grinding size.

[0039] For example, the user interface can be configured to receive user input to begin forming and assigning a beverage selection, and the determination of the recommended grind size can be configured to occur automatically in response to receiving user input to begin forming.

[0040] For example, one or more operations may also include forming and dispensing the selected beverage, and storing the grind size and brewing time of the formed and dispensed beverage. Furthermore, one or more operations may also include determining a second recommended grind size for coffee beans to be ground by the grinder of the beverage machine based on a second predetermined optimal brewing time for a second beverage selected by the user via the beverage machine's user interface and based on the stored grind size and brewing time.

[0041] In yet another example, one or more operations may further include forming and dispensing the selected beverage; one or more operations may further include providing a recommended grind size to a user via a user interface before forming and dispensing the selected beverage; the user interface may be configured to receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage; and the recommended grind size may be provided via the user interface before receiving user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage. Furthermore, the beverage machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0042] For example, a beverage machine may also include a hopper configured to store coffee beans, and a grinder configured to receive coffee beans from the hopper.

[0043] In yet another example, a beverage machine could be a coffee machine.

[0044] For example, a beverage machine could be an espresso machine.

[0045] On the other hand, a method is provided that, in one embodiment, may include using any of the coffee bean grind sizes recommended by the aforementioned system. The method can have any number of variations.

[0046] On the other hand, a method for recommending coffee bean grind size is provided, which in one embodiment includes an espresso machine determining a recommended grind size of coffee beans based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for a selected espresso beverage and based on the grind size and brewing time of the last espresso beverage formed and dispensed by the espresso machine. The espresso machine includes a grinder, a user interface, a controller, and a memory. The grinder grinds the coffee beans. The user interface receives user input selecting an espresso beverage for formation and dispensing from the espresso machine. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations, including determining the recommended grind size.

[0047] The method can vary in any number of ways. For example, the method may also include providing a recommended grind size to the user via a user interface. Furthermore, the user interface may receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, and may provide the recommended grind size via the user interface before receiving such user input. Additionally, the espresso machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0048] For example, an espresso machine may also include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by a user to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground. Furthermore, the grind size adjustment mechanism may include a rotatable wheel operatively coupled to the grinder. Additionally, the espresso machine may include a gear train operatively coupled to the wheel and the grinder, the grinder including an outer and inner grinding disc defining a space between them where the coffee beans to be ground are configured to reside, and rotation of the wheel may be configured to adjust the size of this space, thereby adjusting the grind size. Furthermore, rotation of the wheel may be configured to cause rotation of the gears in the gear train, thereby moving the outer grinding disc relative to the inner grinding disc, and / or the espresso machine may also include an encoder operatively coupled to the controller and the gear train, transmitting a signal indicating the current grind size setting of the grinder to the controller.

[0049] In another example, the user interface can receive user input requesting a recommended grinding size, and the determination of the recommended grinding size can occur in response to receiving user input requesting a recommended grinding size.

[0050] For example, the user interface can receive user input requesting to start forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, and the determination of the recommended grind size can occur automatically in response to receiving user input requesting to start.

[0051] For example, the method may also include forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage, and storing the grind size and brewing time of the formed and dispensed espresso beverage. Furthermore, the user interface may receive second user input selecting a second espresso beverage for forming and dispensing from the espresso machine, and the method may further include determining a second recommended grind size for the coffee beans based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for the selected second espresso beverage and based on the stored grind size and brewing time.

[0052] In another example, the method may further include forming and dispensing a selected espresso beverage; the method may further include providing a recommended grind size to a user via a user interface before forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage; the user interface may receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage; and the recommended grind size may be provided via the user interface before receiving user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage. Furthermore, the espresso machine may also include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing the selected espresso beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0053] For example, an espresso machine may also include a hopper configured to store coffee beans, and a grinder configured to receive coffee beans from the hopper.

[0054] In another aspect, a method is provided, in one embodiment of which includes a beverage machine determining a recommended grind size for coffee beans based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for a selected beverage and based on the grind size and brewing time of the final beverage formed and dispensed by the beverage machine. The beverage machine includes a grinder, a user interface, a controller, and a memory. The grinder grinds the coffee beans. The user interface receives user input selecting a beverage for formation and dispensing from the beverage machine. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations, including determining the recommended grind size.

[0055] The method can vary in any number of ways. For example, the method may also include providing a recommended grind size to the user via a user interface. Furthermore, the user interface may receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing a selected beverage, and may provide the recommended grind size via the user interface before receiving such user input. Additionally, the beverage machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0056] For example, the beverage machine may also include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground. Furthermore, the grind size adjustment mechanism may include a rotatable wheel operatively coupled to the grinder. Additionally, the beverage machine may include a gear train operatively coupled to the wheel and the grinder, which may include an outer grinding disc and an inner grinding disc defining a space between them where the coffee beans to be ground are configured to reside, and rotation of the wheel may be configured to adjust the size of this space, thereby adjusting the grind size. Furthermore, rotation of the wheel may be configured to cause rotation of the gears in the gear train, thereby moving the outer grinding disc relative to the inner grinding disc, and / or the espresso machine may also include an encoder operatively coupled to the controller and the gear train, and transmitting a signal indicating the current grind size setting of the grinder to the controller.

[0057] In another example, the user interface can receive user input requesting a recommended grinding size, and the determination of the recommended grinding size can occur in response to receiving user input requesting a recommended grinding size.

[0058] For example, the user interface can receive user input requesting to start forming and dispensing a selected beverage, and the determination of the recommended grind size can occur automatically in response to receiving user input requesting to start.

[0059] For example, the method may also include forming and dispensing the selected beverage, and storing the grind size and brewing time of the formed and dispensed beverage. Furthermore, the user interface may receive a second user input selecting a second beverage for forming and dispensing from the beverage machine, and the method may also include determining a second recommended grind size for coffee beans based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for the selected second beverage and based on the stored grind size and brewing time.

[0060] In another example, the method may further include forming and dispensing the selected beverage; the method may further include providing a recommended grind size to a user via a user interface before forming and dispensing the selected beverage; the user interface may receive user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage; and the recommended grind size may be provided via the user interface before receiving user input requesting to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage. Furthermore, the beverage machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after providing the recommended grind size and before the user inputs a request to begin forming and dispensing the selected beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

[0061] For example, a beverage machine may also include a hopper configured to store coffee beans, and a grinder configured to receive coffee beans from the hopper.

[0062] In yet another example, a beverage machine could be a coffee machine.

[0063] For example, a beverage machine could be an espresso machine. Attached Figure Description

[0064] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of one implementation of an espresso machine;

[0066] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of another part of an espresso machine;

[0067] Figure 2A This is a view of one implementation of the user interface for an espresso machine;

[0068] Figure 2B This is a view of another implementation of the user interface for an espresso machine;

[0069] Figure 3A This is a 3D diagram of one implementation scheme for an espresso machine;

[0070] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Another 3D view of an espresso machine;

[0071] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Another 3D image of an espresso machine;

[0072] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A Another 3D image of an espresso machine;

[0073] Figure 3E yes Figure 3A Another perspective view of an espresso machine, showing the water reservoir being removed from the espresso machine;

[0074] Figure 3F yes Figures 3A-3D An exploded view of the water reservoir of an espresso machine;

[0075] Figure 3G yes Figures 3A-3D A cross-sectional perspective view of the water reservoir of an espresso machine;

[0076] Figure 3H yes Figures 3A-3D A cross-sectional rear view of an espresso machine;

[0077] Figure 3I yes Figures 3A-3D A front view of an espresso machine, with the removable tray removed from the espresso machine;

[0078] Figure 3J yes Figures 3A-3D A 3D diagram of an espresso machine, in which the milk collection container is not mounted on the base of the espresso machine;

[0079] Figure 3K It is located at the base of the milk collection container of the espresso machine. Figures 3A-3E A perspective view of one embodiment of the milk collection container shown in the figure;

[0080] Figure 3L yes Figure 3K A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a milk container;

[0081] Figure 3M yes Figure 3K A partial sectional perspective view of the milk container;

[0082] Figure 3N yes Figures 3A-3D A cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a milk collection container and a portion of an espresso machine;

[0083] Figure 3O yes Figure 3K Another sectional perspective view of the milk collection container;

[0084] Figure 3P yes Figures 3A-3D A partial 3D view of an espresso machine;

[0085] Figure 3Q yes Figures 3A-3D A partial 3D view of an espresso machine, showing the hopper being removed from the espresso machine;

[0086] Figure 3R yes Figures 3A-3D An exploded view of the hopper of an espresso machine;

[0087] Figure 3S yes Figures 3A-3D A 3D diagram of the hopper of an espresso machine;

[0088] Figure 3T yes Figures 3A-3D A sectional perspective view of a portion of an espresso machine;

[0089] Figure 3U yes Figures 3A-3D Another sectional perspective view of a part of an espresso machine;

[0090] Figure 3V yes Figures 3A-3D A 3D diagram of the stand for an espresso machine;

[0091] Figure 3W yes Figures 3A-3D A 3D diagram of the gears of an espresso machine;

[0092] Figure 3X yes Figures 3A-3D A 3D view of the portafilter of an espresso machine;

[0093] Figure 3Y yes Figure 3X Another perspective view of the handle filter;

[0094] Figure 3Z yes Figures 3A-3D A 3D diagram of an espresso machine, in which... Figure 3X and 3Y Remove the handle filter from it;

[0095] Figure 3AA It's connected to the espresso machine. Figure 3B and 3C A perspective view of one embodiment of the powder accelerator shown in the figure;

[0096] Figure 3BB yes Figure 3AA A sectional perspective view of the powder press;

[0097] Figure 3CC yes Figures 3A-3D A 3D diagram of an espresso machine, in which... Figure 3AA and 3BB Remove the tamper from the espresso machine;

[0098] Figure 3DD yes Figure 3CC A 3D view of a part of an espresso machine;

[0099] Figure 3EE yes Figures 3A-3D A 3D view of a part of an espresso machine;

[0100] Figure 3FF It is a 3D diagram of a funnel;

[0101] Figure 3GG It is a 3D diagram of one implementation scheme for the basketball.

[0102] Figure 3HH This is a three-dimensional diagram of another possible implementation scheme for the basket;

[0103] Figure 3II This is a 3D diagram of another proposed solution for the basketball.

[0104] Figure 4AThis is a flowchart of one implementation of a method using an espresso machine, the espresso machine being configured to recommend a grind size for grinding coffee beans via the grinder of the espresso machine;

[0105] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A flowchart of an implementation scheme as part of the method;

[0106] Figure 5A This is one implementation scheme for plotting a curve of grinding size versus brewing time;

[0107] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A The optimal grinding size is determined from the curve graph;

[0108] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of another implementation scheme for an espresso machine;

[0109] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Another 3D view of an espresso machine;

[0110] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A Another 3D image of an espresso machine;

[0111] Figure 6D yes Figure 6A A 3D view of the basket storage area of ​​an espresso machine;

[0112] Figure 6E yes Figure 6A A 3D view of a part of an espresso machine;

[0113] Figure 6F yes Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of a part of an espresso machine;

[0114] Figure 6G yes Figure 6A Another cross-sectional view of a part of an espresso machine;

[0115] Figure 6H yes Figure 6A Another cross-sectional view of a part of an espresso machine;

[0116] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of another implementation scheme for an espresso machine;

[0117] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A 3D view of a part of an espresso machine;

[0118] Figure 7C yes Figure 7AA 3D view of a portion of an espresso machine, with the hopper lid removed;

[0119] Figure 7D yes Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of a portion of an espresso machine; and

[0120] Figure 7E yes Figure 7A Another 3D view of a part of an espresso machine;

[0121] Figure 7F It is configured to be removably linked to Figure 7A A partial transparent view of a portion of the reservoir of an espresso machine;

[0122] Figure 7G yes Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the steam fryer arm of an espresso machine;

[0123] Figure 7H It is configured to be removably connected to Figure 7A A 3D view of a portion of the drip tray of an espresso machine;

[0124] Figure 7I yes Figure 7H A three-dimensional view of another part of the drip tray; and

[0125] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of one implementation of a method using an espresso machine, which determines the grind size for grinding coffee beans through the grinder of the espresso machine. Detailed Implementation

[0126] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses, systems, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0127] Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in different embodiments generally have similar features; therefore, in a particular embodiment, the features of components with similar names are not necessarily fully described. Additionally, if linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, apparatus, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometry.

[0128] Various illustrative systems, apparatuses, and methods for beverage machines (e.g., coffee machines, espresso machines, etc.) are provided. In exemplary embodiments, an espresso machine causes the brewing and dispensing of espresso. In exemplary embodiments, the espresso machine is configured to determine a recommended coffee bean grind size for a beverage (e.g., espresso or espresso pour-over) selected by a user and provide the user with the recommended coffee bean grind size. Therefore, the espresso machine can help ensure that espresso is brewed optimally for the best user experience, regardless of the user's training or experience in brewing espresso. However, the user does not need to accept the espresso machine's recommended grind size. The espresso machine can therefore provide the user with control that allows them to make their own decisions regarding the grind size, which may be desirable for some users, such as those trained in espresso brewing and / or with ample experience in espresso brewing. Therefore, this subject matter addresses the need for improved apparatuses, systems, and methods for operating beverage machines.

[0129] The systems, apparatus, and methods described herein are not limited to espresso machines that include a grinder. An espresso machine is one example of an apparatus to which the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein are applicable. The systems, apparatus, and methods described herein are also applicable to other types of apparatus that include grinders configured to grind coffee beans, such as stand-alone grinders and non-espresso coffee brewing devices (e.g., coffee machines). In some embodiments, the espresso machine is configured to also brew non-espresso coffee beverages, such as drip coffee drinks. In other embodiments, the espresso machine is not configured to brew non-espresso coffee beverages, such as drip coffee drinks.

[0130] Figure 1AAn embodiment of an espresso machine 100 configured to brew and dispense espresso 102 is illustrated. The espresso machine 100 is also configured to brew and dispense sprover-style beverages (espresso pour overs). In this illustrated embodiment, the espresso machine 100 is further configured to froth milk 104, for example, for adding to the brewed espresso or other food or beverage. The milk may be dairy milk or may be a non-dairy milk substitute, such as soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or other substitutes. In this illustrated embodiment, the espresso machine 100 is also configured to dispense water 106, for example, for brewing tea, making cocoa, or for other purposes.

[0131] Espresso machine 100 includes a housing configured to house the various components of espresso machine 100. Figure 1A (Not shown in the image). The housing includes a base configured to be positioned on a support surface, such as a table.

[0132] Espresso machine 100 includes a water reservoir (also referred to herein as a "reservoir," "tank," or "water tank") 108 configured to store water therein. Reservoir 108 is configured to be refillable by a user. In some embodiments, reservoir 108 is non-removably attached to the housing, which simplifies the manufacture of espresso machine 100. In other embodiments, reservoir 108 is removably attached to the housing, which can facilitate cleaning reservoir 108 and / or facilitate refilling of reservoir 108, as the user can take reservoir 108 to a water tank, move reservoir 108 to a location more convenient for refilling than its current location on espresso machine 100, etc. In the embodiment illustrated in this figure, reservoir 108 is removably attached to the housing.

