Beverage dispensing apparatus and method for active pressure control thereof

Abstract

To provide a beverage dispensing apparatus and a method for active pressure control of it.SOLUTION: In one aspect, a method for controlling a beverage dispensing apparatus includes: a) determining whether a first beverage to be prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage to be prepared at a second temperature has been selected for preparation; and b) selecting a maximum pressure threshold for a beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing apparatus on the basis of whether the first beverage or the second beverage has been selected in the step a). The maximum pressure threshold is set by selecting from a first pressure threshold when the first beverage is determined to have been selected and a second pressure threshold when the second beverage is determined to have been selected, the first pressure threshold being less than the second pressure threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to UK Patent Application No. 1813478.3, filed August 17, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 831,529, filed April 9, 2019, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to coffee, tea, and other beverage dispensing machines, particularly, but not exclusively, to beverage dispensing machines that produce hot and cold beverages using a pressurized process.

[0003] The use of beverage dispensing machines, such as coffee machines, is common, especially in the workplace. A common type of these machines uses a beverage pack that is inserted into the machine and into which a liquid (usually water) is introduced to extract and dispense the beverage. For example, coffee grounds may be contained within the pack and hot water may be injected into the pack to brew coffee. The pack is designed to burst open in a controlled manner (such as by delamination at one end) as a result of an increase in water pressure, thereby allowing the brewed coffee to exit the pack through a filter mesh. Because the water is introduced under pressure, there is a slight risk that the pack will burst in an uncontrolled manner. As a result, a safety valve in the form of a pressure relief valve is provided to prevent the pressure within the pack from exceeding a known delamination or burst point for the pack. As an example, a pressure relief valve set at 9.5 psi protects the machine from bursting a pack that may burst at pressures above 9.5 psi.

[0004] To obtain stronger flavors from some beverages, for example strong coffee drinks, this 9.5 psi pressure limit is not optimal for extraction. The solution to this problem is to extend the extraction time. This can be problematic as the long extraction time of the beverage may not be acceptable to the user. Another method is to include a high-pressure pack, which is expensive to manufacture and requires additional physical support of the pack to limit expansion and prevent bursting. Such physical support adds mechanical complexity to the beverage dispenser, which further adds to manufacturing costs.

[0005] You may also need to lower the temperature of the water you use - for example, a typical water temperature for such machines is 92°C, which is hot enough to brew tea, coffee and other hot drinks, but not hot enough to boil the water in the machine. However, because the boiling point of water is lower when placed at high altitudes, the water temperature must be lowered to prevent it from inadvertently starting to boil, which can affect the quality of the drink produced or significantly extend the time required to prepare the drink. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to a beverage dispensing apparatus and a method for controlling the same. The beverage dispensing apparatus includes a controller for controlling a fluid pressure during the process of preparing a beverage. In certain embodiments, the controller may be configured to set a maximum pressure threshold or a beverage preparation pressure based on a temperature of a beverage selected for preparation. In certain other embodiments, the controller may be configured to actively adjust a beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing apparatus to maintain a selected beverage preparation pressure or to maintain the beverage preparation pressure below a selected maximum pressure threshold during the preparation of the beverage. In still other embodiments, the controller may be configured to adjust a temperature setting of a heater that heats a fluid used to prepare the beverage based on a measurement of an ambient temperature. A method of operating a beverage dispensing apparatus in certain embodiments may include setting a maximum pressure threshold or a beverage preparation pressure based on a temperature of a beverage selected for preparation. In certain other embodiments, the method may include adjusting a beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing apparatus to maintain a selected beverage preparation pressure or to maintain the beverage preparation pressure below a selected maximum pressure threshold during the preparation of the beverage. In still other embodiments, the method may include adjusting a temperature setting of a heater of the beverage dispensing apparatus based on a measurement of an ambient temperature.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention may be a method for operating a beverage dispensing device comprising the steps of: a) determining whether a first beverage prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage prepared at a second temperature is selected for brewing; and b) selecting a maximum pressure threshold of a beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing device based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage is determined to be selected in step a), wherein the maximum pressure threshold is set by selecting from at least a first pressure threshold when the first beverage is determined to be selected and a second pressure threshold when the second beverage is determined to be selected, the first pressure threshold being less than the second pressure threshold.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention may be a method for operating a beverage dispensing device, comprising the steps of: a) determining whether a first beverage prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage prepared at a second temperature is selected for brewing; and b) selecting from at least a first beverage brewing pressure and a second beverage brewing pressure for operating a beverage brewing circuit of the beverage dispensing device based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage is determined to be selected in step a), wherein the first temperature is higher than the second temperature and the first beverage brewing pressure is lower than the second beverage brewing pressure.

[0009] In yet another aspect, the invention may be a method of operating a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising pumping water from a water outlet of a water supply line through a beverage ingredient container to dispense a beverage; measuring a pressure in the water supply line at a location upstream of the water outlet and the beverage ingredient container; and determining an estimated pressure at the water outlet based on the measured pressure and a flow rate of water through the water supply line.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: pumping a fluid into a beverage preparation fluid circuit including an outlet; measuring a pressure within the beverage preparation fluid circuit; and determining an estimated pressure at the outlet based on the measured pressure and a flow rate of the fluid pumped into the beverage preparation fluid circuit.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the invention may be a method of operating a beverage dispensing device, comprising: pumping a fluid into a beverage preparation fluid circuit including an outlet; measuring a pressure within the beverage preparation fluid circuit; and determining an estimated pressure at the outlet based on the measured pressure and a flow rate of the fluid pumped into the beverage preparation fluid circuit.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention may be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a beverage preparation fluid circuit and a controller operably coupled to the beverage preparation circuit, the controller configured to perform the steps of: a) receiving a beverage selection input for preparation of a beverage; b) determining whether the beverage selection input indicates that a first beverage prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage prepared at a second temperature is selected for preparation, the first temperature being higher than the second temperature; and c) selecting a maximum pressure threshold of the beverage preparation fluid circuit based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage is determined to be selected in step b), wherein the maximum pressure threshold is set by selecting from at least a first pressure threshold when the first beverage is determined to be selected and a second pressure threshold when the second beverage is determined to be selected, the first pressure threshold being lower than the second pressure threshold.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the invention may be a beverage dispensing apparatus including a beverage preparation circuit and a controller operably coupled to the beverage preparation circuit, the controller configured to perform the steps of: a) receiving a beverage selection input for preparation of a beverage; b) determining whether the beverage selection input indicates that a first beverage prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage prepared at a second temperature is selected for preparation, wherein the first temperature is greater than the second temperature; and c) selecting from at least a first beverage preparation pressure and a second beverage preparation pressure for operating the beverage preparation circuit based on whether it is determined that the first beverage or the second beverage is selected in step b), wherein the first pressure threshold is less than the second pressure threshold.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the invention may be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a water tank, a water supply line having a water pump connected to the water tank and for pumping water from the water tank to a water outlet at a distal end of the water supply line, a heater disposed between the water tank and the water outlet for heating water, a sealed pressure sensor configured to measure ambient atmospheric pressure relative to a reference pressure, and a controller configured to receive an output from the sealed pressure sensor indicative of the ambient atmospheric pressure and adjust a temperature setting of the heater based on the ambient atmospheric pressure, wherein the water outlet is connectable to a beverage ingredient container.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a fluid pump for pumping fluid into a beverage preparation fluid circuit including an outlet; a pressure sensor arranged to sense a pressure in the beverage preparation fluid circuit; and a controller configured to receive an output from the pressure sensor and determine an estimated pressure at the outlet based on the received output and a flow rate of the fluid through the fluid pump.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the invention may be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a water tank, a water supply line having a water pump connected to the water tank and for pumping water from the water tank to a water outlet at a distal end of the water supply line, a heater disposed between the water tank and the water outlet for heating water, a sealed pressure sensor configured to measure ambient atmospheric pressure relative to a reference pressure, and a controller configured to receive an output from the sealed pressure sensor indicative of the ambient atmospheric pressure and adjust a temperature setting of the heater based on the ambient atmospheric pressure, wherein the water outlet is connectable to a beverage ingredient container.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: a beverage preparation fluid circuit including an outlet; a heater disposed upstream of the outlet for heating a fluid for the beverage preparation fluid circuit; a sealed pressure sensor configured to measure ambient atmospheric pressure relative to a reference pressure; and a controller configured to receive an output from the sealed pressure sensor and adjust a temperature setting of the heater based on the measured ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0018] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the following drawings.

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] [Diagram 2] 2 is a front view of the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1 shown with a beverage ingredient container inserted therein;

[0022] [Diagram 3] 1 shows a perspective view of a beverage ingredient container.

[0023] [Figure 4A] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the sealed beverage ingredient container taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3;

[0024] [Figure 4B]4 shows a cross-sectional view of the beverage ingredient container in a burst open state for dispensing a beverage along line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

[0025] [Diagram 5] 2-4B into a beverage dispensing system. [Figure 6] 2-4B into a beverage dispensing system.

[0026] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1.

[0027] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a beverage dispensing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 9] 2 is a first operational flow chart illustrating a sub-process that may be used to control the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1;

[0029] [Figure 10] 4 is a second operational flow chart illustrating a sub-process that may be used to control the beverage dispensing device of FIG. 1.

[0030] [Figure 11] 11 is a third operational flow chart illustrating a sub-process that may be used to control the beverage dispensing device of FIG.

[0031] [Figure 12] 11 is a fourth operational flow chart illustrating a process that may be used to control the beverage dispensing device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The following description of the embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0033] The description of exemplary embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered as part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, references to directions or orientations are intended merely for convenience of description and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "up", "down", "upwards", "downwards", "left", "right", "top", "bottom" and derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontal", "downwards", "upwards", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientations shown in the drawings being described or discussed at the time. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless expressly indicated as such. Terms such as "mounted", "fixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected", etc. refer to a relationship in which structures are fixed or attached to one another, directly or indirectly, through a movable or fixed attachment or relationship or through an intervening structure, unless otherwise specified. Moreover, the features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated by reference to preferred embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to such preferred embodiments, which represent some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0034] Features of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof. The processes described herein are not limited to a particular embodiment and may be implemented in an operating system, an application program, a foreground or background process, a driver, a programmable controller or processor, or any combination thereof. A programmable process may run on a single programmable device or on multiple programmable devices. The terms "controller" and "processor" are used interchangeably herein.

[0035] The processors and / or controllers described herein may include any central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, microcontroller, computing, or programmable device or circuitry configured to execute computer program instructions (e.g., code). Such devices may include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and / or graphics processing units (GPUs), among other devices with similar functionality. Additionally, the processors and / or controllers may include all the usual ancillary components required to form a functional data processing / control device, including, but not limited to, any one or combination of the following: buses, software, and data storage memory, such as volatile and non-volatile, input / output devices, display screens, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), removable data storage, wired and / or wireless communication interface devices, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, etc.

[0036] The computer-executable instructions or programs (e.g., software or code) and data described herein may be programmed and tangibly embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium that is accessible to and retrievable by each processor constituting the present invention. Execution of the instructions encoded in the medium then directs the processor to perform the desired functions and processes. A device embodying a processor / controller configured to execute such non-transitory computer-executable instructions or programs may hereinafter be referred to as a "programmable device" or simply "device" for short, and multiple programmable devices in intercommunication may be referred to as a "programmable system." It should be noted that a non-transitory "computer-readable medium" as used herein may include, but is not limited to, any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM) and its various types, read-only memory (ROM) and its various types, USB flash memory, and magnetic or optical data storage devices (e.g., internal / external hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tape, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, optical disks, ZIP® drives, Blu-ray® disks, and others) that can be written to and / or read by a processor operatively connected to the medium.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the present invention may be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatus, such as processor-based data processing and communication systems or computer systems for performing those processes. The present invention may also be embodied in the form of software or computer program code embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which, when loaded and executed in the data processing and communication system or computer system, the computer program code segments configure a processor to create specific logic circuits configured to implement the processes.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "hot" and "cold" beverages are used and their meanings are intended to be used and accepted in the coffee and tea brewing industry. The term "hot" beverage refers to a beverage prepared using a liquid, such as water, above about 70° C. and below its boiling point. In comparison, the term "cold" beverage is any beverage prepared using a fluid, such as water, at or below ambient temperature. Beverages can also be prepared at a "warm" temperature, which is any temperature between the hot and cold ranges.