[0133] The espresso machine 100 includes a heating system 110 configured to heat water supplied from a water reservoir 108. Water stored in the reservoir 108 is configured to exit from the reservoir 108 to a reservoir well 114 via an outlet valve 112. Each of the outlet valve 112 and the reservoir well 114 may also include a filter, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The outlet valve 112 of the reservoir is configured to automatically open when the reservoir 108 is attached to the housing and to automatically close when the reservoir 108 is removed from the housing. Therefore, the outlet valve 112 is configured to prevent any water from flowing out of the reservoir 108 when the reservoir 108 is not attached to the housing (outlet valve 112 closed), and to allow any water from the reservoir 108 to flow out of the reservoir 108 to make espresso, steam, or hot water when the reservoir 108 is attached to the housing (outlet valve 112 open). The reservoir recess 114 is configured as a water filter to capture any particles before they reach the first flow meter 122.

[0134] The espresso machine 100 includes a pumping system 116 configured to pump water from a reservoir 108 to a heating system 110. The pumping system 116 includes a fluid pump 118 and a pump thermal switch (TS) 120. In the illustrated embodiment, pump 118 is a vibratory pump, but another type of pump can be used. Pump TS 120 is configured to turn on and prevent pump 118 from operating if pump 118 heats up to a temperature above a threshold.

[0135] A first flow meter 122 is arranged in the fluid path between the reservoir 108 and the pumping system 116 (e.g., its pump 118). The first flow meter 122 is configured to measure the amount of water flowing through it. The first flow meter 122 is operatively coupled to the controller of the espresso machine 100. Figure 1A (Not shown in the image). The controller is configured to control the pump 118 based on the water volume measured by the first flow meter 122, such that a desired amount of water is supplied to and heated by the heating system 110, as discussed further below. The controller is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory of the espresso machine 100 and may be, for example, a processor, microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the espresso machine 100 includes a printed circuit board (PCB). Figure 1A (Not shown in the image), it includes a controller, memory, and other electronic components.

[0136] The espresso machine 100 includes a pressure reducing valve (PRV) 124 located downstream of the pumping system 116 and upstream of the heating system 110. The PRV 124 is configured to open automatically at a predetermined pressure. In some aspects, by opening automatically at the predetermined pressure, the PRV 124 can make the brewing system described herein more tolerant of excessively fine abrasives, thereby improving beverage quality. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined pressure is 9 bar, but it can be another pressure amount, and in some embodiments, it can be adjusted by the user. The PRV 124 is configured as a safety mechanism to prevent water pressure from increasing by opening when the water pressure reaches the predetermined pressure. As in the illustrated embodiment, a T-connector can be positioned in the flow path between the pump 118 and the PRV 124 to allow fluid to flow to the heating system 110 (PRV 124 closed) or to flow in a return channel to the PRV 124 (PRV 124 open).

[0137] With PRV 124 open, water is configured to flow from pumping system 116 (e.g., its pump 118) through PRV 124 and to a second flow meter located downstream of PRV 124. Figure 1A The second flow meter 126 is designated as "flow meter B" in some embodiments. In some implementations, the second flow meter 126 is omitted. The second flow meter 126 is configured to measure the volume of water flowing through it, which indicates the return volume. The second flow meter 126 is operatively coupled to the controller of the espresso machine.

[0138] The controller is configured to use measurement data from the second flow meter 126. For example, in some embodiments, the controller is configured to compare the measurement data from the second flow meter 126 with a predetermined volume threshold (e.g., 10 ml or other value) during the brewing of an espresso or espresso pour-over beverage. If the measurement data from the second flow meter 126 is greater than or equal to the predetermined volume threshold, then the coffee powder is too fine, as indicated by a return volume greater than the predetermined volume threshold. In response to determining that the measurement data from the second flow meter 126 is greater than or equal to the predetermined volume threshold, the controller is configured to cause the coffee powder to be too fine via the user interface of the espresso machine 100. Figure 1A (Not shown in the image) Provides an error message to the user indicating that an error has occurred during the brewing of an espresso or espresso pour-over beverage.

[0139] exist Figure 2A The image shows one embodiment of a user interface 128 that can be used as the user interface for an espresso machine. For example... Figure 2AAs shown, the user interface 128 includes a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touchscreen, etc.) configured to display various information to the user. As in the illustrated embodiment, the information on the user interface 128 may include indicators such as: current grind size (in the illustrated embodiment, a numerical value representing the current grind size), recommended grind size (in the illustrated embodiment, a numerical value representing the recommended grind size), grind level (in the illustrated embodiment, a classification from fine to coarse), espresso type (in the illustrated embodiment, single, double, Americano, or quad), beverage size (in the illustrated embodiment, single, double, extra-large (XL)), and brewing type (in the illustrated embodiment, ...). The user interface 128 is configured to receive input from the user, such as pressing the "Start Grinding" button to begin grinding beans at the indicated current grind size, or pressing the "Start Frothing" button to begin frothing milk. The user interface also includes options for classic, rich, iced, or cold brew; beverage volume (8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, or 16 oz in the illustrated embodiment); beverage temperature (175°F, 250°F, or 210°F in the illustrated embodiment); output beverage type (latte, cappuccino, white coffee, cotatro, dairy, non-dairy, macchiato, hot milk, cold foam, and thick foam in the illustrated embodiment); and user instructions (pulling the tamper lever, installing the handle filter, adding beans, installing the hopper, descaling, adding water, installing the pot, and cleaning in the illustrated embodiment).

[0140] Figure 2B Another embodiment of user interface 128a, which can be used as the user interface for an espresso machine, is shown. Figure 2BAs shown, the user interface 128a includes a display configured to show various information to the user. As in the illustrated embodiment, the information on the user interface 128a may include indicators such as: current grind size (in the illustrated embodiment, a numerical value representing the current grind size), recommended grind size (in the illustrated embodiment, a numerical value representing the recommended grind size), espresso machine power status (on or off), espresso type (in the illustrated embodiment, single, double, or quad), beverage size (in the illustrated embodiment, single, double, extra-large (XL)), brewing type (in the illustrated embodiment, classic, strong, iced, specialty, or cold brew), beverage volume (in the illustrated embodiment, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz, or 18oz), frothing selection (in the illustrated embodiment, four frothing level options for hot beverages and one frothing option for cold foam), and user instruction (in the illustrated embodiment, tamping). The user interface 128a is also configured to receive input from the user, such as pressing the "Start Grinding" button to begin grinding beans at the indicated current grind size, pressing the "Grind IQ" button to request a recommended grind size, pressing the "Hot Water" button to select hot water dispensing, pressing the temperature button to select brewing temperature, pressing the "Ounce" button to select beverage volume, pressing the power symbol to turn the espresso machine on / off, pressing the "Milk Type" button to select dairy or non-dairy milk for frothing, or pressing the "Start Frothing" button to begin frothing the milk.

[0141] In some implementations, the user interface of the beverage machine (e.g., Figure 2A User interface 128 Figure 2B The user interface 128a or other user interface is configured to allow the user to input a frothing selection, such as a frothing level option and / or a milk temperature option among multiple milk temperature options, for example, a cold milk frothing option and a frothing level option among multiple hot milk frothing options. Multiple milk temperature options may be presented to the user as temperatures or temperature levels corresponding to those temperatures (e.g., level zero is the lowest possible milk temperature, level N is the highest possible milk temperature, where each level between zero and N increases by one, two, three, or other degrees).

[0142] In some implementations, the user interface of the beverage machine (e.g., Figure 2A User interface 128 Figure 2BThe user interface 128a or other user interface is configured to allow the user to input hard water test results. Any of a variety of hard water tests can be used to test water hardness, such as test strips configured to be inserted into water and change or display a color indicating water hardness. Mineral deposits accumulate in beverage machines (such as those described herein) as water flows through various components used for brewing and / or foaming. Hot water leaves more mineral residue than cold water. A user interface for a beverage machine that allows the user to input hard water test results allows the beverage machine to use the hard water test results to determine when descaling should be performed to clean mineral deposits in the various conduits through which water flows in the beverage machine. Various embodiments of descaling beverage machines are further described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 057664-659001US, filed May 1, 2024, entitled “Descaling Beverage Machine,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0143] In some implementations, the user interface of the beverage machine (e.g., Figure 2A User interface 128 Figure 2B The user interface 128a or other user interface is configured to allow user input to select (or disable) a light mode. In light mode, the beverage machine is configured to reduce the amount of coffee powder intended for the selected espresso beverage by a predetermined percentage. In this way, a "light" version of the espresso beverage is prepared. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined percentage varies depending on the size of the selected espresso beverage (e.g., 6 oz, 8 oz, etc.) such that reducing the amount of coffee beans for a smaller espresso beverage by a smaller percentage compared to a larger espresso beverage results in a smaller espresso beverage that is not too diluted.

[0144] In some implementations, the user interface of the beverage machine (e.g., Figure 2A User interface 128 Figure 2B The user interface 128a or other user interface is configured to allow the user to input the ratio of powder to water. In an embodiment where the beverage machine is configured to prepare espresso, the "powder to water ratio" may be referred to as the "powder to espresso ratio".

[0145] The beverage machine can be configured to allow the user to select one of several predetermined powder-to-water ratios (e.g., two or more of 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, and 3.5:1, or other possible ratios), or to allow the user to input their chosen powder-to-water ratio, or to allow the user to choose between selecting one of several predetermined powder-to-water ratios or inputting their chosen ratio. The beverage machine is configured to use a default powder-to-water ratio when brewing beverages if the user does not input a powder-to-water ratio. Therefore, brewing can occur regardless of whether the user inputs a powder-to-water ratio, which improves the user experience.

[0146] In an exemplary embodiment, the powder-to-water ratio affects how much water is used when brewing a beverage using a given amount of coffee powder. Regardless of the powder-to-water ratio, the power and duty cycle of pump 118 remain the same, as does the amount of powder used for a particular beverage.

[0147] In some implementations, the user interface of the beverage machine (e.g., Figure 2A User interface 128 Figure 2B The user interface 128a or other user interface is configured to allow the user to input a powder setting for espresso pour-over beverages, allowing the user to increase or decrease the amount of powder from the default amount for espresso pour-over beverages. The powder setting can be selected by the user as a powder level (e.g., level zero is the highest possible percentage of powder to be reduced from the default amount, and level N is the highest possible percentage of powder to be increased from the default amount, wherein each level between zero and N increases by one percent, two percent, three percent, or other percentages).

[0148] Refer again Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 includes a separator box 130 located downstream of the PRV 124 and, if present, downstream of the second flow meter 126. Water is thus configured to flow through the PRV 124 to the separator box 130. The separator box 130 is configured to separate steam from water, such that only water exits the separator box 130 to be collected in the drip tray 132 of the espresso machine 130. The separator box 130 includes a separator (… Figure 1A (Not shown in the image), the separator includes multiple ribs. The ribs are configured to allow water to pass through them to the drip tray 132 and collect the condensate formed by steam thereon, so that the condensate can drip from the ribs onto the drip tray 132.

[0149] In some embodiments, the drip tray 132 is removably attached to the housing of the espresso machine 100. Removability of the drip tray 132 from the housing facilitates its emptying and cleaning, as it can be detached from the housing and taken to a sink or other suitable area for emptying and / or cleaning. In other embodiments, the drip tray 132 is non-removably attached to the housing of the espresso machine 100. Non-removability helps prevent loss of the drip tray 132, prevents damage during handling while detached from the housing, and / or prevents leakage from the drip tray 132 due to accidental failure to properly reattach it to the housing by the user. In cases where the drip tray 132 is non-removable from the housing, it includes a valve, a removable plug, or other port configured to open and close, selectively allowing emptying of the drip tray 132 by allowing material collected in it to exit through the open port and remaining in it when the port is closed.

[0150] As described above, with PRV 124 off, pump 118 is configured to pump water to heating system 110. As illustrated in the embodiment, heating system 110 may include heater 134, temperature sensor 136, and thermal circuit breaker (TCO) 138. Heater 134 is configured to heat the water pumped therein by pump 118. In the illustrated embodiment, heater 134 is a 1600W coil boiler, but it could be a coil boiler with a different power rating or a different type of heater.

[0151] Temperature sensor 136 is configured to measure the temperature of heater 134. The temperature of heater 134 is considered to correspond to the temperature of water heated by heater 134. Temperature sensor 136 is configured to measure the temperature of heater 134 by, for example, direct contact with the outer surface of heater 134. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, temperature sensor 136 is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, but another type of temperature sensor can be used.

[0152] Temperature sensor 136 is configured to be operatively coupled to a controller such that sensed temperature data can be transmitted from temperature sensor 136 to the controller. The controller is configured to use the temperature data received from temperature sensor 136 to control at least one function of espresso machine 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to use the temperature data received from temperature sensor 136 to control heater 134 to heat water to a target temperature corresponding to a user beverage selection input by the user via a user interface. In some embodiments, water is always heated to a preset target temperature stored in a memory. In other embodiments, the espresso machine's memory is configured to store different preset target temperatures corresponding to different user beverage selections. For example, in some embodiments, if water is intended for brewing espresso 102, water is always heated to a first preset target temperature; if water is intended for steaming milk 104, water is always heated to a second preset target temperature; and if water is intended for dispensing as hot water 106, water is always heated to a third preset target temperature. Again, for example, in some embodiments, different espresso selections correspond to different preset target temperatures.

[0153] In some embodiments, instead of measuring the temperature of the heater 134, the temperature sensor 136 is configured to measure the temperature of the water heated by the heater 134. For example, the temperature sensor 136 may be located at least partially in the area of ​​the heater 134 where water is contained, and may be configured to directly contact the water in the area of ​​the heater 134 to measure the temperature of the water.

[0154] Thermal fuse 138 is configured to open the electrical path and ensure that heater 134 is shut off if it is overheated for any reason. In the illustrated embodiment, thermal fuse 138 includes two thermal fuses, but another number can be used. For example, in another embodiment, one thermal fuse (TCO) and one thermostatic switch can be used. In this embodiment, the thermostatic switch opens when the TCO disconnects the electrical path and automatically closes if the temperature of heater 134 drops below a threshold.

[0155] Water heated by heater 134 is configured to be selectively used for brewing espresso 102, steaming milk 104, or dispensed as hot water 106. The controller is configured to control the flow path of water in the espresso machine 100, for example, through various conduits (e.g., pipes, tubes, etc.) and other components, so that the water is properly directed for its user-selected purpose.

[0156] Espresso machine 100 includes a first solenoid valve located downstream of heating system 110 and therefore downstream of heater 134. Figure 1A(The solenoid valve is also referred to herein as "the solenoid") 140. Water heated by heater 134 is configured to leave heater 134 and pass through first solenoid valve 140 to flow in one of two flow paths, for the purpose of describing Figure 1A For this purpose, the two flow paths are referred to as the first flow path and the second flow path. Which flow path water travels along depends on which of the outlets 142 and 144 of the first solenoid valve 140 is open. A controller is configured to be operatively coupled to the first solenoid valve 140 to allow the controller to control which of the outlets 142 and 144 of the first solenoid valve is open. The outlets 142 and 144 of the first solenoid valve are configured so that only one is open at a time.