[0039] 1-6, a beverage dispensing apparatus 10 includes a fluid delivery device 12 for delivering fluid to a single-use, disposable beverage ingredient container 14, shown in the figures in the form of a flexible-walled ingredient pack. The beverage ingredient container 14 contains ingredients 14g which, when mixed with liquid, produce a beverage which is transferred to a drinking container, such as a cup 16.

[0040] The fluid may be any type of fluid used to prepare and dispense beverages. In certain embodiments, the fluid may be water. In other embodiments, the fluid may be milk, juice, or any other basic consumable fluid. In certain embodiments, beverage ingredient container 14 may be any type of container that contains ingredients for preparing a beverage by mixing with a fluid and is configured to be coupled to beverage dispensing apparatus 10 to prepare a beverage under pressure. For simplicity, beverage dispensing apparatus 10 and its process are described below using water as the fluid. Of course, the invention should not be so limited unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 includes a water tank 32 accessible through a lid 10a at the top of the apparatus, and a container compartment having a door 10b for receiving a beverage ingredient container 14. A removable drip tray 10d is included at the bottom of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. The drip tray 10d includes a grill that forms a support surface for supporting a cup 16 when the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is dispensing a beverage. The tray portion of the drip tray 10d is positioned below the grill to catch any spills that pass through the grill.

[0042] The beverage dispensing machine 10 also has a user interface in the form of a display screen 10e and a number of selection buttons 10f that allow a user to control functions of the beverage dispensing machine 10. For example, the selection buttons 10f allow a user to select beverage production parameters. In certain embodiments, the display screen 10e may instead be a touch screen that displays information to a user and allows a user to control functions of the beverage dispensing machine 10 by touching the touch screen to provide user input.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, a beverage ingredient container 14 in the form of a flexible walled ingredient pack is used with the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. The operation and use of the beverage ingredient container 14 is described below in conjunction with the use of the beverage ingredient container 14 in the form of a flexible walled ingredient pack with a beverage. However, it should be understood that the invention should not be so limited unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0044] In Figures 3, 4A and 4B, the beverage ingredient container 14 includes a front sheet 14a and a back sheet 14b, both of which are formed from a liquid and air impermeable sheet material, with the front and back sheets 14a, 14b bonded together around a top edge 14c and a side edge 13d. The front sheet 14a and the back sheet 14b are also bonded together along a bottom edge 14e, the bond being formed so as to be releasable under the influence of a predetermined amount of heat and / or pressure within the beverage mixing container 14. For example, the bond at the bottom edge 14e may be by a pressure and / or heat sensitive adhesive. Folded within the beverage ingredient container 14 is a web of filter material 14f, which is bonded to the inner walls of the front sheet 14a and the back sheet 14b. The web of filter material 14f supports a beverage ingredient 14g, such as ground coffee or leaf tea. Other types of beverage ingredients may also be included. The beverage ingredient container 14 also includes a nozzle 14h having a tubular bore 14i extending through it along a centerline. The nozzle 14h is formed at the top end of the beverage ingredient container 14 and is hermetically bonded to the front sheet 14a and the back sheet 14b. The nozzle 14h is flanged to aid in proper placement of the beverage ingredient container 14 within the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. The tubular bore 14i is initially sealed with a suitable airtight freshness barrier 14j. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example of a beverage ingredient container 14 and that the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 may be configured to accept and prepare beverages using other types of beverage ingredient containers 14, such as packs or capsules. The beverage ingredient container 14 may also include a visual indicia 14k, such as a barcode, a QR code, a color code, or the like, which may be used to indicate to the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 the temperature at which a beverage prepared in the beverage ingredient container 14 is to be prepared. Alternatively, the beverage ingredient container 14 may include a structural feature 14m that is used to indicate to the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 the temperature at which the beverage prepared in the beverage ingredient container 14 will be prepared. Of course, such visual indicia or structural features may also be used to communicate other information regarding the beverage ingredient container 14 to the beverage dispensing apparatus 10.

[0045] In use, a beverage ingredient container 14 is introduced into the container compartment of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 via a holder in the door 10d. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the door is pivotable at its base between an open position and a closed position. Once a user-selected beverage ingredient container 14 is in position within the container compartment and the door 10d is closed, the beverage preparation process may be initiated. In certain embodiments, initiation of the beverage preparation process may require user input via the selection button 10f. In certain other embodiments, insertion of the beverage ingredient container 14 may be sufficient to initiate the beverage preparation process.

[0046] A control system of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 7. The control system includes a controller 20 communicatively connected to multiple components of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. Thus, the controller 20 can receive signals from and / or send control signals to components connected to control the operation of aspects of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. By way of example, the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 includes a pressure sensor 18 communicatively connected to the controller 20. The pressure sensor 18 measures the pressure of water within a pressurizable portion of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12, which includes a supply manifold 71, and provides a signal to the controller 20 based on the measured pressure. This pressure sensor 18 is shown positioned immediately upstream of the beverage ingredient container 14. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor 18 may be positioned at other locations within the pressurizable portion of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. It can be appreciated that there is a known relationship between the pressure measured at the location of the pressure sensor 18 and the pressure at an outlet of the pressurizable portion of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. The outlet is where the beverage ingredient container 14 sealingly couples to the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. As indicated by the use of dotted and dashed lines, the controller 20 is also communicatively connected to the flow meter 52, the water pump 54, the solenoid divert valve 70, the air pump 72, and the solenoid valves 22, 84, 86. Connections between components of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 and the controller 20 are not shown but may be beneficial to the operation of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. However, those listed above are the primary connections to facilitate operation of the apparatus and pressure control mechanisms described herein. These connections enable the controller 20 to control most or all of the beverage preparation process, including both pressurization and depressurization of pressurizable portions of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 as needed to adjust the water pressure therein before and during the preparation of the beverage.

[0047] The beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 includes a water holding tank 24 for holding water used to prepare the beverage. The water in the water holding tank 24 may be maintained at ambient temperature. In other embodiments, the water holding tank 24 may include a chiller to reduce the temperature of the water therein below ambient temperature. The water holding tank 24 may be fed directly from a continuous main water supply 26 via a solenoid inlet valve 28 and a pair of check valves 30. Alternatively, a storage tank 32 may be manually filled to hold the equivalent of many beverages, with the water in the water holding tank 32 being transferred to the water holding tank 24 via a coupling 38. The water holding tank 24 includes a float level sensor (not shown) to ensure that the water holding tank 24 contains at least enough water for the maximum beverage size. The water holding tank 24 also includes an overflow outlet 34 and a drain line 36, the latter of which is coupled to a cold drain tap 38 that is closed under standard operating conditions. Water from the water holding tank 24 enters the remainder of the beverage preparation circuit 12 via an odor and taste filter 50. A flow meter 52 is included in the outlet line from the water holding tank 24 so that the amount of water taken can be measured. Data from the flow meter 52 is passed to the controller 20 which also controls a low pressure DC water pump 54. A check valve 56 protects the pump 54 and a further drain tap 58 is included to drain the distributor downstream of the pump 54. A further check valve 60 prevents contamination of the water system from the hot drain tap 58, which is closed under standard operating conditions. Further protection of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 is provided by a pressure relief valve 62 which is set at a higher pressure than required by any of the beverage ingredient containers 14. For example, the pressure relief valve 62 may be set to 22 psi and if the pressure exceeds this limit, the water will return to the water holding tank 24 via the water line 64 .

[0048] The beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 also includes a water cooling tank 66 that allows for the preparation and dispensing of chilled or cold beverages. The cooling tank 66 includes a cooling system (not shown) for lowering the temperature of the water in the cooling tank 66 or as the water enters it to a predetermined temperature below ambient temperature. The temperature to which the water in the cooling tank 66 is lowered can be controlled by the controller 20. The predetermined temperature is typically set between 55°C and 65°C. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the water in the cooling tank 66 may not be lower than ambient temperature at all. The cooling tank 66 may also be provided with insulation to help maintain a lower temperature of the water therein. Because the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is configured to sell hot and cold beverages, the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 includes fluid heating components, shown as a pair of heating tanks 68, which are used to heat the water to a predetermined temperature under the control of the controller 20. When ambient pressure is at sea level pressure, the predetermined temperature is typically 92°C. In certain embodiments, the controller 20 may set the temperature to which the water is heated in the heating tank 68. Using the cooling tank 66 and the heating tank 68, a user can select a beverage to be prepared at a heated water temperature. A user can select a beverage to be prepared at a cold water temperature. In certain embodiments, a user's selection of a particular beverage ingredient container 14 automatically makes the user's selection as to whether a hot or cold beverage is to be prepared. In still other embodiments, water from the cooling tank 66 can be mixed with water from the heating tank 68 to prepare a beverage at a temperature between the hot and cold water temperatures. In still other embodiments, the heating and cooling of the water can be performed in-line as the water flows from the water tank 32, such that no additional tanks are required to store the heated or cooled water.

[0049] A three port two output (3 / 2) diversion solenoid valve 70 controls the flow of water from the pump 54 to either the cooling tank 66 or the heating tank 68. The diversion valve 70 operates under the control of the controller 20 to determine whether a hot or cold drink is being dispensed. It is the selection of the output of the valve 70 that determines the temperature of the water entering the beverage ingredient container 14, as the temperature of the water from each input is regulated by a thermostatically controlled heating or cooling system. However, alternatively or additionally, a thermometer may be included as part of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12, for example adjacent to the pressure sensor 18, to measure the water temperature and transmit this information to the controller 20.

[0050] An air pump 72 is also included and operates as part of the dispensing process by pumping air through the beverage ingredient container 14 to ensure maximum delivery of water from within the beverage ingredient container 14 and / or to provide foaming in the beverage. A check valve 74 is included to prevent contamination of the air pump with the water, and a check valve 76 is further disposed in the outlet line of the cooling tank 66 to ensure there is no contamination with the hot water in the cooling tank.

[0051] The air pump 72 can be operated to dewater the beverage ingredient container 14 after the beverage has been dispensed by blowing air through the injector valve 22, thereby reducing dripping from the beverage ingredient container 14. Air can also be blown through the mixing nozzle 80 in a similar manner to remove any remaining water.

[0052] The beverage ingredient container 14 is connected to the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 via an outlet on the water supply line 78. Further delivery of water to the cup 16 can occur via a mixing jet 80 that directs the water directly into the cup 16 without passing through it. Control of the water from the water supply 12 to the cup 16, either via the beverage ingredient container 14 or the mixing jet 80, is under the control of a pair of solenoids. A solenoid valve 84 is in the water line 82 and determines whether the water enters the cup 16 via the mixing jet 80, and a solenoid valve 86 is in the water line 78 and determines whether the water passes through the beverage ingredient container 14.

[0053] Aspects of operation of the beverage dispensing machine 10 will now be described. Unless noted that user input is provided, in certain embodiments, the controller 20 may be configured and / or programmed to control all operation of the beverage dispensing machine 10. However, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to have certain aspects of operation manually controlled or otherwise occur outside of the direct control of the controller 20.