[0157] The first solenoid valve 140 includes a first outlet 142 through which water is configured to flow if the water is intended for distribution of steam for milk steaming 104 or if the water is intended for distribution of hot water 106. The default position of the first outlet 142 of the first solenoid valve is open.

[0158] Espresso machine 100 includes a second solenoid valve (in Figure 1A (Called "Solenoid C") 146, the second solenoid valve 146 is located downstream of the first solenoid valve 140 along a first flow path through the first outlet 142 of the first solenoid valve. Water is configured to flow from the first outlet 142 of the first solenoid valve and through the second solenoid valve 144 to one of the two flow paths, in order to describe Figure 1A For this purpose, the two flow paths are referred to as the third and fourth flow paths. Which flow path the water travels along, the third or the fourth, depends on which of the outlets 148 and 150 of the second solenoid valve 146 is open. The controller is configured to be operatively coupled to the second solenoid valve 146 to allow the controller to control which of the outlets 148 and 150 of the second solenoid valve is open. The outlets 148 and 150 of the second solenoid valve are configured so that only one is open at a time.

[0159] The second solenoid valve 146 includes a first outlet 148 through which water is configured to flow if water is intended to be dispensed as hot water 106. The default position of the first outlet 148 of the second solenoid valve is open.

[0160] Espresso machine 100 includes a third solenoid valve (in Figure 1A Designated as "Solenoid D" 152, the third solenoid valve 152 is located downstream of the second solenoid valve 140 along a third flow path through the first outlet 148 of the second solenoid valve. Water is configured to flow from the first outlet 148 of the second solenoid valve and through the third solenoid valve 152 to one of the two flow paths, in order to describe Figure 1A For this purpose, the two flow paths are referred to as the fifth and sixth flow paths. Which flow path the water travels along, the fifth or the sixth, depends on which of the outlets 154 and 156 of the third solenoid valve 152 is open. The controller is configured to be operatively coupled to the third solenoid valve 152 to allow the controller to control which of the outlets 154 and 156 of the third solenoid valve is open. The outlets 154 and 156 of the third solenoid valve are configured so that only one is open at a time.

[0161] The third solenoid valve 152 includes a first outlet 154 through which water is configured to flow to discharge via the separator housing 130 to the drip tray 132. The default position of the first outlet 154 of the third solenoid valve is open. The default flow path of water from the heater 118 is thus defined by the first, third, and fifth flow paths, such that water flows from the heater 118 to the drip tray 132. The default flow path is configured to allow any residual water to exit the housing and collect in the drip tray 132.

[0162] The third solenoid valve 152 includes a second outlet 156 through which water is configured to flow if water is intended to be dispensed as hot water 106 through the hot water outlet 158 ​​of the espresso machine 100. The default position of the second outlet 156 of the third solenoid valve is closed. The default closure of the second outlet 156 of the third solenoid valve helps prevent any hot water 106 from being dispensed unless the espresso machine 100 is controlled by a controller to do so, for example by opening the second outlet 156 of the third solenoid valve and closing the first outlet 154 of the third solenoid valve.

[0163] Hot water outlet 158 ​​is configured to have a cup or other container positioned below it by a user, into which hot water 106 is dispensed from the hot water outlet 158. In an exemplary embodiment, hot water outlet 158 ​​is positioned above drip tray 132 to allow any water droplets from hot water outlet 158 ​​to be collected in drip tray 132 if the container is not positioned below it. Drip tray 132 may be configured to hold a cup or other container thereon for receiving the dispensed hot water 106.

[0164] Instead of flowing through the first outlet 148 of the second solenoid valve in the third flow path, water can flow through a fourth flow path. The second solenoid valve 146 includes a second outlet 150 through which water is configured to flow if intended for distribution as steam for milk evaporation 104. The default position of the second outlet 150 of the second solenoid valve is closed. The default closed position of the second outlet 150 of the second solenoid valve helps prevent any steam from leaving the steam frother arm 160 of the espresso machine unless the espresso machine 100 is controlled by a controller to do so, for example, by opening the second outlet 150 of the second solenoid valve and closing the first outlet 148. In some aspects, the steam frother arm 160 may include a check valve positioned between the flow path of water for milk evaporation 104 and a vent to the atmosphere. During frothing operation, water heated to a second preset target temperature for milk evaporation 104 can create pressure in the steam frother arm 160, which can act on the check valve to maintain it in the closed position. Once the foaming operation is complete, the pressure of the steam acting on the check valve can decrease, and the air within the steam frother arm 160 can contract, causing the check valve to open and allowing the flow path for the steamed milk 104 to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the air within the steam frother arm 160 contracts, the check valve located in the steam frother arm 160 advantageously prevents the steamed milk 104 from being drawn upwards into the steam frother arm 160 (and further into the system) upon completion of the foaming operation.

[0165] The steam bubbling arm 160 is configured to generate steam and guide the steam to the milk collection container in which the milk is contained. Figure 1A (Not shown in the image). The milk receiving container (also referred to herein as a "milk tank") is configured to be filled with milk by the user and placed below the steam frother arm 160. The milk can be dairy or non-dairy milk, as described above. If desired, the user can also add flavoring agents to the milk tank, such as flavored syrups (caramel, chocolate, or other flavors), salt, or one or more other desired flavoring agents, to flavor the foam to be formed. A mechanical mixer ( Figure 1A (Not shown) Steam is distributed along with air through the milk to form steamed milk 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the outlet opening of the steam frother arm 160 is positioned above the drip tray 132, which allows any water droplets from the steam frother arm 160 to collect in the drip tray 132 if the milk collection container or other container is not positioned below the outlet opening of the steam frother arm 160. The drip tray 132 is therefore configured to hold the milk collection container thereon.

[0166] In some embodiments, the mechanical mixer includes a whisk of an espresso machine 100, the whisk being configured to be at least partially located within and rotate within the milk collection container. The whisk can have various configurations. Embodiments of the whisk are further described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 11,812,892, entitled “Fluid Texturing Device,” issued November 14, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0167] In other embodiments, the mechanical mixer includes a whisk for the milk container, the whisk being configured to be at least partially located within and rotate within the milk container. The whisk for the milk container can have various configurations, such as those described below. Figures 3A-3D The construction of the espresso machine 200 is further discussed.

[0168] Instead of flowing through the first outlet 142 of the first solenoid valve in the first flow path, water can flow in the second flow path. The first solenoid valve 140 includes a second outlet 144 through which water is configured to flow if the water is intended for brewing and dispensing espresso 102. The default position of the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve is closed. Water is configured to flow from the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve into one of the two flow paths, as described in the description... Figure 1A For this purpose, the two flow paths are referred to as the seventh and eighth flow paths. The flow path along which water travels depends on the fourth solenoid valve (in... Figure 1A The controller is configured to operatively connect to the fourth solenoid valve 164 (labeled "Solenoid B") to control the opening / closing state of the fourth solenoid valve's outlet 162. The default position of the fourth solenoid valve's outlet 162 is closed.

[0169] If the outlet 162 of the fourth solenoid valve is open and the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve is open, water is configured to flow from the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve, through the fourth solenoid valve 164, and from the outlet 162 of the fourth solenoid valve, via the separator housing 130 to the drip tray 132. The open outlet 162 of the fourth solenoid valve is therefore configured to allow any residual water to leave the housing and collect in the drip tray 132.

[0170] If the outlet 162 of the fourth solenoid valve is closed and the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve is open, water is configured to flow from the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve to the brewing head 166 of the espresso machine 100. The brewing head 166 includes multiple orifices through which water is configured to enter under high pressure into a tamped coffee puck. Figure 1A Handle filter 168 (not shown in the image) (see also) Figure 1B ).

[0171] In some respects, the espresso machine 100 may also include a decompression operation at the completion of each brewing cycle. During the decompression operation, the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve may be configured to close, and the outlet 162 of the fourth solenoid valve may be configured to open, to release pressure in the brew head 166 into the drip tray 132. By releasing pressure in the brew head 166 before removing the portafilter 168, the decompression operation advantageously mitigates any splashing that may occur when the user removes the portafilter 168. Additionally, the decompression operation allows brewing water from the top of the puck to drain into the drip tray 132, resulting in less clutter in the portafilter and providing easier cleaning.

[0172] The brewed espresso 102 is configured to be dispensed from a portafilter 168 into a cup or other container. The portafilter 168 is configured to have a cup or other container positioned below it by a user, into which the brewed espresso 102 is dispensed. In an exemplary embodiment, when dispensing the espresso 102, the portafilter 168 is positioned above a drip tray 132, which allows any droplets from the portafilter 168 to collect in the drip tray 132 if the container is not positioned below it. The drip tray 132 is therefore configured to hold a cup or other container thereon for receiving the dispensed espresso 102.

[0173] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 1B As shown, the espresso machine 100 includes a portafilter 168, a hopper 170 configured to hold coffee beans therein, a grinder 172 configured to grind whole coffee beans, and a tamper 174 configured to tamp the ground coffee beans in the portafilter 168 to form a coffee pouch.

[0174] Hopper 170 is configured to store coffee beans therein. Figure 1B (Not shown in the image). The hopper 170 is configured to be refilled by a user with coffee beans (also referred to herein as "beans"). In some embodiments, the hopper 170 is non-removably attached to the housing, which simplifies the manufacture of the espresso machine 100. In other embodiments, the hopper 170 is removably attached to the housing, which can facilitate cleaning the hopper 170 and / or facilitate refilling the hopper 170, as the user can take the hopper 170 to a countertop, move the hopper 170 to a location more convenient for refilling than the current location of the espresso machine 100, etc.

[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, hopper 170 is formed of a material configured to provide ultraviolet (UV) protection to the contents of hopper 170 (e.g., coffee beans in hopper 170). UV light may adversely affect the coffee beans.

[0176] Coffee beans in hopper 170 are configured to be fed to grinder 172. Grinder 172 is configured to grind coffee beans. In an exemplary embodiment, the grind size of grinder 172 can be adjusted by a user. In this embodiment, espresso machine 100 includes a grind size adjustment mechanism (e.g., wheel 222, referred to below at least...). Figure 3P-3Q (Described in more detail in various ways). The grinding size adjustment mechanism is configured to allow adjustment of the grinding size between multiple different grinding settings. Typically, the grinding settings range from the finest grinding size to the coarsest grinding size. In some aspects, the grinder 172 may include an outer grinding disc and an inner grinding disc, with a space defined between them, wherein beans are configured to be ground, as described in more detail below. In this case, the grinding size adjustment mechanism can adjust the grinding size by increasing or decreasing the vertical spacing between the outer and inner grinding discs. In an exemplary embodiment, the multiple different grinding settings include at least seven grinding settings: ultrafine, fine, fine-medium, medium, medium-coarse, coarse, and ultracoarse. In an exemplary embodiment, the multiple different grinding settings include multiple grinding settings in the range of seven to twenty-five. The numerical values ​​representing different grinding settings include a first number (typically zero or one) as the finest grinding size, wherein each successive coarser grind increases by one in number. Alternatively, the numerical value representing different grind settings can be numerically reduced by one for each successively finer grind, such that the lowest value represents the coarsest grind size rather than the finest grind size. In some aspects, as described above, the machine described herein can be configured to brew both espresso and espresso pour-over beverages. Therefore, in some aspects, the grind size adjustment mechanism may include a first plurality of grind settings for the espresso function and a second plurality of grind settings for the espresso pour-over function. For example, when operating in the espresso function, the first plurality of grind settings may include 20 grind settings (e.g., grind settings 1-20), wherein each successive grind setting of the first plurality of grind settings changes the vertical spacing between the outer and inner grind discs by approximately 0.03 mm. In another example, when operating in the espresso pour-over function, the second plurality of grind settings may include 5 grind settings (e.g., grind settings 21-25), wherein each successive grind setting of the second plurality of grind settings changes the vertical spacing between the outer and inner grind discs by approximately 0.3 mm. This variable grind size adjustment feature advantageously allows for rapid switching between espresso and espresso pour-over functions, while maintaining the grind size accuracy required for high-quality espresso and espresso pour-over beverages respectively.

[0177] For example, the grinding size adjustment mechanism may include a rotatable wheel ( Figure 1A or Figure 1B (Not shown in the image), the rotatable wheel is operatively coupled to the grinder 172 and configured to be rotated by the user, wherein rotation of the wheel in a first direction (e.g., one of clockwise and counterclockwise) is configured to increase the grind size, and rotation of the wheel in a second direction (e.g., the other of clockwise and counterclockwise) is configured to decrease the grind size. The wheel and / or the espresso machine 100 may include a mark configured to indicate the currently selected grind size. The espresso machine 100 may include an encoder ( Figure 1A or Figure 1B (Not shown in the image), the encoder is configured to sense the position of the wheel and transmit the sensed position to the controller. The controller is configured to use the sensed position of the wheel to control the grinder 172 to achieve the currently selected grinding size.

[0178] In yet another example, the grinding size adjustment mechanism may include a lever ( Figure 1A or Figure 1B (Not shown in the image), the lever is operably coupled to the grinder 172 and configured to move in a first direction (e.g., up or down, or left or right) to increase the grind size, and to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction to decrease the grind size. The lever and / or espresso machine 100 may include a mark configured to indicate the currently selected grind size. The espresso machine 100 may include an encoder ( Figure 1A or Figure 1B (Not shown in the image), the encoder is configured to sense the position of the lever and transmit the sensed position to the controller. The controller is configured to use the sensed position of the lever to control the grinder 172 to achieve the currently selected grinding size.

[0179] In some implementations, the controller is configured to display the currently selected grinding size on the user interface.

[0180] Coffee powder is configured to be fed from grinder 172 to portafilter 168. Portafilter 168 is configured to be removably coupled to espresso machine 100. Portafilter 168 containing coffee powder is configured to be removed from espresso machine 100. The removable portafilter 168 allows the user to tamp the coffee powder using tamper 174.

[0181] In the illustrated embodiment, the tamper 174 is removably coupled to the espresso machine 100, allowing the user to selectively remove the tamper 174 used for tamping. Removable coupling of the tamper 174 to the espresso machine 100 helps ensure that the tamper 174 is not lost and is easily accessible for tamping when needed. In other embodiments, the tamper 174 is a separate device not coupled to the espresso machine 100, allowing the user to select the tamper according to their personal preference. In other embodiments, the tamper 174 is non-removably coupled to the espresso machine, which helps prevent loss of the tamper 174. In this embodiment, the portafilter 168 can be removed from the espresso machine 100 for tamping, or the portafilter 168 can remain coupled to the espresso machine 100 for tamping.

[0182] The portafilter 168, containing tamped coffee grounds, is configured to be positioned by the user below the brew head 166 and reconnected to the espresso machine 100 to allow water to enter the portafilter 168 through the brew head 166. The water passes through the coffee pouch in the portafilter 168 and then exits the portafilter 168 as brewed espresso 102.

[0183] In some embodiments, the espresso machine 100 is configured to perform an initial rinsing process. This initial rinsing process is performed upon startup and rinses the espresso machine 100 before it is used to prepare any beverage. The initial rinsing process allows water from the reservoir 108 to pass through the espresso machine 100 to rinse the machine. The water rinsed through the machine and dispensed into the container is intended for user disposal, not for consumption as a beverage. Other embodiments of the beverage machine described herein may similarly be configured to perform an initial rinsing process.

[0184] In some embodiments, the espresso machine 100 is configured to perform a calibration process. The calibration process is performed when coffee beans are added to the hopper 170 before using the espresso machine 100 to prepare any beverage, thus allowing the espresso machine 100 to calibrate specific coffee beans in the hopper 170. In an exemplary embodiment, the calibration process includes two brewing processes. In a first brewing process, the selected beverage is prepared using a default grind size. In a second brewing process, the same selected beverage is prepared using a grind size adjusted by the espresso machine 100 as described herein. The calibration process may include at least one additional brewing process. Other embodiments of the beverage machine described herein can be similarly configured to perform a calibration process.

[0185] In some embodiments, the espresso machine 100 is configured to perform a portafilter cleaning process. The portafilter cleaning process is configured to clean the portafilter 168. The portafilter cleaning process allows water from the reservoir 108 to pass through the portafilter 168, which is connected to the brew head 166 and contains a soluble cleaning effervescent tablet or other cleaning agent (placed therein by the user). Other embodiments of the beverage machine described herein can similarly be configured to perform a portafilter cleaning process.

[0186] Figures 3A-3D Another embodiment of an espresso machine 200 configured to brew and dispense espresso is shown. In this illustrated embodiment, the espresso machine 200 is also configured to dispense water, froth milk (e.g., dairy or non-dairy milk), and brew and dispense espresso pour-over beverages. Figures 3A-3D Espresso machines 200 are usually associated with Figure 1A An espresso machine 100 is similarly constructed and used, for example, including a housing 202, a water reservoir 204, a user interface 206, a drip tray 208, a hot water outlet 210, a steam maker arm 212, a brewing head 214, a hopper 216, a portafilter 218, a tamper 220, a grinder adjustment mechanism in the form of a wheel 222, and in addition to the above. Figures 3A-3D The components obscured include a reservoir recess, a heating system, a pumping system, a first flow meter and a second flow meter, a controller, a memory, a PRV, a separator box, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, and a fourth solenoid valve, as well as a grinder. In some aspects, the reservoir recess, heating system, pumping system, first flow meter and second flow meter, PRV, separator box, and first solenoid valve, second solenoid valve, third solenoid valve, and fourth solenoid valve of espresso machine 200 may be similar to the reservoir recess 114, heating system 110, pumping system 116, first flow meter 122 and second flow meter 126, PRV 124, separator box 130, and first solenoid valve 140, second solenoid valve 146, third solenoid valve 152, and fourth solenoid valve 164 of espresso machine 100.

[0187] like Figure 3B and 3D As shown, housing 202 includes components configured to be positioned on a support surface ( Figure 3B and 3D The base 224 (not shown) extends horizontally to allow the espresso machine 100 to rest on a horizontal support surface, such as a countertop.

[0188] In the illustrated embodiment, the water reservoir 204 is removably coupled to the housing 202, but as described above, it can alternatively be non-removably coupled to the housing 202. Figures 3A-3DAn espresso machine 200 is shown, wherein a water reservoir 204 is connected to a housing 202. Figure 3E An espresso machine 200 is shown, wherein a water reservoir 204 is removed from the espresso machine 200. A space 202a defined by a housing 202 is configured to receive the reservoir 204 therein.

[0189] Figure 3F and 3G The memory 204 is shown as a separate element. Figure 3F A reservoir 204 is shown, wherein a cover 204a of the reservoir 204 is removed from a body 204b of the reservoir 204, which defines a cavity 204c configured to hold water therein. Figure 3D and 3G A reservoir 204 to which a cover 204a is attached is shown. The reservoir cover 204a includes a handle 204d configured for use by a user to facilitate removal of the cover 204a from the reservoir body 204b and placement of the cover 204a back onto the body 204b. The cover handle 204d may have other configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir cover 204a is completely removable from the reservoir body 204b to allow access to the reservoir cavity 204c. In other embodiments, the reservoir cover 204a is configured to remain attached to the reservoir body 204b, such as being hingedly attached, when removed to allow access to the reservoir cavity 204c.

[0190] like Figure 3D and 3F As shown, the reservoir body 204b includes a handle 204e configured for use by a user to remove the reservoir 204 (at least its body 204b) from the housing 202 and place the reservoir 204 (at least its body 204b) back onto the housing 202. The body handle 204e is defined by opposing handles 204f molded into the body 204b. The body handle 204e may have other configurations.

[0191] The espresso machine 200 includes a mating feature 202b configured to releasably engage with a mating element 204g of a reservoir 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating feature 202b is a convex member and the mating element 204g is a concave member; however, alternatively, the mating feature 202b may be a concave member and the mating element 204g may be a convex member. The engagement of the mating feature 202b and the mating element 204g is configured to prevent the reservoir 204 from falling out of the housing 202 and to facilitate the opening of the outlet valve 204h of the reservoir 204 (see [link to original document]). Figure 3G and 3H ) and the valve seat 202c of the housing 202 (see Figure 3EProper alignment. In addition, the bottom of the reservoir 204 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the cutout 202d formed in the housing 202 to further prevent the reservoir 204 from falling off the housing 202 and to further help to properly align the outlet valve 204h of the reservoir 204 with the valve seat 202c of the housing 202.

[0192] As described above, the outlet valve 204h of the reservoir is configured to automatically open when the reservoir 204 (at least its body 204b) is connected to the housing 202, and to automatically close when the reservoir 204 (at least its body 204b) is removed from the housing 202. Figure 3G As shown, the outlet valve 204h is spring-loaded by spring 204i. The biasing force provided by spring 204i to the outlet valve 204h is configured to bias the outlet valve 204h to the closed position. The outlet valve 204h, mounted on valve seat 202c, is configured to overcome the biasing force provided by spring 204i to move the outlet valve 204h from closed to open. Figure 3H As shown, valve seat 202c includes a pin 225 configured to eject the outlet valve 204h when the reservoir 204 is positioned in the space 202a defined by housing 202, and valve seat 202c houses the outlet valve 204h. The pin 225 ejecting the outlet valve 204h overcomes the biasing force of the spring.

[0193] As described above, with the reservoir 204 (at least its body 204b) connected to the housing 202, the water stored in the reservoir 204 (e.g., stored in the reservoir cavity 204c) is configured to be discharged from the reservoir 204 through the outlet valve 204h to the reservoir recess 226 of the espresso machine 200, such as... Figure 3H As shown.

[0194] The reservoir 204 in the illustrated embodiment includes a level sensor 204j, such as Figure 3H As shown. A liquid level sensor 204j is configured to sense the level of liquid maintained in the reservoir 204. The liquid level sensor 204j is operatively coupled to the controller of the espresso machine 200. In response to the controller receiving a signal from the liquid level sensor 204j, the controller is configured to provide a liquid level alarm to the user, for example via a user interface 206, indicating a low liquid level in the reservoir 204. Thus, the user is aware that more liquid should be added to the reservoir 204.

[0195] The liquid level sensor 204j can have various configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid level sensor 204j includes a float 204k disposed within a housing 204m. The housing 204m has at least one opening configured to allow liquid from the reservoir 204 to enter the housing 204m. The float 204k is configured to float in the liquid, and thus is configured to float within the liquid within the housing 204m. The float 204k is held at its highest position within the housing 204m until the liquid level drops to a threshold level, at which point the float moves downward within the housing 204m when the liquid level drops below the threshold level. The liquid level sensor 204j includes a Hall effect sensor (in... Figure 3H (When obscured), the Hall effect sensor can "see" the magnet of the float 204k within the housing 204m until the float 204k moves downward within the housing 204m. The float 204k (e.g., its magnet) moving out of the Hall effect sensor's line of sight triggers the Hall effect sensor to send a signal to the controller. In response to receiving the signal from the Hall effect sensor, the controller is configured to provide a level alarm to the user.

[0196] The pumping system of the espresso machine 200 is configured to pump water from the reservoir 204 to the heating system of the espresso machine 200, similar to the above-mentioned... Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 discussed above. A first flow meter arranged in the fluid path between the reservoir 204 and the pumping system (e.g., its pump) is configured to measure the amount of water flowing through it, and the controller of the espresso machine 200 is configured to control the pump based on the amount of water measured by the first flow meter, which is similar to the above discussion regarding... Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 discussed. In the illustrated embodiment, as... Figure 3H As shown, the espresso machine 200 includes a PCB 228, which includes a controller, a memory, and other electronic components.

[0197] Similar to the above about Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 discussed herein has a controller configured to control the flow path of water in the espresso machine 200, for example through various conduits (e.g., pipes, tubes, etc.) and other components, so that the water is properly directed for the purpose of hot water, cold water, espresso, or steamed milk selected by its user.

[0198] Hot water outlet 210 is configured to have a cup or other container positioned by a user below it, into which hot water is dispensed from the hot water outlet 210. Figure 3BAs shown in the illustrated embodiment, the hot water outlet 210 is positioned above the drip tray 208 to allow any water droplets from the hot water outlet 210 to be collected in the drip tray 208 even if the container is not positioned below the hot water outlet 210. The container is configured to be positioned below the hot water outlet 210 on the drip tray 208 or on the movable tray 230, depending on the user's judgment. Figure 3A A movable tray 230 attached to housing 202 is shown. Figure 3I An espresso machine 200 with the movable tray 230 removed is shown. The movable tray 230 is configured for use with smaller containers, so that a container placed on the movable tray 230 is closer to the hot water outlet 210 than when the container is placed on the drip tray 208 without the movable tray 230. The movable tray 230 includes at least one opening (in... Figures 3A-3C (Multiple openings are shown in the diagram), which are configured to allow water to pass through and reach the drip tray 208 under the influence of gravity. When the movable tray 230 is removed from the espresso machine 200, a container can be placed on the drip tray 208 to receive hot water from the hot water outlet 210.

[0199] The removable tray 230 can be configured to be attached to the espresso machine 200 in various ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the removable tray 230 includes a pair of tabs configured to be releasably disposed in a pair of openings 202e formed in the housing 202. Thus, the removable tray 230 is configured to be completely removed from the espresso machine 200. In other embodiments, the removable tray 230 is configured to remain attached to the housing 202 and to be removed to allow larger containers to be placed on the drip tray 208 (such as those hinged to the housing 202 via the removable tray) and is configured to be removed by a user flipping (e.g., flipping upwards, etc.).

[0200] In the illustrated embodiment, the drip tray 208 is removably attached to the housing 202. However, similar to the above regarding... Figure 1A As discussed in the espresso machine 100, the drip tray 208 may alternatively be non-removably attached to the housing 202.

[0201] In the illustrated embodiment, the drip tray 208 includes a base 208a and a cover 208b removably coupled to the base 208a, as shown. Figure 3C As shown. The base 208a and cover 208b are configured to be removed from the housing 202 as units and reconnected to the housing 202 as units. The cover 208b is configured to help accommodate what has been collected in the base 208a (see Figure 208a). Figure 3N The contents of the defined cavity 208c are kept until it is necessary to empty and / or clean the drip tray 208.

[0202] The base 208a of the drip tray 208 may be a single element. Alternatively, as in the illustrated embodiment, the base 208a may include multiple elements, wherein at least one base element is removably coupled to other base elements. The base 208a includes a first portion 208d removably coupled to a second portion 208e of the base 208a. Figure 3C As shown, the first portion 208d of the drip tray 208 is located below the movable tray 230 (or in the area where the movable tray 230 would be located if it were not currently attached to the housing 202). The removability of the first portion 208d of the drip tray 208 from the second portion 208e of the drip tray 208 allows for the placement of a container that is higher than the second portion 208e of the drip tray 208, where the first portion 208d is removably attached to the second portion 208e of the drip tray 208, below the brewing head 214.

[0203] Similar to the above about Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 discussed, Figures 3A-3D The steam frother arm 212 of the espresso machine 200 is configured to generate steam and direct it into a milk container 232, which contains milk. The milk container 232 shown in the illustration is merely an example, and other milk containers may also be used. Figures 3A-3E and Figure 3I A milk container 232 is shown positioned below the steam bubbler arm 212. Figure 3J The image shows no milk collection container positioned below the steam frother arm 212.

[0204] like Figure 3J As shown, the outlet opening 212a of the steam evaporator arm 212 is positioned above the drip tray 208. This allows any water droplets from the steam evaporator arm 212 to be collected in the drip tray 208 if the milk container 232 (or other milk collection container or other container) is not positioned below the outlet opening 212a of the steam evaporator arm 212. Figure 3J Also shown is the milk collection container base 234 of the espresso machine 200, which is configured to house the milk pitcher 232 (or other milk collection container). The milk collection container base 234 has an opening 234a formed therein, located below the outlet opening 212a of the steam frother arm 212, to allow any water droplets from the outlet opening 212a to pass through the opening 234a of the base and enter the drip tray 208 (see also...). Figure 3N When the milk container 232 (or other milk collection container or other container) is placed on the base 234 of the milk collection container, the milk container 232 covers the opening 234a.

[0205] The milk collection container base 234 has ribs 234b extending around a portion of its top periphery. Ribs 234b are configured to help constrain the milk pitcher 232 (or other milk collection container or other container) to the milk collection container base 234. The milk collection container base 234 also has a lip 234c extending substantially vertically from the top of the milk collection container base 234 at its rear portion. The lip 234c is configured to help constrain the milk pitcher 232 (or other milk collection container or other container) to the milk collection container base 234, and is configured to be a stop surface, because the natural action of the user placing the milk pitcher 232 (or other milk collection container or other container) on the milk collection container base 234 is that the user faces the espresso machine 200 and moves the milk pitcher 232 (or other milk collection container or other container) onto the milk collection container base 234 by moving the milk pitcher 232 (or other milk collection container or other container) in a rearward direction.

[0206] Figure 3K A milk pitcher 232 is shown as a separate component. The milk pitcher 232 includes a handle 232a and a body 232b. The body 232b defines a cavity 232c configured to hold milk therein. The body 232b includes a nozzle portion 232d, which is configured to facilitate pouring the contents out of the cavity 232c of the milk pitcher.

[0207] The exterior of the milk pitcher body 232b includes fill lines 232e, which are configured to indicate the milk fill level for different types of beverages. In the illustrated embodiment, the milk pitcher 232b includes three fill lines 232e: a 2 oz fill line 232e for a macchiato or cotta, a 5 oz fill line 232e for a cappuccino or white coffee, and an 8 oz fill line 232e for a latte. Figure 3L and 3M As shown, the filler lines 232e are also visible inside the milk container 232 (e.g., within the cavity 232c). In the illustrated embodiment, each filler line 232e is a recessed ring extending around the milk container 232. However, the filler lines 232e can have other constructions, such as printed lines on the milk container 232, embossed lines in the milk container 232, etc.