[0054] During standard operation, a user selects a beverage by selecting a beverage ingredient container 14 (such as standard hot filter coffee) and inserts it into the dispensing device 10. An injector nozzle connected to a water line 78 is inserted into the beverage. The injector nozzle connected to a water line 78 is inserted into the beverage ingredient container 14 such that a pressure seal is formed between the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 and the beverage ingredient container 14. The controller 20, determining that a beverage is ready to be made, switches on the water pump 54. The hot beverage solenoid diversion valve 70 switches to an output line directed to the heating tank 68, which pushes water pumped from the water holding tank 24 into the heating tank 68, which in turn pushes hot water from the heating tank 68 into the supply manifold 71 and thence into the beverage ingredient container 14. The controller 20 opens the valve 86, allowing the water to pass along the line 78 through the injector to the beverage ingredient container 14. As shown in FIG. 4, upon introduction of water through the injector tube and nozzle bore 14 icon, beverage preparation ingredients 14g contained in the beverage ingredient container 14 mix with the water and a beverage is extracted. This injection of water causes the beverage ingredient container 14 to expand under increasing pressure causing the front and back sheets 14a, 14b to move away from each other. The bottom end 14e of the container 14 is configured to burst open or delaminate under the influence of heat and pressure within the beverage ingredient container 14. The prepared beverage passes through the filter web 14f and the open bottom end 14e of the beverage ingredient container 14 to be collected in the cup 16. The time required to open the bottom end 14e depends on the temperature and pressure of the water entering the beverage ingredient container 14. Once the beverage ingredient container 14 is open, additional water can be pumped through the filter 14f by leaving the valve 86 open. Alternatively, the valve 84 can be opened to allow the water to be injected into the cup without passing through the beverage ingredient container 14.

[0055] If a problem occurs, for example if the beverage ingredient container 14 does not open, the pressure within the beverage ingredient container 14 may exceed 9.5 psi. This undesirable high pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 18, which causes the controller 20 to send a signal to open the solenoid valve 22 to return water to the water holding tank 24 via the water line 92.

[0056] If a chilled beverage is selected, a similar beverage preparation process occurs. The selection process can be either manual, with the user indicating to the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 via user interfaces 10e and 10f that a chilled beverage has been selected. Alternatively, the beverage ingredient container 14 can automatically indicate to the controller 20 that a chilled beverage has been selected. This automatic indication may be via a visual recognition system, for example, by having a bar code, QR code, or other visual indication on the exterior surface of the beverage ingredient container 14, and an optical reader connected to the controller 20 for identifying the beverage ingredient container 14 when it is inserted. As a further alternative, differently positioned nozzles may be included as part of the beverage ingredient container 14, with the different nozzles including physical elements that trip a microswitch and provide this information to the controller 20, thereby providing the beverage ingredient container 14 with a structural feature that allows it to automatically determine the input temperature of the water. As yet another alternative, the width of the beverage ingredient container 14 for a cold beverage may be different than the width of the beverage ingredient container 14 for a hot beverage, and the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 may automatically select a hot or cold beverage by including a sensor that detects the width of the inserted beverage ingredient container 14. Whether by automatic or manual user input, the controller 20 receives a signal indicative of the water temperature selected for the beverage to be prepared and is instructed to produce a cold beverage. As a result, the pump 54 is activated and the diverter valve 70 switches, directing water into the cooling tank 66. Water entering the cooling tank 66 pushes the cooling water through the check valve 76. The controller 20 opens the solenoid valve 86, thereby directing the cooling water through the water line 78 to the beverage ingredient container 14.

[0057] The process by which the bottom end 14e of the beverage ingredient container 14 bursts is dependent on more factors than just pressure. The temperature of the beverage ingredient container 14, which depends on the temperature of the liquid poured into the beverage ingredient container 14, as well as the time that the particular pressure and temperature of the water is present within the beverage ingredient container 14, are also factors that determine when the bottom end 14e will delaminate and burst open. Thus, it is possible to vary the pressure and duration (i.e., the time the water spends within the beverage ingredient container 14) depending on the temperature of the water entering the beverage ingredient container 14 to provide some control over when the beverage ingredient container 14 will burst open. As a result, it is possible to dynamically control the pressure of the beverage preparation based on the temperature of the water used in the preparation of each beverage to prevent undesirable delamination of the beverage ingredient container 14. Additionally, in certain embodiments, it is possible to control the time that the water is under pressure within the beverage ingredient container 14 to help prevent undesirable delamination of the beverage ingredient container 14.

[0058] An alternative embodiment of a beverage preparation fluid circuit 12' is shown in Figure 8. This alternative beverage preparation fluid circuit 12' may be incorporated into the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 of Figure 8. This fluid circuit 12' is shown without a controller, however, it should be understood that a controller may be used in connection with this alternative embodiment in a similar manner as described above. The beverage preparation fluid circuit 12' is a dual pressure system in which the water supply line 312 is split into a low pressure branch and a high pressure branch.

[0059] The low pressure branch mainly corresponds to the configuration previously described with respect to Figure 1. It includes flow meter 52, pump 54 and valve 70, cooling tank 66 and hot water tank 68, which supply cold or hot water to a supply manifold 71 where it is supplied to the injector tubes via (low pressure) injector valves 86 or to the mixing nozzles 80 via mixing valves 84.

[0060] The high pressure branch also includes a flow meter 52' ​​and a pump 54'. A pulse damper 90 is included between the flow meter 52' ​​and the pump 54'. Water is supplied from the pump 54' to a water heater 94 and then to a high pressure injector valve 96. The high pressure injector valve 96 is a three port two way solenoid valve that directs the water to either a return line 92 or a high pressure injector tube. A return valve 84 coupled to the supply manifold 71 feeds the high pressure branch at a point upstream of the high pressure injector valve 96 and vents to a drain line 92 via the injector valve 96.

[0061] The pump 54 in the low pressure branch is a low pressure pump capable of preparing a beverage by injecting water only at a slightly higher pressure, e.g. below 1 bar gauge, whereas the pump 54' in the high pressure branch is a high pressure pump capable of preparing a beverage by injecting water at a higher pressure, e.g. above 5 bar up to about 20 bar.

[0062] The high pressure injector tube may be used to supply water to a beverage ingredient container 14' that requires higher pressure water to prepare a beverage. For example, the beverage ingredient container 14' may be an espresso container that contains a finely ground, tightly compressed layer of coffee, thereby requiring high pressure to enable the water to be forced through the coffee layer.