[0208] like Figure 3NAs shown, with the milk cylinder 232 positioned on the base 234 of the milk collection container, the steam frother arm 212 is configured to extend into the milk cylinder 232, wherein the outlet opening 212a of the steam frother arm 212 is located within the cavity 232c of the milk cylinder. The milk cylinder 232 and the steam frother arm 212 have related dimensions to allow the steam frother arm 212 to extend at least downwards to the lowermost fill line of the fill line 232e (2oz fill line 232e in the illustrated embodiment), because the user should fill the milk cylinder 232 at least up to the lowermost fill line of the fill line 232e.

[0209] As described above, the steam delivered to the milk tank 232 (e.g., to the cavity 232c of the milk tank) is configured to be distributed through the milk in the milk tank 232 using a mechanical mixer in conjunction with air to form steamed milk (also referred to herein as “foamed milk”). In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical mixer includes a beater 236 of the milk tank 232, which is configured to rotate within the milk tank 232, for example, within the cavity 232c of the milk tank. The beater 236 is located at the bottom of the milk tank 232 to help ensure that the beater 236 is in direct contact with any milk in the milk tank 232. The beater 236 includes a central column 236a, a base 236b, at least one magnet 236c, and a stirrer 236d. The base 236b, at least one magnet 236c, and stirrer 236d are configured as units to rotate about a longitudinal axis defined by the central column 236a, as discussed further below. At least one magnet 236c is disposed in the base 236b, and in the illustrated embodiment, at least one magnet 236c, comprising a plurality of magnets, is circumferentially arranged around the central post 236a. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator 236 comprises six magnets 236c, such as... Figure 3O As shown, but another number of magnets 236 can be used, such as one, two, three, etc.

[0210] The whisk 236 of the milk pitcher 232 is configured to interact with the whisk driver 238 of the espresso machine 200 (see [link]). Figure 3N With the milk container 232 positioned within the milk collection container base 234, the beater driver 238 is configured to drive rotation of the base 236b, at least one magnet 236c, and the beater 236d, causing the beater 236 to agitate the milk contained in the milk container 232 to foam the milk. The beater 236 includes a coil in the illustrated embodiment, but may have an alternative configuration.

[0211] The stirrer driver 238 includes a motor 238a, a base 238b, and at least one magnet disposed in the stirrer driver base 238b. Figure 3N(The image is partially obscured). Motor 238a is housed in motor support 238c. The beater driver base 238b and at least one magnet of beater driver 238 are configured as units to rotate about a longitudinal axis defined by motor 238a and beater driver base 238b. Motor 238a is operatively coupled to beater driver base 238b such that motor 238a is configured to drive rotation of beater driver base 238b and at least one magnet housed in beater driver base 238b. In an exemplary embodiment, beater driver 238 includes the same number of magnets as milk tank 232, which facilitates rotation of beater driver base 236b, at least one magnet 236c, and beater 236d by allowing each of one or more magnets of beater driver to magnetically attract one of one or more magnets 236c of milk tank. In the illustrated embodiment, the whisk driver 238 includes six magnets corresponding to the six magnets 236c of the milk jug. At least one magnet of the whisk driver is arranged in the whisk driver base 238b, and in the illustrated embodiment, at least one magnet including a plurality of magnets is circumferentially arranged.

[0212] The whisk driver 238 is located in the espresso machine 200 such that, with the milk pitcher 232 placed in the base 234 of the milk collection container, the whisk driver 238 is vertically aligned with the milk pitcher 232 located above the whisk driver 238. Figure 3N As shown. With the milk pitcher 232 positioned in the milk collection container base 234, the motor 238a is configured, for example, under the control of a controller of an espresso machine, to drive the rotation of the beater driver base 238b and at least one magnet disposed in the base 238b. At least one magnet of the beater driver is magnetically attracted to at least one magnet 236c of the beater 236, such that rotation of the at least one magnet of the beater driver causes at least one magnet 236c of the beater 236 to rotate together with the beater base 236b and the mixer 236d. If, when the milk pitcher 232 is initially placed on the milk collection container base 234, each of the one or more magnets of the beater driver 238 is not aligned with one of the one or more magnets 236c of the beater 236, then each of the one or more magnets of the beater driver 238 will tend to align with one of the one or more magnets 236c of the beater 236 during its simultaneous rotation.

[0213] Similar to the above about Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 discussed, Figures 3A-3DThe hopper 216 of the espresso machine 200 is configured to hold and be refilled with coffee beans. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 216 is removably coupled to the housing 202, but as described above, it can alternatively be non-removably coupled to the housing 202. Figure 3P The hopper 216 connected to the housing 202 is shown. Figure 3Q An espresso machine 200 is shown, wherein a hopper 216 is removed from the espresso machine 200. A space 202f defined by a housing 202 is configured to receive the hopper 216 therein.

[0214] Figure 3R and 3S The hopper 216 is shown as a separate component. Figure 3R A hopper 216 is shown, wherein the lid 216a of the hopper 216 is removed from the body 216b of the hopper 216, the body 216b defining a cavity 204c configured to hold coffee beans therein. Figure 3Q and 3R A hopper 216 with a lid 216a attached thereto is shown. The lid 216a is configured to form a seal with the body 216b, which helps protect any coffee beans therein from moisture and / or helps the coffee beans age more slowly. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper lid 216a can be completely removed from the hopper body 216b to allow access to the hopper cavity 216c of the hopper 216. In other embodiments, the hopper lid 216a is configured to remain attached to the hopper body 216b, such as being hingedly attached to the body 216b, when removed to allow access to the hopper cavity 216c.

[0215] Hopper 216 (e.g., its base 216b) includes a downwardly extending funnel portion 216d, and beans contained in hopper 216 are configured to pass through funnel portion 216d to reach grinder 240 of espresso machine (see [link]). Figure 3Q The cavity 202f of the housing for hopper 216 includes a corresponding funnel portion (see...). Figure 3Q The funnel portion is configured to house the funnel portion 216d of the hopper. The cavity 202f of the housing and the funnel portion 216d of the hopper are thus configured to indicate to the user, through their corresponding shapes, how the hopper 216 should be connected to the housing 202, and to help properly align the hopper 216 with the grinder 240 so that coffee beans are properly fed to the grinder 240, as described in more detail below.

[0216] The hopper 216 includes a rotor 216e at the bottom of the funnel section 216d (see...). Figure 3S and 3UIn some aspects, the rotor 216e may be coupled to one or more tabs 216f located at the outer periphery of the funnel opening at the bottom of the funnel section. In some aspects, the hopper 216 may also include a locking handle (not shown) disposed within the funnel section 216d and configured to lock / unlock the hopper 216 within the machine. In some aspects, a user can interact with the locking handle to move it between a locked position and an unlocked position, thereby causing the rotor 216e to rotate between an open position and a closed position, respectively. When the rotor 216e is in the open position, coffee beans in the hopper 216 are allowed to pass through the funnel opening into the grinder 240, and when the rotor 216e is in the closed position, coffee beans in the hopper 216 are prevented from passing through the funnel opening into the grinder 240. Figure 3S The rotor 216e in the open position is shown, as indicated by the aligned opening at the bottom of the funnel portion 216d. In some aspects, the cavity 202f of the housing may also include one or more microswitches 202j, such as... Figure 3Q As shown, it is configured to be pressurized by one or more tabs 216f when the rotor 216e is in the open position. When pressurized, one or more microswitches 202j can be configured to conduct the circuit, thereby allowing the grinder to operate. If the user wishes to remove the hopper 216 from the cavity 202f of the housing while beans are still present in the hopper 126, the user can move the locking handle to the unlocked position, thereby rotating the rotor 216e from the open position to the closed position. By rotating the rotor 216e from the open position to the closed position, one or more tabs 216f can be configured to disengage from one or more microswitches 202j and disconnect the circuit, thereby inhibiting grinder operation and allowing the hopper 216 to be removed without coffee beans falling out of the rotor 216e. Similarly, if the user wishes to insert the hopper 216 into the cavity 202f of the housing while beans are still present in the hopper 126, the user can place the hopper 216 into the cavity 202f of the housing with the locking handle in the unlocked position. Once the hopper 216 is properly positioned, the user can move the locking handle to the locked position, thereby rotating the rotor 216e from the closed position to the open position. By rotating the rotor 216e from the closed position to the open position while the hopper 216 is placed within the cavity 202f of the housing, one or more tabs 216f can engage one or more microswitches 202j, thereby activating the circuit and allowing the grinder to operate.

[0217] The grinder 240 can have various configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the grinder 240 includes an outer grinding disc 240a and an inner grinding disc 240b, which define a space between them, into which beans are configured to be fed from a hopper 216. The inner grinding disc 240b is configured to rotate relative to the outer grinding disc 240a about a longitudinal axis to grind the beans contained in the space defined between the outer and inner grinding discs 240a. The espresso machine 200 includes a shaft 241 (see...) Figure 3U The motor is operably connected to the inner grinding disc 240b (in Figure 3Q (The middle is obscured), and is configured to drive the rotation of the inner grinding disc 240b. For example... Figure 3Q As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer grinding disc 240a is an annular grinding disc surrounding the inner grinding disc 240b, which is a 5-point truncated conical grinding disc.

[0218] In the illustrated embodiment, the grind size of the coffee beans ground by the grinder 240 is adjustable by the user. The espresso machine 200 therefore includes a grind size adjustment mechanism, which, as described above, is a wheel 222 in this illustrated embodiment. Similar to the above regarding... Figure 1A As discussed in the espresso machine 100, the wheel 222 is operatively coupled to the grinder 240 and configured to be rotated by the user, wherein rotation of the wheel 222 in a first direction is configured to increase the grind size, and rotation of the wheel 222 in the opposite second direction is configured to decrease the grind size. The wheel 222 has a plurality of predetermined positions, such as eight, ten, twelve, fifteen, sixteen, eighteen, twenty, twenty-five or other numbers, wherein each predetermined position corresponds to a grind size.

[0219] Espresso machine 200 includes encoder (in) Figure 3Q (The encoder is obscured in some cases), and is configured to sense the position of wheel 222 and transmit the sensed position to a controller. The controller is configured to use the sensed position of wheel 222 to control the grinder 240 to achieve the currently selected grinding size. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to display the currently selected grinding size on user interface 206.

[0220] Wheel 222 is operatively connected to the gear train of espresso machine 100, which is operatively connected to the outer grinding disc 240a of grinder 240. As discussed further below, rotation of wheel 222 is configured to cause rotation of the gears in the gear train, which causes the outer grinding disc 240a to travel vertically upward or downward depending on the direction of rotation of wheel 222. The upward or downward vertical movement of the outer grinding disc is relative to the inner grinding disc 240b. Due to the truncated cone shape of the inner grinding disc 240b, the diameter of the inner grinding disc 240b decreases in the upward direction. Therefore, the higher the outer grinding disc 240a is vertically positioned relative to the inner grinding disc 240b, the coarser the beans will be ground by grinder 140 using both the outer grinding disc 240a and the inner grinding disc 240b. Correspondingly, the lower the outer grinding disc 240a is vertically positioned relative to the inner grinding disc 240b, the finer the beans will be ground by grinder 140 using both the outer grinding disc 240a and the inner grinding disc 240b. The uppermost position of the inner grinding disc 240b corresponds to the coarsest grinding, and the lowermost position of the inner grinding disc 240b corresponds to the finest grinding.

[0221] like Figure 3T As shown, the gear train includes a first gear 242a engaging with wheel 222, a second gear 242b engaging with the first gear 242b, a third gear 242c engaging with the second gear 242b, and a fourth gear 242d engaging with the second gear 242b. The third gear 242c also engages with an encoder 244 operably coupled to the controller. The fourth gear 242d also engages with a bracket 246 in which an outer grinding disc 240a is arranged, as shown... Figure 3U As shown.

[0222] Bracket 246 Figure 3V The fourth gear 242d is shown as a separate component. Figure 3W Shown as a separate element. The support 246 includes at least one pin 246a extending radially outward. The fourth gear 242d includes at least one track 242e formed in its inner surface. Each of the one or more tracks 242e is helical, although not necessarily extending helically around the entire circumference of the inner surface of the fourth gear 242d. Compared to a blade grinder, the helical one or more tracks help the grinder 240 produce a more consistent coffee grind size, which may be particularly important for espresso and espresso pour-over drinks, as grind size affects beverage quality. The support 246 engages with the fourth gear 242d, wherein at least one pin 246a of the support 246 is slidably disposed in at least one track 242e formed in the fourth gear 242d. The support 246 includes three pins 246a (one of the pins 246a is in…) Figure 3V (obscured in the middle), and the fourth gear 242d includes three tracks 242e (one of the tracks 242e is in Figure 3W(The pins are partially obscured), and each track is configured to house one of the pins 246a. A different number of pins 246a and tracks 242e can be used, such as one, two, four, etc. In other embodiments, the bracket 246 may include at least one track, and the fourth gear 242d may include at least one pin.

[0223] In response to the rotation of wheel 222, the first gear 242a is configured to rotate, which causes the second gear 242b to rotate, which in turn causes each of the third gear 242c and the fourth gear 242d to rotate. Encoder 244 is configured to measure the position of the third gear 242c and transmit a signal indicating the measured position to the controller, similar to the above description. Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 discussed herein. The rotation of the fourth gear 242d is in the horizontal plane. The fourth gear 242d does not move upward or downward during its rotation. The rotation of the fourth gear 242d causes one or more pins 246a of the support 246 to slide within one or more tracks 242e of the fourth gear, which causes the support 246 to move vertically upward or downward due to the helical nature of the one or more tracks 242e, depending on the direction of rotation of the fourth gear, and therefore on the direction in which the user rotates the wheel 222.

[0224] Coffee powder is configured to pass through inclined groove 248 (see Figure 3T It leaves the grinder 240 and is delivered to the handle filter 218. Figures 3A-3C Figures 3I and 3J show a portafilter 218 connected to an espresso machine 200 in a first position, wherein the portafilter 218 is configured to receive coffee powder through an upper opening of the portafilter 218. Figure 3X and 3Y A handle filter 218 is shown as a separate component, wherein the handle filter 218 is removably connected to a funnel 217 (also referred to herein as a “ring”). Figure 3Z An espresso machine 200 is shown, in which a portafilter 218 (and funnel 217) is removed from the espresso machine 200. The portafilter 218 includes a bayonet mechanism 218a in the form of a radially extending tab, configured to engage with a bayonet mechanism 250a of a portafilter docking seat 250 of the espresso machine 200. The portafilter 218 in a first position is configured to be seated in the portafilter docking seat 250, wherein the bayonet mechanisms 218a and 250a engage together. The portafilter 218 may include a bayonet mechanism 218a, or, as in... Figure 3X , 3YIn the illustrated embodiment shown in 3FF, the funnel 217 includes a bayonet mechanism 218a configured to engage the bayonet mechanism 250a of the portafilter dock 250. The inclusion of the bayonet mechanism 218a in the funnel 217 helps ensure that the funnel 217 is connected to the portafilter 218 before it is connected to the espresso machine 200 via the portafilter dock 250, and thus allows the funnel 217 to provide the various benefits discussed herein.