[0063] During operation, the flow rate information need not come from a flow meter 52, 52' but can be determined based on the type of beverage being dispensed. In particular, as previously described, a user can specify the beverage to be dispensed, or this can be detected by the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 based on the particular beverage component container 14, 14' placed in the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. Based on this input, the controller 20 configures the settings of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10, which determines the flow rate in the water circuit. Specifically, the controller 20 can set the operation (i.e., speed) of the water pump 54, 54', which can determine the flow rate. Thus, the controller 20 can provide the current flow rate as an input to the calculation of the downstream pressure without actually receiving this from a flow meter 52, 52' or other sensor.

[0064] The air pump 72 may also supply air to the high pressure injection line via the return valve 84 and the high pressure injection valve 96 to dehydrate the beverage ingredient container 14'. During dehydration, when air is directed from the air pump 72 to the beverage ingredient container 14, 14' to remove water from the beverage ingredient container 14, 14', the pressure sensor 22 may be used to detect an overpressure situation. The pressure sensor 22 may determine if the air pressure in the line exceeds a safe level and may turn off the air pump 72 and / or close one or more valves to divert the air from the beverage ingredient container 14, 14'. In the dual pressure system of FIG. 8, air is directed to the beverage ingredient container 14' by opening the return valve 22 (and closing the mixing valve 84 and the low pressure injector valve 86) and configuring the high pressure injector valve 96 to connect to the beverage ingredient container 14'.

[0065] Although the water circuit has been described as having separate low and high pressure injector tubes, it should be understood that they may be combined at a common nozzle that engages both types of beverage ingredient containers 14, 14' (i.e., the low and high pressure containers). Alternatively, the low and high pressure injector tubes may feed the beverage ingredient containers 14, 14' in different holders formed in the same or different doors of the beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0066] In other embodiments, the high pressure branch may also feed the supply manifold 71 and therefore communicate with the pressure sensor 18. However, as shown, the high pressure branch includes a separate pressure sensor 18' upstream of the beverage ingredient container 14'.

[0067] The flow chart 102 of FIG. 9 illustrates one operational aspect of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 that can be used to dynamically control pressure for beverage preparation. In particular, this operational aspect is used to select a maximum pressure threshold for the beverage preparation fluid circuit. In this aspect, the controller 20 determines whether a first beverage (such as a hot beverage) at a first temperature or a second beverage (such as a cold beverage) at a second temperature is selected for preparation. Based on the selection of a hot or cold beverage, and in an embodiment in which the heated and cold water are maintained at a predetermined temperature, the controller 20 then selects a maximum pressure threshold based on the beverage selected for preparation and the temperature of that beverage. As part of selecting the maximum pressure threshold, the controller 20 selects between a first pressure threshold when it is determined that a hot beverage has been selected and a second pressure threshold when it is determined that a cold beverage has been selected, where the first pressure threshold is lower than the second pressure threshold. In certain embodiments, the selection of the pressure threshold can be made by referencing a lookup table stored in a memory accessible by the controller 20, where the lookup table corresponds to a water temperature with a maximum pressure threshold setting. In certain other embodiments, the selection of the pressure threshold may be made by calculating the pressure threshold based on a known relationship between water temperature and the maximum pressure of the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. In operation, after the maximum pressure threshold is selected, the controller 20 operates the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 to regulate the beverage preparation pressure below the maximum pressure threshold.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 may include a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water used to prepare the beverage, such that the controller 20 may receive a direct measurement of temperature and select a maximum pressure threshold based on the measured temperature.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the mode of operation shown in FIG. 9 can be achieved without the controller 20. As an example, the selection of hot or cold water supply using the 3 / 2 changeover valve 70 is performed using a manual switch that selects one of two individually selectable reference pressure relief valves arranged in parallel with each other and set to different maximum pressures. Thus, when hot water supply is selected, the further 3 / 2 solenoid valve selects the first pressure relief valve with a maximum pressure of 9.5 psi, while when cold water supply is selected, the further solenoid valve selects the second pressure relief valve with a maximum pressure above 9.5 psi. As a result, the further 3 / 2 solenoid valve together with the two differently rated pressure relief valves arranged in parallel operation form a pressure relief system. When the temperature of the water entering the beverage ingredient container is selected, by switching the valve 70, the maximum pressure of the pressure relief system is also selected by the coincident movement of the further 3 / 2 solenoid and the resulting selection of either the first or second pressure relief valve.

[0070] Flowchart 112 of FIG. 10 illustrates another operational aspect of beverage dispensing apparatus 10 that can be used to dynamically control pressure for beverage preparation. In particular, this operational aspect is used to select a beverage preparation pressure for a beverage preparation fluid circuit. In this aspect, controller 20 determines whether a first beverage (such as a hot beverage) of a first temperature or a second beverage (such as a cold beverage) of a second temperature is selected for preparation. Based on the selection of a hot or cold beverage, and in embodiments where the heating and cooling water are maintained at a predetermined temperature, controller 20 then selects a beverage preparation pressure based on the beverage selected for preparation and the temperature of that beverage. As part of the selection of the beverage preparation pressure, controller 20 selects between a first beverage preparation pressure when a hot beverage is determined to have been selected and a second beverage preparation pressure when a cold beverage is determined to have been selected, where the first beverage preparation pressure is lower than the second beverage preparation pressure. In certain embodiments, the selection of the beverage preparation pressure can be made by referencing a look-up table stored in memory for access by controller 20, where the look-up table corresponds to a water temperature with a beverage preparation pressure. In certain other embodiments, the selection of the beverage brewing pressure may be performed by calculating the beverage brewing pressure based on a known relationship between the water temperature in the beverage brewing fluid circuit 12 and the beverage brewing pressure.