[0225] In an exemplary embodiment, the portafilter dock 250 includes a weight sensor, such as a weighing sensor or other sensor configured to measure weight, configured to sense the weight of coffee grounds in the portafilter 218. The weight sensor is configured to be operatively coupled to a controller such that sensed weight data can be transmitted from the weight sensor to the controller. The controller is configured to use the weight data received from the weight sensor to control at least one function of the espresso machine 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to use the weight data received from the weight sensor to control the delivery of coffee beans from the grinder 240 to the portafilter 218, thereby allowing a specific amount of coffee to be ground by the grinder 240 for a particular user-selected beverage and delivered to the portafilter 218 via a chute 248.

[0226] In an implementation where the user interface 208 is configured to allow the user to input a grind setting for an espresso pour-over beverage, the controller is configured to use weight data received from a weight sensor to control the delivery of coffee beans from the grinder 240 to the portafilter 218 to achieve the selected grind setting, thereby allowing a certain amount of coffee to be ground by the grinder 240 for the selected grind setting and delivered to the portafilter 218 via the chute 248.

[0227] In some embodiments, the control of coffee bean delivery from grinder 240 to portafilter 218 is performed without the use of a weight sensor. In this embodiment, espresso machine 200 omits a weight sensor and may optionally include another element, such as a counter or other timer, configured to facilitate controller control of coffee bean delivery from grinder 240 to portafilter 218.

[0228] The funnel 217 is configured to help guide coffee grounds from the chute 248 into the portafilter 218, helping to prevent loose coffee grounds from espresso machine 200 from espresso and causing a mess. As described above, the funnel 217 is configured to be removably coupled to the portafilter 218, such as by a bayonet mechanism 250a engaging the portafilter. Figure 3X and 3Y As shown. Funnel 217 in Figure 3FFIt is shown as an independent component.

[0229] The handle filter 218 is configured to removably house a selected basket from a plurality of baskets 219a, 219b, 219c, such as in Figure 3GG-3II As shown, these baskets can be selectively used to prepare a variety of different beverage styles. Baskets 219a, 219b, and 219c are each configured to receive coffee grounds and allow water (heated or unheated) to pass through them. Each of baskets 219a, 219b, and 219c has multiple openings at its bottom defining a filter. Each of the openings has dimensions configured to allow water to pass through but not coffee grounds. Figure 3HH Multiple openings 219d are shown at the bottom of the second basket 219b. A selected basket among the baskets 219a, 219b, 219c that are removably attached to the handle filter 218 is configured to be removed from the handle filter 218 to allow the user to easily switch between the multiple baskets 219a, 219b, 219c based on the desired beverage style among a variety of different beverage styles.

[0230] Multiple baskets 219a, 219b, and 219c each have different capacities, and each of the baskets 219a, 219b, and 219c is configured to hold a different maximum amount of coffee powder. The illustrated embodiment includes three baskets 219a, 219b, and 219c, but another number of baskets, such as one, two, four, etc., can be used. The first basket 219a is configured for preparing a single shot of espresso, the second basket 219b is configured for preparing a double shot of espresso, and the third basket 219c is configured for preparing other beverages (e.g., four shots of espresso and other coffee beverages). The first basket 219a has a smaller capacity than the second basket 219b, and the second basket 219b has a smaller capacity than the third basket 219c.

[0231] In the illustrated embodiment, the espresso machine 200 includes a basket storage area configured to store a plurality of baskets 219a, 219b, 219c therein, which helps prevent baskets 219a, 219b, 219c from being lost and / or helps ensure that the desired baskets 219a, 219b, 219c are available when the user is ready to use it. Figure 3B and 3DA door 202i is shown, configured to open to access a basket storage area formed in a housing 202. In the illustrated embodiment, door 202i is hingedly attached to housing 202, but in other embodiments it may be completely removed from housing 202. The basket storage area may include an organization mechanism, such as one or more shelves, one or more hooks, etc., configured to facilitate the organized storage of multiple baskets 219a, 219b, 219c therein.

[0232] Similar to the above about Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 discussed herein has a portafilter 218 containing coffee grounds configured to be removed from the espresso machine 200 to tamp the coffee grounds using a tamper 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the tamper 220 is removably coupled to the espresso machine 200 to allow the user to selectively remove the tamper 220 for tamping; however, as mentioned above, the tamper may alternatively be non-removably coupled to the espresso machine, or may be a stand-alone device not coupled to the espresso machine 200. Figure 3B , 3C Figures 3H, 3I, and 3Z show the tamper 220 connected to the espresso machine 200. Figure 3AA and 3BB The powder tamper 220 is shown as a separate component. Figure 3CC An espresso machine 200 is shown, in which the tamper 220 is removed from the espresso machine 200.

[0233] like Figure 3CC and 3DD As shown, the housing 202 of the espresso machine 200 includes a first cavity 202g formed therein, the first cavity 202g being configured to releasably house the tamper 220 therein. A spring-loaded pin 252 protrudes into the first cavity 202g. The pin 252 is biased into the first cavity 202g. Figure 3CC and 3DD The housing 202 also includes a second cavity 202h formed therein, which is configured to releasably house the filter 217 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cavity 202h is vertically positioned above the first cavity 202g, but the first cavity 202g and the second cavity 202h can be located relative to each other in the housing 202 at any of a variety of positions.

[0234] like Figure 3AA and 3BBAs shown, the tamper 220 includes a groove 220a extending circumferentially around it. A pin 252 is configured to be releasably disposed in the groove 220a of the tamper to help retain the tamper 220 within the first cavity 202g. The groove 220a, extending entirely around the tamper 220, is configured to allow the tamper 220 to be disposed within the first cavity 202g in any rotational position relative to the housing 202.

[0235] The tamper 220 is configured to be inserted into the portafilter 218 through an upper opening, wherein the funnel 217 is removably attached to or not attached to the portafilter. The bottom surface 220b of the tamper 220 is configured to press downward onto the coffee powder in the portafilter 218 to form a puck. The bottom surface 220b of the tamper 220 is smooth and solid, which helps to form a uniform, compressed puck of coffee powder.

[0236] The tamper 220 includes an upper housing 220c and a lower housing 220d. The lower housing 220d includes a bottom surface 220b of the tamper. The upper housing 220c is movably coupled to the lower housing 220d. A spring 220e inside the tamper 220 is operatively coupled to the upper housing 220c and the lower housing 220d, and biases the upper housing 220c upward in a direction away from the lower housing 220d. When the tamper 220 is at least partially inserted into the portafilter 218 and the bottom surface 220b of the tamper contacts the coffee powder in the portafilter 218, the upper housing 220c is configured to be pressed downward by the user to help apply pressure to the coffee powder to form a puck. The downwardly pressed upper housing 220c overcomes the biasing force of the spring 220e to allow the upper housing 220c to move downward relative to the lower housing 220d. When the user releases pressure on the upper housing 220c, the biasing force provided by the spring 220e is configured to move the upper housing 220c back upward. In some respects, the spring 220e can also provide tactile feedback to the user to indicate that the correct compaction force has been achieved and also to limit over-compaction.

[0237] Similar to the above about Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 discussed herein, with a tamper 220 from which a portafilter 218 containing tamped coffee powder, is configured to be positioned by the user below the brew head 214 and reconnected to the espresso machine 200, to allow water to enter the portafilter 218 through the brew head 214, for example, before the brewed espresso is dispensed into a cup or other container positioned on the drip tray 208. Figure 3EE As shown, the brewing head 214 includes a bayonet mechanism 214a, which is configured to cooperate with the bayonet mechanism 218a of the handle filter 218.

[0238] Similarly to the above... Figure 1A As discussed in the espresso machine 100, water is configured to flow from a first solenoid valve to the brew head 214. The brew head 214 includes a plurality of holes 214b, such as... Figure 3EE As shown, water is configured to enter the portafilter 218, which contains tampd coffee grounds, through these holes under high pressure. In the illustrated embodiment, the brew head 214 is an E61 brew head, but other types of brew heads can be used.

[0239] In an exemplary embodiment, an espresso machine (such as...) Figure 1A 100 espresso machines Figures 3A-3D Espresso machine 200 Figures 6A-6C Espresso machine 400 Figure 7A An espresso machine (such as a 500 or other espresso machine) is configured to determine the grind size for grinding coffee beans using the espresso machine's grinder. In some embodiments, the espresso machine is configured to determine the grind size on demand in response to a user requesting a recommended grind size, for example, input into the espresso machine via its user interface. In this embodiment, the espresso machine is configured to provide the user with a determined grind size as a recommendation, for example, via the espresso machine's user interface, so that the user can decide whether to use the recommended grind size or a user-selected grind size, such as one selected using the espresso machine's grind size adjustment mechanism. For example, the user can select... Figure 2B The user interface 128a uses a “Grinding IQ” button to request a recommended grinding size, and the determined grinding size can be provided to the user as a numerical value representing the recommended grinding size via the user interface 128a. The grinding size can also be provided to the user in another way, such as via text indicating the grinding setting on the user interface, such as “extra fine”, “fine”, “fine-medium”, “medium”, “medium-coarse”, “coarse”, or “extra coarse”.

[0240] In some implementations, the espresso machine is configured to determine the grind size only in response to user input requesting a recommended grind size. Therefore, the user experience can be improved by allowing the user to choose. In other implementations, the espresso machine is configured to automatically determine the grind size as part of the brewing and dispensing process. Thus, the espresso machine can dynamically determine the grind size for the user-selected beverage and provide the user with a recommended grind size without requiring the user to request it, while still allowing the user to decide whether to use the recommended grind size or another grind size selected by the user.

[0241] Figure 4A The illustration shows one embodiment of method 300 using an espresso machine, configured to recommend a grind size for grinding coffee beans via the grinder of the espresso machine. For ease of explanation, regarding... Figures 3A-3D The espresso machine 200 describes method 300, but it can be applied to another espresso machine (e.g., Figure 1A 100 espresso machines Figures 6A-6C Espresso machine 400 Figure 7A The same method 300 is performed on an espresso machine 500 or other espresso machines.

[0242] Method 300 includes an espresso machine 200 waiting 302 for user input input to the espresso machine 200 via a user interface 206. In some cases, as described above, the user input to the espresso machine 200 includes the user selecting 304 an espresso beverage (which may be espresso or an espresso pour-over drink) and requesting 304 a recommended grind size for the selected beverage. In this embodiment, the user may, but does not need to, select the grind size using, for example, wheel 222, because the espresso machine 200 will notify the user of the recommended grind size, so the user can then adjust wheel 222 from its current position using the recommended grind size if needed. The user's espresso beverage selection 304 may include multiple inputs as described above, such as espresso type, beverage size, brewing type, and beverage volume.

[0243] Sometimes, users may not want to receive the recommended grind size, such as if the user is an experienced user of the espresso machine 200, if the user has just brewed the same beverage for which the espresso machine 200 provided the recommended grind size, or for other reasons. In this case, as described above, the user input to the espresso machine 200 includes, for example, selecting the grind size 306 using wheel 222, and selecting the espresso beverage 308 (which can be espresso or an espresso pour-over drink). The user's espresso beverage selection 308 can include multiple inputs as described above, such as espresso type, beverage size, brewing type, and beverage volume. Figure 4A The beverage selection 308 is shown to occur after the grinding size selection 306, but the beverage selection 308 can occur before the grinding size selection 306.

[0244] After the user selects grind size 306 and espresso beverage 308, the user initiates the brewing and dispensing process 310 by providing a "start" input to the espresso machine 200, such as by pressing the "start grind" button on the user interface 206, similar to... Figure 2A and 2BThe "Start Grinding" input is available on the user interface 128, 128a. The espresso machine 200 then brews and dispenses the selected espresso beverage 312 according to the grind size and beverage selected by the user 306, 308. Before dispensing the espresso 312 into cups or other containers via the brew head 214, the user uses the portafilter 218 and tamper 220 as described above. The user can also choose to have the espresso machine 200 create frothing milk for pouring into cups or other containers containing the dispensed espresso 312.

[0245] Espresso machine 200, for example, stores in its memory 314 the grind size used in brewing the selected espresso beverage 312 and the brewing time 312. Espresso machine 200 is configured to subsequently use the stored grind size and brewing time 314 to determine a recommended grind size, as discussed further below.

[0246] The espresso machine 200 then waits for the next user input 302 for the next beverage formation and dispensing process.

[0247] In the case where user input to espresso machine 200 includes user selection of espresso beverage 304 and request of recommended grind size for selection of beverage 304, method 300 includes espresso machine 200 determining recommended grind size 316. Figure 4B The illustration shows one implementation of a method for determining the recommended grinding size for 316.

[0248] like Figure 4B As shown, determining the recommended grind size 316 includes identifying the current grind size 318 and identifying the brewing time 320 for the selected beverage. The espresso machine 200, for example, its controller, identifies the current grind size 318 from signals transmitted to the controller, for example, from encoder 244. The espresso machine 200, for example, its controller, identifies the brewing time 320 by, for example, looking up the current coffee bean type in a lookup table stored in the espresso machine's memory (e.g., as input via user interface 206), which associates coffee bean type with brewing time. The values ​​stored in the lookup table are, for example, pre-stored in memory during manufacturing and may be experimentally determined values. Figure 4B The current grinding size recognition 318 is shown before brewing time recognition 320, but the current grinding size recognition 318 can occur after brewing time recognition 320.

[0249] After identifying the current grind size (318, 320) and the brewing time for the selected beverage under a fixed water delivery, the espresso machine 200, for example, its controller, uses the current grind size identified (318) to determine (322) whether the brewing time identified (320) is optimal for the selected beverage. Based on the selected size, the espresso machine 200, for example, its algorithm calculates a recommended grind size by looking at the current grind size and brewing time of the selected beverage. When determining whether the brewing time identified (320) is optimal for the selected beverage, the espresso machine 200, for example, its controller considers the previously stored grind size and brewing time of espresso beverages previously brewed by the espresso machine (314). Each grind size and brewing time of previously brewed espresso beverages defines a data point on a line graph of grind size versus brewing time for a fixed water delivery to the brewing head (214). The espresso machine 200, for example, its controller determines which line graph of the previous data points is closest to the brewing time identified (320) and the current grind size identified (318). The line graph can be stored as a matrix of values ​​in the espresso machine's memory. Matrix sizes of various types can be used for different types of espresso beverages if needed.

[0250] An espresso machine 200, for example, whose controller identifies the optimal brewing time for a selected espresso type by, for example, looking up the selected espresso type in a lookup table stored in the espresso machine's memory. This lookup table associates each possible selectable espresso type with a brewing time. The values ​​stored in the lookup table are, for example, pre-stored in memory during manufacturing and can be experimentally determined values. For example, the lookup table could indicate a 20-second brewing time for a single shot, a 30-second brewing time for a double shot, and a 40-second brewing time for a quadruple shot. As another example, the lookup table could indicate a 20-second brewing time for a single shot, a 30-second brewing time for a double shot, and a 55-second brewing time for a quadruple shot.