[0071] In operation, after a beverage brewing pressure is selected, the controller 20 operates the beverage brewing fluid circuit 12 to adjust the beverage brewing pressure to maintain the pressure at the selected beverage brewing pressure. For example, if water from the chiller module 66 is being provided for preparation of a cold beverage, the lower temperature of the water will delay delamination and rupture of the beverage ingredient container 14. As a result, the pressure of the water in the beverage ingredient container 14 can be maintained longer when using cold water than when using hot water. Alternatively, the pressure can be increased and the extraction time can remain the same, or even reduced before delamination and rupture of the beverage ingredient container 14 occurs. During beverage preparation, to regulate the beverage preparation pressure, the controller 20 can control the water pump 54 to pump water at high pressure through the valve 70 and the chiller module 66 to the valve 86 and the beverage ingredient container 14. The controller 20 can control the time that the water resides in the beverage ingredient container 14 by controlling the operation of the water pump and air pumps 54, 72. The beverage preparation pressure is reduced by releasing pressure via the valve 22, or by reducing flow through the water pump 54 or air pump 72, or by other suitable pressure relief mechanisms.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the beverage preparation fluid circuit 12 may include a thermometer that measures the temperature of the water used to prepare the beverage, such that the controller 20 may receive a direct measurement of the temperature and select the beverage preparation pressure based on the measured temperature.

[0073] Flowchart 122 of FIG. 11 illustrates another operational aspect of beverage dispensing apparatus 10 that can be used to dynamically control pressure for beverage preparation. In particular, this operational aspect is used to adjust the beverage preparation pressure of the beverage preparation fluid circuit so that a desired beverage preparation pressure can be maintained throughout the beverage preparation process. In this aspect, pressure sensor 18 measures the pressure in beverage preparation fluid circuit 12. Because pressure sensor 18 is not located in beverage ingredient container 14, it is not possible to directly measure the pressure in beverage ingredient container 14. However, it has been found that a pressure measurement upstream of beverage ingredient container 14 can be used to estimate the pressure in beverage ingredient container 14 if the flow rate of water used in the beverage preparation process is also known. The water flow rate can be obtained by directly measuring the flow rate using flow meter 52 or indirectly measuring using a known rate at which pump 54 pumps water during the beverage preparation process. Thus, by receiving a measurement signal from pressure sensor 18 and at least one of a measurement signal from flow meter 52 or having pump 54 pump water at a known rate, controller 50 can estimate the pressure in beverage ingredient container 14. During operation, once the beverage brewing pressure is estimated, the controller 20 can operate the beverage brewing fluid circuit 12 to either maintain the pressure at a selected beverage brewing pressure or adjust the beverage brewing pressure to maintain the beverage brewing pressure below a set maximum pressure threshold.

[0074] Flowchart 132 of FIG. 12 illustrates another operational aspect of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 that can be used to dynamically, but indirectly, control pressure for beverage preparation. In particular, this operational aspect is used to adjust the temperature setting of the heating tank 68. In this aspect, the controller 50 receives a signal indicative of the ambient air pressure relative to a reference pressure, and then adjusts the temperature setting of the heater based on the received signal. In certain embodiments, a sealed pressure sensor can be used to measure the ambient atmospheric pressure relative to atmospheric pressure at sea level, thereby providing an indication of the altitude at which the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is currently located. In certain embodiments, a separate pressure sensor can be included as part of the beverage dispensing apparatus to obtain this atmospheric pressure measurement. However, the pressure sensor 18 can also be used for this purpose. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor 18 can measure a gauge pressure relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 18 can be sealed and provide an output in terms of a calibrated pressure. In particular, pressure sensor 18 may be either a common atmospheric pressure (which may correspond to atmospheric pressure at sea level) sealed within the sensor, or an absolute pressure sensor (a type of sealed pressure sensor that measures pressure relative to a vacuum. In the case of an absolute pressure sensor, the output may be corrected to read zero at atmospheric pressure at sea level.

[0075] During periods when the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is not preparing a beverage, the pressure sensor 18 can be exposed (vented) to the surrounding atmospheric pressure by opening one or more of the return valve 22, the fill valve 86 (without the beverage ingredient container 14 in place), and the mixer valve 84. The settings of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 can then be adjusted as necessary to take into account the altitude of the beverage dispensing apparatus 10. Since the boiling temperature of water changes in relation to the surrounding atmospheric pressure, the hot water tank 68, 68 and / or the water heater 92 can be adjusted based on the altitude. For example, the temperature setting can be adjusted so that water does not boil at the current altitude. Other brewing parameters can also be adjusted to optimize the taste of the beverage. This calibration step can be performed once when the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is powered on, periodically, or at any other time. In particular, if the beverage dispensing apparatus 10 is used on an airplane, it may be necessary to recalibrate for altitude / atmospheric pressure changes at more frequent intervals. The calibration can be completed automatically by the controller 50 or manually confirmed by user input.

[0076] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described only by way of example and not in a limiting sense, and that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for preparing a beverage using a beverage dispensing device, comprising: a) determining whether a first beverage prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage prepared at a second temperature has been selected for preparation; b) selecting a maximum pressure threshold for a beverage preparation fluid circuit of the beverage dispensing apparatus based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage is determined to be selected in step a); and wherein the maximum pressure threshold is set by selecting from at least a first pressure threshold when it is determined that the first beverage has been selected and a second pressure threshold when it is determined that the second beverage has been selected, the first pressure threshold being less than the second pressure threshold.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of: c) operating the beverage brewing fluid circuit to regulate a beverage brewing pressure below a maximum pressure threshold.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein step a) includes determining at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein determining at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature includes determining at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature based on a fluid source used by the beverage preparation fluid circuit.

5. The method of claim 3 , wherein determining at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature comprises measuring a temperature of a fluid used by the beverage preparation fluid circuit.

6. 6. The method of claim 1 , wherein step a) comprises at least one of providing a fluid for use by the beverage preparation fluid circuit via a fluid heating component and providing a fluid for use by the beverage preparation fluid circuit at or below ambient temperature.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the fluid heating component comprises the fluid heating tank.