[0251] The espresso machine 200, for example, compares its controller with a line graph showing the identified optimal brewing time (identified as closest at identification 320) and the current grind size (identified as identification 318). If the identified optimal brewing time corresponds to the currently selected grind size on the line graph, then the recommended grind size (identified as identification 324) is determined as the current grind size. If the identified optimal brewing time does not correspond to the currently selected grind size on the line graph, then the recommended grind size is not determined as the current grind size, but rather as the grind size corresponding to the identified optimal brewing time (identified as identification 326).

[0252] Figure 5AThe illustration shows one implementation of a graph showing the relationship between grind size and brewing time. In one example, the brewing time for identification 320 is 50 seconds, the current grind size for identification 318 is 2 (e.g., on a scale from fine to coarse, including at least seven values ​​representing different grind levels), and the optimal brewing time is identified as 30 seconds, because in this example the user selected a double. Figure 5A The bottom curve 332 is closest to the brewing time of identification 320 and the current grind size of identification 318 because bottom curve 322 extends close to grind size 2 (Y-axis) and brewing time 50 seconds (X-axis). Bottom curve 322 indicates that to achieve the optimal brewing time of 30 seconds, grind size 5 should be used, such as... Figure 5B As shown. Espresso machine 200, for example, its controller therefore determines in this example that the recommended grind size is 5.

[0253] Refer again Figure 4A After the espresso machine 200, for example its controller, determines the recommended grind size 316, the espresso machine 200 provides the user with the recommended grind size 328. The recommended grind size 328 may be provided in one or more ways, such as visually (e.g., by displaying on the user interface 206) and / or audibly (e.g., by broadcasting via the speaker of the espresso machine 200).

[0254] The user has been notified of the recommended grinding size and decides whether to change the current grinding size. If the recommended grinding size is the same as the current grinding size, the user will usually decide not to change the current grinding size. If the recommended grinding size is different from the current grinding size, the user will usually decide to change the current grinding size to the recommended grinding size, but this change is at the user's discretion.

[0255] After the user decides whether to change the current grinding size (330) and changes the current grinding size if necessary (e.g., by moving wheel 222), the user initiates the brewing and dispensing process (310) similar to that discussed above.

[0256] In some implementation schemes, such as in Figure 4AIn method 300, the espresso machine is configured to allow the user to select whether to receive a recommended grind size from the espresso machine. In this embodiment, the espresso machine is configured to allow the user to input the grind size, such as by using a grind size adjustment mechanism. Also in this embodiment, the user decides whether to receive the recommended grind size, and if so, decides whether to follow the recommendation. The espresso machine can thus provide the user with control that allows them to make their own decisions regarding the grind size, which may be desirable for some users, such as those trained in espresso brewing and / or with ample espresso brewing experience. By not requesting a recommended grind size, the time between the initial user input of the beverage and its dispensing can be reduced, as the espresso machine does not need to determine the recommended grind size, provide it to the user, or wait for the user to input a start command after providing the recommended grind size, which can improve the overall user experience.

[0257] In other embodiments, the espresso machine is configured to automatically determine the grind size without user input. In this embodiment, the grind size adjustment mechanism can be omitted because the espresso machine is configured to automatically select the grind size as part of the brewing and dispensing process. However, the espresso machine may include a grind size adjustment mechanism to allow user adjustment of the grind size as discussed herein, and may also include user-selectable settings for automatic grind size. For example, the espresso machine's user interface may include an "Automatic Grind Size" button to request the espresso machine to automatically select the grind size. In addition to the "Grind IQ" button, an "Automatic Grind Size" button may also be used to request a recommended grind size. By allowing the user to instruct the espresso machine to automatically select the grind size, the time between the initial user input of the beverage and the beverage being dispensed can be reduced, as the espresso machine does not need to provide a recommended grind size to the user or wait for the user to input a start command after providing the recommended grind size, which can improve the overall user experience.

[0258] Figures 6A-6C Another embodiment of an espresso machine 400 configured to brew and dispense espresso is shown. In this illustrated embodiment, the espresso machine 400 is also configured to dispense water, froth milk (e.g., dairy milk or a non-dairy milk substitute), and brew and dispense espresso pour-over beverages. Figures 6A-6C Espresso machines 400 are usually associated with Figures 3A-3D The espresso machine 200 is similar in construction and use, therefore it is similar to... Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 is similar. Therefore, no specific discussion is needed. Figures 6A-6C The specific components of the espresso machine 400 are similar to those discussed above regarding the espresso machine 200, except for those discussed below.

[0259] Espresso machine 400 includes a door 402i, which is configured to open to allow access to basket storage area 402j, similar to the above. Figures 3A-3D The espresso machine 200 is discussed. For illustrative purposes, Figure 6D A door 402i, separate from the housing 402 of the espresso machine, is shown. In the embodiment illustrated, as... Figure 6A As shown, door 402i is hingedly attached to housing 402.

[0260] Figure 6D An embodiment of a organizing mechanism in basket storage area 402j is shown. The organizing mechanism includes multiple shelves, each configured to hold one of a plurality of baskets similar to the aforementioned plurality of baskets 219a, 219b, 219c. The bottom shelf 402k is configured to hold the first basket, the top shelf 402L is configured to hold the second basket, and the middle shelf 402m is configured to hold the third basket.

[0261] In the illustrated embodiment, the tamper 420 of the espresso machine 400 is non-removably coupled to the espresso machine 400, and the portafilter 418 of the espresso machine is configured to remain coupled to the espresso machine 400 for tamping. Tamper 420 (see...) Figure 6E The tamper 420 is configured to be inserted into the portafilter 418 through the upper opening, regardless of whether the funnel is removably attached to it. The bottom surface 420b of the tamper 420 is configured to be pressed downward onto the coffee powder in the portafilter 418 to form a puck. The bottom surface 420b of the tamper 420 is smooth and solid, which helps to form a uniform, compressed puck of coffee powder.

[0262] The powder tamper 420 includes an upper housing 420c and a lower housing 420d. The lower housing 420d includes the bottom surface 420b of the powder tamper. The upper housing 420c is movably coupled to the lower housing 420d. A spring 420e (see [link to spring 420]) is located inside the powder tamper 420. Figure 6G The spring 420e is operatively connected to the upper housing 420c and the lower housing 420d, and is biased downward in a direction away from the upper housing 420c. The spring 420e extends vertically and coils around the central post 420f of the pulverizer 420. The lower housing 420d includes the central post 420f. The central post 420f extends upward toward the upper housing 420c.

[0263] The tamper 420 is operatively coupled to the tamper handle 421. The tamper handle 421 extends from the housing 402 and is accessible to a user for operating the tamper 420. The tamper handle 421 is configured to be moved by the user to actuate the tamper 420 such that the bottom surface 420b of the tamper contacts and presses down on the coffee powder in the handle filter 418. In the illustrated embodiment, the tamper handle 421 is shown as a lever, but it may have another configuration, such as a knob.

[0264] like Figure 6E and 6F As shown, the tamping handle 421 is operatively connected to an elongated shaft 423. The elongated shaft 423 extends horizontally within the housing 402. The elongated shaft 423 is operatively connected to a pinion 425, which is operatively engaged with a rack 427, for example, wherein the teeth of the pinion 425 engage with the teeth of the rack 427. The rack 427 extends vertically within the housing 402. The rack 427 is operatively connected to the tamper 420, for example, its upper housing 420c.

[0265] Actuation of the tamper handle 421 is configured to rotate an elongated shaft 423 about a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated shaft 423. Rotation of the elongated shaft 423 is configured to correspondingly rotate a pinion 425. Rotation of the pinion 425 is configured to vertically move a rack 427, which in turn causes the tamper 420 to move vertically accordingly. The user actuates the tamper handle 421 to cause tamping, which moves the rack 427 downwards, and thus the tamper 420 downwards to press the coffee powder in the handle filter 418 downwards. Initially, both the upper housing 420c and the lower housing 420d move downwards. As the tamper 420, for example its bottom surface 420d, begins to press on the coffee powder, this force overcomes the biasing force of the spring 420e to allow the lower housing 420d to move upwards relative to the upper housing 420c. In this way, over-tamping is prevented, as over-tamped coffee powder can adversely affect the quality of the coffee beverage.

[0266] The tamping handle 421 is configured to be manually operated by the user from a stationary or non-tamping position (in... Figures 6A-6C and Figure 6E-6G (As shown in the diagram) The tamper is moved to the tamping position, in which the tamper 420 presses down on the coffee grounds in the portafilter 418. A spring 429 operably coupled to the tamper handle 421 is configured to automatically return the tamper handle 421 from the tamping position to the rest position. The spring 429 is therefore configured as a return spring. The spring 429 extends horizontally and coils around an elongated shaft 423, as shown in the diagram. Figure 6E and 6FAs shown. Spring 429 is configured to be compressed in response to the rotation of elongated shaft 423 in response to actuation (e.g., downward pressure) of tamping handle 421. When the user releases tamping handle 421, the force applied to tamping handle 421 is removed, allowing spring 429 to decompress. Decompression of spring 429 is configured to cause elongated shaft 423 to rotate in the opposite direction, which is configured to move tamping handle 421 toward and back to the rest position. Therefore, tamping handle 421 is configured to automatically move to the rest position, which helps ensure that tamping handle 421 is in a ready position for the next tamping operation.

[0267] The espresso machine 400 is configured to notify the user when the tamper 420 has moved to the tamping position. This notification is configured to signal to the user that tamping has occurred correctly and completely, and that the tamper handle 421 can be released. This prevents over-tamping.

[0268] like Figure 6H As shown, the espresso machine 400 includes a first electrical contact 431a and a second electrical contact 431b. The first electrical contact 431a and the second electrical contact 431b are located above the central post 420f of the lower housing 420d.

[0269] When the tamper 420 is in the stationary position, the center post 420f of the lower housing 420d does not contact the first electrical contact 431a and the second electrical contact 431b. As the tamper 420 moves from the stationary position toward the tamping position, the center post 420f of the lower housing 420d moves upward toward the first electrical contact 431a and the second electrical contact 431b. When the tamper 420 reaches the tamping position, the center post 420f (e.g., its upper surface) contacts the first electrical contact 431a and the second electrical contact 431b, causing the circuit to conduct. The center post 420f is conductive, for example, by being formed of metal or other conductive material to allow the circuit to conduct. The circuit is operatively connected to the controller of the espresso machine, for example, electrically connected to the controller via one or both of the electrical contacts 431a and 431b. Therefore, the controller is configured to receive a signal indicating that the circuit is conducting, thereby indicating to the controller that tamping has been completed. In response to receiving a signal indicating that the circuit is turned on, the controller is configured to provide a notification to the user. The notification may be auditory and / or visual, such as by beeping and / or by illuminating the user interface 406 of the espresso machine 400.

[0270] Figure 7A Another embodiment of an espresso machine 500 configured to brew and dispense espresso is shown. In this illustrated embodiment, the espresso machine 500 is also configured to dispense water, froth milk (e.g., dairy milk or a non-dairy milk substitute), and brew and dispense espresso pour-over beverages. Figure 7AEspresso machines 500 are usually associated with Figure 4A The -4C espresso machine 400 is constructed and used similarly, therefore it is similar to... Figures 3A-3D 200 espresso machine and Figure 1A The espresso machine 100 is similar. Therefore, no specific discussion is needed. Figure 7A The specific components of the espresso machine 500 are similar to those discussed above regarding the espresso machine 200, except for those discussed below.

[0271] like Figure 7A and 7B As shown, the espresso machine 500 includes a portafilter retaining feature 549 configured to help retain the portafilter 518 in the portafilter dock 550. In the illustrated embodiment, the portafilter retaining feature 549 includes a pair of opposing retaining fingers extending into a space 550b defined by the portafilter dock 550 (one of the two retaining fingers is in...). Figure 7A (Obscured in the view). The retaining finger is an elastic member, such as rubber or other material, which is constructed to facilitate gripping and anti-slip of the handle filter 518 relative to the handle filter dock 550. Figure 7A A portafilter 518 is shown, removably coupled to the brew head 514 of an espresso machine 500. The portafilter 518 and portafilter docking station 550 are further discussed in: U.S. Patent Application No. 057664-657001US, filed May 1, 2024, entitled “Beverage Machine Filter and Portafilter”; U.S. Patent Application No. 057664-657002US, filed May 1, 2024, entitled “Beverage Machine Portafilter”; and U.S. Patent Application No. 057664-657003US, filed May 1, 2024, entitled “Coffee Tamping”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0272] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle filter docking seat 550 also includes a railing 550c extending along the inner surface 550a (see...). Figure 7A The guardrail 550c is configured to further assist in retaining the handle filter 518 in the handle filter dock 550. In other embodiments, the espresso machine 500 may include only one of the guardrail 550c and the handle filter holding feature 549, or neither the guardrail 550c nor the handle filter holding feature 549.

[0273] Figure 7BAlso shown is a reed switch 515, which is generally constructed and used similarly to the reed switch of the espresso machine 200, 400 discussed above regarding the detection of which of the multiple baskets is placed in the handle filter.

[0274] like Figure 7A As shown, the espresso machine 500 includes a hopper 516, which is typically associated with the aforementioned... Figure 3R and 3S The hopper 216 is similarly constructed and used. Similar to... Figure 5A The hopper 416 of the espresso machine 400 shown in -5C extends above the top surface of the housing 502 of the espresso machine 500, as... Figure 7A As shown in the image.

[0275] like Figure 7A , 7C As shown in Figure 7D, in the embodiment illustrated, the hopper 516 includes a cover 516a, a body 516b, a cavity 516c, a funnel portion 516d, a rotor 516e, and a locking handle 516f. Similar to what was discussed above, when the rotor 516e is in the open position, coffee beans in the hopper 516 are allowed to pass through the funnel opening into the grinder 540 of the espresso machine 500 (see Figure 7D). Figure 7D and 7E And when rotor 516e is in the closed position, it prevents coffee beans in hopper 516 from passing through the funnel opening into grinder 540.

[0276] In the embodiment illustrated, the grinder 540 includes a stirrer 540e (see [reference]). Figure 7E The agitator is configured to agitate coffee beans in grinder 540 during the grinding process. When rotor 216e is open, in some cases, such as due to the size, quantity, and / or orientation and / or other factors of the coffee beans falling into grinder 540, coffee beans may accumulate or pile up below the aligned opening through which they fall into grinder 540. This accumulation or pile-up of coffee beans may hinder effective grinding because at least some coffee beans may not be properly positioned relative to the outer and inner grinding discs 540a, 540b of the grinder for grinding between them. The agitator 540e is configured to help disperse coffee beans within grinder 540 to break up any such accumulation or pile-up of coffee beans in grinder 540.

[0277] A stirrer 540e is operatively coupled to the inner grinding disc 540b in a fixed position relative to the inner grinding disc 540b. In the illustrated embodiment, the stirrer 540e is attached to a shaft 541 (see Figure 1). Figure 7DThe shaft 541 is operably connected to the inner grinding disc 540b, and is arranged in the inner grinding disc 540b and fixed in position relative to the inner grinding disc, similar to... Figure 3U The shaft 241 is arranged in the inner grinding disc 240b and is in a fixed position relative to the inner grinding disc.

[0278] As described above, the inner grinding disc 540b (and the shaft 541 to which the inner grinding disc 540b is attached) is configured to rotate relative to the outer grinding disc 540a. The stirrer 540e is therefore configured to rotate together with the inner grinding disc 540b (and the shaft 541) relative to the outer grinding disc 540a.

[0279] The agitator 540e can have various configurations. In the embodiment illustrated, the agitator 540e includes a rigid member (made of metal and / or other rigid material) in the form of upwardly extending blades.

[0280] Figure 7A Also shown is a reservoir 504 removably connected to the housing 502 of the espresso machine 500. Figure 7F A reservoir 504 is shown as a separate component. In this illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 504 includes a level sensor 504j, which is generally similar to those discussed above. Figure 3H The liquid level sensor 204j is used for construction and application. The liquid level sensor 504j includes: a magnet (in...) Figure 7F A float 504k (obstructed in the middle), a housing 504m having at least one opening 504n, and a Hall effect sensor (in... Figure 7F (The portion is obscured). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 504m has three openings 504n, but may have another number of openings 504n, and the openings 504n may be located at the top and opposite sides of the housing 504m, except... Figure 7F Locations other than those shown.

[0281] Figure 7A and 7G The steam frother arm 512 of the espresso machine 500 is shown, which is generally similar to that discussed above. Figure 3A The steam evaporator arm 212 is used for construction and application. For example... Figure 7G As shown, the steam bubbler arm 512 includes an outer tube 512b and an inner tube 512c coaxially arranged within the outer tube 512b. Fluid flows in the steam bubbler arm 512 in the passage of the inner tube 516c, and thus in the passage of the outer tube 512b in which the inner tube 512c is arranged.

[0282] The outer tube 512b is a conductive metal tube (e.g., stainless steel or other metal). The metal outer tube 512b helps the steam evaporator arm 512 to be easily cleaned by the user from the outside and / or helps the steam evaporator arm 512 maintain its shape. The inner tube 512c is a polymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, e.g., Teflon). TM (or other polymers), and non-conductive tubing. The inner tube 512c helps prevent the outer tube 512b from becoming too hot to touch, especially during prolonged foaming processes, and / or helps prevent internal wear of the steam foamer arm 512 due to repeated use, as the polymer of the inner tube 512c is more resistant to such wear than the metal of the outer tube 512b. In an exemplary embodiment, an air gap exists between the outer tube 512b and the inner tube 512c, which helps prevent heat transfer from the inner tube 512c to the outer tube 512b.

[0283] The steam evaporator arm 512 includes an outlet opening that is obscured in the figure. The outlet opening is formed in the end 512d of the steam evaporator arm 512. The end 512d can be removably coupled to the outer tube 512b and the inner tube 512c, which can facilitate cleaning of the end 512d. Alternatively, the end 512d can be non-removably coupled to the outer tube 512b and the inner tube 512c, which can help prevent loss and / or damage to the end 512d.

[0284] The steam foamer arm 512 includes one or more seals 512e between the end 512d and the outer tube 512b to help prevent any steam leakage from the steam foamer arm 512 and to help prevent any unintentional fluid ingress into the outer tube 512b. The steam foamer arm 512 also includes one or more seals 512e between the end 512d and the inner tube 512c to help prevent any steam leakage from the steam foamer arm 512 and to help prevent any unintentional fluid ingress into the inner tube 512c. In the embodiment illustrated, the seals 512e are all O-rings, but other types of seals may be used.

[0285] Figure 3A and 6A The steam maker arms of espresso machines 200 and 400 each include a metal conductive tube, which is typically connected to... Figure 7G The outer tube 512b is similarly constructed and used, but without the inner tube arranged therein, which can help simplify the manufacturing process and / or reduce costs. However, Figure 3A and 6A The steam maker arm of espresso machines 200 and 400 may include this inner tube.

[0286] Espresso machine 500 includes a drip tray fill level indicator configured to indicate the fill level of the drip tray 508, for example, the fill level within a cavity 508c defined by the base 508a of the drip tray 508. Therefore, when it is recommended to empty the drip tray 508, the espresso machine 500 can visually signal to the user that the drip tray 508 is not completely full or overflowing. Other beverage machines described herein may similarly include drip tray fill level indicators in their drip trays.

[0287] like Figure 7A and 7H As shown, the drip tray fill level indicator in this illustrated embodiment includes a pin 501 movably coupled to a drip tray 508. The pin 501 is configured to float in a liquid, such as by being a hollow polymer member. The height of the pin 501 relative to the drip tray 508 (e.g., the extent to which the pin 501 extends vertically above the top surface of the lid 508b of the drip tray 508) is configured to indicate the fill level of the drip tray 508. The higher the pin 501 is relative to the drip tray 508, the fuller the drip tray 508 is. In other words, the more the pin 501 extends vertically above the top surface of the lid 508b of the drip tray 508, the fuller the drip tray 508 is. When the drip tray 508 is empty, the pin 501 is at its lowest vertical level. When the drip tray 508 is full, the pin 501 is at its highest vertical level.

[0288] In the illustrated embodiment, pin 501 is configured to rise gradually as the filling level of the drip tray increases. In another embodiment, pin 501 is configured to rise abruptly to indicate that the drip tray 508 has reached a threshold filling level. A user is more likely to notice a pin 501 rising abruptly than a gradually rising pin 501, and is therefore more likely to empty the drip tray 508 before it becomes completely full or overflows. For example, in this embodiment, a first portion 508f within cavity 508c is separated from a second adjacent portion 508g of cavity 508c by a wall. For example, the inner wall 508h of the drip tray 508 may extend in a forward direction to separate the first portion 508f from the second portion 508g.

[0289] The first portion 508f and the second portion 508g of cavity 508c are in communication with each other. When the second portion 508g of cavity 508c becomes sufficiently filled with liquid to reach the top of the wall separating the first portion 508f and the second portion 508g of cavity 508c, the wall is no longer able to prevent liquid from entering the first portion 508f from the second portion 508g. Liquid overflows over the wall to enter the first portion 508f from the second portion 508g. Therefore, pin 501 rises to indicate that the drip tray 508 has reached the threshold filling level.

[0290] Pin 501, whether configured to rise gradually or abruptly, is a mechanical drip tray fill level indicator. Instead of a mechanical drip tray fill level indicator, or in addition to one, drip tray 508 (or other drip trays described herein) may include an electric drip tray fill level indicator. The electric drip tray fill level indicator is operatively coupled to the controller of the espresso machine. The controller is configured to issue a drip tray fill level alarm to the user based on signals received from the electric drip tray fill level indicator, such as light, text, audible sound, etc., provided via the espresso machine's user interface 506.

[0291] Figure 7I An embodiment of an electric drip tray fill level indicator 503 is illustrated. In this illustrated embodiment, the electric drip tray fill level indicator 503 includes a pair of electrical contacts 503a, such as copper contacts or other conductive contacts. The pair of electrical contacts 503a are coupled to the drip tray 508 at the top of the base 508b of the drip tray and communicate with a cavity 508c of the drip tray. When the cavity 508c is emptied, the pair of electrical contacts 503a are not electrically connected to each other. When sufficient liquid fills the cavity 508c to reach the level of the pair of electrical contacts 503a, the liquid bridges the pair of electrical contacts 503a, causing the pair of electrical contacts 503a to become electrically connected to each other to complete a circuit including a controller. Therefore, the controller receives a signal in response to the drip tray 508 being filled to a predetermined level defined by the position of the pair of electrical contacts 503a relative to the liquid collection cavity 508c of the drip tray 508.

[0292] Figure 8 The illustration shows one embodiment of a method 600 using an espresso machine, configured to automatically determine the grind size without user input. For ease of explanation, regarding... Figures 3A-3D The espresso machine 200 describes method 600, but it can be applied to another espresso machine (e.g., Figure 1A 100 espresso machines Figures 6A-6C Espresso machine 400 Figure 7A The same method 600 is performed on an espresso machine 500 or other espresso machines.

[0293] Method 600 includes an espresso machine 200 waiting 602 for user input to the espresso machine 200 via the espresso machine's user interface 206, similar to the above regarding... Figure 4A As discussed above, user input to the espresso machine 200 includes the user selecting an espresso beverage (which can be either espresso or a pour-over espresso) and initiating the brewing and dispensing process. The espresso machine 200, for example, determines the recommended grind size (606) similar to the above discussion. Figure 4A and 4BThe discussion focuses on the fact that the current grind size cannot be selected using wheel 222 (which may be omitted in this embodiment), but is instead indicated by the current setting of grinder 240 as indicated by encoder 244. Espresso machine 200 then brews and dispenses the selected espresso beverage 608 based on the automatically determined grind size 606 and the beverage selected by the user 604. Before dispensing the espresso 608 into a cup or other container via brew head 214, the user uses the portafilter 218 and tamper 220 as described above. Espresso machine 200 stores, for example, in its memory 610 the grind size used in brewing the selected espresso beverage 608 and the brewing time 608. Espresso machine 200 is configured to use the stored grind size 610 and brewing time length when subsequently determining the recommended grind size, as discussed herein.

[0294] Various embodiments of the beverage machine are further described in, for example: U.S. Patent Application No. 057664-654001US, filed May 1, 2024, entitled "Milk Foaming"; U.S. Patent Application No. 057664-654001US, filed May 1, 2024, entitled "Preventing Coffee Bean Grinder Jamming"; U.S. Patent Application No. 057664-655001US, filed May 1, 2024, entitled "Beverage Machine Filter and Handle Filter"; and U.S. Patent Application No. 057664-657001US, filed May 1, 2024, entitled "Beverage Machine Handle Filter". The following U.S. patent applications, filed May 1, 2024, entitled “Coffee Tampering” (Attorney File No. 057664-657002US); filed May 1, 2024, entitled “Descaling Beverage Machine” (Attorney File No. 057664-657003US); filed May 1, 2024, entitled “Preparation for Cold Beverage Brewing” (Attorney File No. 057664-659001US); and filed May 1, 2024, entitled “Preparation for Cold Beverage Brewing” (Attorney File No. 057664-680001US), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0295] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog electronic circuits, digital electronic circuits, and / or computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural means disclosed herein and their structural equivalents, or combinations thereof. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device) or embodied in a propagating signal, for execution by or control of the operation of a data processing device (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). Computer programs (also referred to as programs, algorithms, software, software applications, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as standalone programs or as modules, components, subroutines, or other units suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored as a portion of a file containing other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinating files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code portions).

[0296] The processes and logical flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the subject matter herein, can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the subject matter herein by manipulating input data and producing output. The processes and logical flows can also be executed by dedicated logic circuitry, and the devices of the subject matter herein can be implemented as dedicated logic circuitry, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0297] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, for receiving data from or transferring data to, or for both receiving data from and transferring data to. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices). The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into a dedicated logic circuit system.

[0298] The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term "module" refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and / or various combinations thereof. However, at a minimum, a module should not be construed as software not implemented on hardware or firmware or recorded on a non-transitory processor-readable and recordable storage medium (i.e., a module is not the software itself). In practice, a "module" should be construed as always including at least some physical, non-transitory hardware, such as a part of a computer or processor. Two different modules may share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules may use the same processor). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated, and / or replicated to support a variety of applications. Furthermore, alternatives to or complementing the functions performed at a particular module, the functions described herein as performing at a particular module, may be performed at one or more other modules and / or by one or more other devices.

[0299] Those skilled in the art will understand other features and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method based on the above embodiments. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described, unless indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0300] The present disclosure has been described above by way of example only within the context of the overall disclosure provided herein. It should be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system comprising: Beverage machines, including: A grinder, which is configured to grind coffee beans; A user interface configured to receive user input selecting a beverage for use in forming and dispensing from the beverage machine; Controller; and A memory that stores instructions, which, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations, the one or more operations including: The recommended grind size of the coffee beans is determined based on the predetermined optimal brewing time of the selected beverage and based on the grind size and brewing time of the final beverage formed and dispensed by the beverage machine.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more operations further include providing the recommended grinding size to the user via the user interface.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the user interface is configured to receive user input requesting the initiation of the formation and dispensing of a selected beverage; and The recommended grind size is provided via the user interface before the user input requesting the start of the formation and dispensing of the selected beverage is received.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the beverage machine further comprises a grind size adjustment mechanism operably coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after the recommended grind size is provided and before the user input request begins the formation and dispensing of the selected beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the beverage machine further comprises a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by a user to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the grinding size adjustment mechanism includes a rotatable wheel operably coupled to the grinder.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the beverage machine further comprises a gear train operatively coupled to the wheel and coupled to the grinder; The grinder includes a first grinding disc and a second grinding disc, the first and second grinding discs defining a space therebetween where the coffee beans to be ground are configured to be located; and The rotation of the wheel is configured to adjust the size of the space, thereby adjusting the grinding size.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the rotation of the wheel is configured to cause rotation of the gears of the gear train, thereby moving the first grinding disc relative to the second grinding disc.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the beverage machine further includes an encoder operatively coupled to the controller and the gear train, and configured to transmit a signal to the controller indicating the current grinding size setting of the grinder.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured to receive user input requesting the recommended grinding size; and The determination of the recommended grinding size is configured to occur in response to receiving the user input requesting the recommended grinding size.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured to receive user input requesting the initiation of the formation and dispensing of a selected beverage; and The determination of the recommended grinding size is configured to occur automatically in response to receiving the user input requesting the start.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more operations further include forming and dispensing the selected beverage; and The grinding size and brewing time of the beverage to be stored, formed, and dispensed.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the user interface is configured to receive second user input, the second user input selecting a second beverage for formation and dispensing from the beverage machine; and The one or more operations also include determining a second recommended grind size for the coffee beans based on a predetermined optimal brewing time for the selected second beverage and based on the stored grind size and brewing time.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more operations further include forming and dispensing the selected beverage; The one or more operations also include providing the recommended grind size to the user via the user interface before the selected beverage is formed and dispensed; The user interface is configured to receive user input that initiates the formation and dispensing of the selected beverage; and The recommended grind size is provided via the user interface before the user input requesting the start of the formation and dispensing of the selected beverage is received.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the beverage machine further comprises a grind size adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the grinder and configured to be manually adjusted by the user after the recommended grind size is provided and before the user input request begins the formation and dispensing of the selected beverage, to adjust the grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the beverage machine further comprises a hopper configured to store the coffee beans; and The grinder is configured to receive the coffee beans from the hopper.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the beverage machine is a coffee machine.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the beverage machine is an espresso machine.

19. A method comprising: The beverage machine of the system according to claim 1 determines the recommended grind size of the coffee beans based on the predetermined optimal brewing time of the selected beverage and based on the grind size of the final beverage formed and dispensed by the beverage machine and the brewing time.

20. A system comprising: Controller; as well as A memory that stores instructions, which, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations, the one or more operations including: The recommended grind size of the coffee beans to be ground by the grinder of the beverage machine is determined based on the predetermined optimal brewing time of the beverage selected by the user through the beverage machine's user interface and based on the grind size and brewing time of the final beverage formed and dispensed by the beverage machine.

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