8. 8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein providing a fluid for use by the beverage preparation fluid circuit at sub-ambient temperature comprises providing the fluid through a cooling tank.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein step a) comprises determining whether the first beverage or the second beverage has been selected for preparation based on characteristics of beverage component containers received at the beverage dispensing device.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the beverage ingredient container features include structural features of the beverage ingredient container.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the beverage ingredient container feature comprises a visual indicia applied to the exterior of the beverage ingredient container.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein step a) includes receiving a fluid temperature selection input by a user.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein step b) comprises selecting the maximum pressure threshold from a look-up table corresponding to a selection of a fluid temperature and a setting of a maximum pressure threshold.

14. 1. A beverage dispensing device comprising: a beverage preparation circuit; A controller operatively coupled to the beverage preparation circuit, the controller comprising: a) receiving a beverage selection input for preparation of a beverage; b) determining whether the beverage selection input indicates that a first beverage prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage prepared at a second temperature has been selected for preparation, the first temperature being greater than the second temperature; c) selecting a maximum pressure threshold for the beverage preparation fluid circuit based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage is determined to be selected in step c); and A controller configured to execute Including, A beverage dispensing device, wherein the maximum pressure threshold is set by selecting from at least a first pressure threshold when it is determined that the first beverage has been selected and a second pressure threshold when it is determined that the second beverage has been selected, the first pressure threshold being less than the second pressure threshold.

15. 15. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to perform the step of: d) operating the beverage preparation fluid circuit to regulate a beverage preparation pressure below the maximum pressure threshold.

16. 16. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 14 or 15, further comprising: a first fluid source configured to supply fluid at the first temperature to the beverage preparation fluid circuit; and a second fluid source configured to supply fluid at the second temperature to the beverage preparation fluid circuit, wherein in step b) the controller is configured to determine at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature.

17. 17. The beverage dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the first temperature and the second temperature are each a predetermined temperature.

18. 17. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a thermostat communicatively coupled to the controller, operably coupled to the beverage preparation fluid circuit, and configured to generate a temperature signal based on a fluid temperature measurement of a fluid in the beverage preparation fluid circuit, the controller receiving the temperature signal from the thermostat.

19. 19. The beverage dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 14-18, further comprising a fluid heating component operably coupled to the controller and to the beverage preparation fluid circuit, the fluid heating component configured to supply fluid to the beverage preparation fluid circuit at the first temperature.

20. The beverage dispensing system of claim 19 , wherein the fluid heating component comprises a fluid heating tank.

21. 21. The beverage dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 14-20, further comprising a fluid cooling component operably coupled to the controller and the beverage preparation fluid circuit and configured to supply the fluid to the beverage preparation fluid circuit at the second temperature.

22. 22. The beverage dispensing system of claim 21, wherein the fluid cooling component comprises a cooling tank.

23. The beverage dispensing system of any one of claims 14-22, wherein in step b), the controller is further configured to receive a fluid temperature selection input by a user.

24. 15. The beverage dispensing system of claim 14, wherein in step c), the controller is further configured to select the maximum pressure threshold from a look-up table corresponding to a selection of a fluid temperature and a setting of a maximum pressure threshold.

25. 1. A method for preparing a beverage using a beverage dispensing device, comprising: a) determining whether a first beverage prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage prepared at a second temperature has been selected for preparation; b) selecting from at least a first beverage brewing pressure and a second beverage brewing pressure for operating a beverage preparation circuit of the beverage dispensing device based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage is determined to be selected in step a); and Including, The method, wherein the first temperature is greater than the second temperature and the first beverage brewing pressure is less than the second beverage brewing pressure.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: c) operating the beverage preparation fluid circuit to prepare the first beverage at the first beverage preparation pressure in response to the first beverage determined to be selected in step a) and operating the fluid circuit to prepare the second beverage at the second beverage preparation pressure in response to the second beverage determined to be selected in step a).

27. 27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein step a) comprises determining at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein determining at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature includes determining at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature based on a fluid source used by the beverage preparation fluid circuit.

29. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein determining at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature comprises measuring a temperature of a fluid used by the beverage preparation fluid circuit.

30. 30. A method according to any one of claims 25-29, wherein step a) comprises at least one of providing fluid for use by the beverage preparation fluid circuit via a fluid heating component and providing fluid for use by the beverage preparation fluid circuit at or below ambient temperature.

31. The method of claim 30 , wherein the fluid heating component comprises the fluid heating tank.

32. 32. The method of claim 30 or 31, wherein providing a fluid for use by the beverage preparation fluid circuit at sub-ambient temperature comprises providing the fluid through a cooling tank.

33. A method according to any one of claims 25-32, wherein step a) comprises determining whether the first beverage or the second beverage has been selected for preparation based on characteristics of beverage component containers received at the beverage dispensing device.

34. The method of claim 33 , wherein the beverage ingredient container features include structural features of the beverage ingredient container.

35. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the beverage ingredient container feature includes a visual indicia applied to the exterior of the beverage ingredient container.

36. A method according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein step a) comprises receiving a fluid temperature selection input by a user.

37. A method according to any one of claims 25-36, wherein step b) comprises selecting at least one of the first beverage brewing pressure and the second beverage brewing pressure from a look-up table corresponding to a fluid temperature selection and a beverage brewing pressure setting.

38. 1. A beverage dispensing device comprising: a beverage preparation circuit; A controller operatively coupled to the beverage preparation circuit, the controller comprising: a) receiving a beverage selection input for preparation of a beverage; b) determining whether the beverage selection input indicates that a first beverage prepared at a first temperature or a second beverage prepared at a second temperature has been selected for preparation, the first temperature being greater than the second temperature; c) selecting from at least a first beverage brewing pressure and a second beverage brewing pressure for operating the beverage brewing circuit based on whether the first beverage or the second beverage is determined to be selected in step b), wherein the first pressure threshold is less than the second pressure threshold; A controller configured to execute 1. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising: and a second pressure threshold when determined, the first pressure threshold being less than the second pressure threshold.

39. 40. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein the controller is further configured to perform the steps of: d) operating the beverage preparation fluid circuit to prepare the first beverage at the first beverage preparation pressure in response to the first beverage determined to be selected in step b), and d) operating the beverage preparation fluid circuit to prepare the second beverage at the second beverage preparation pressure in response to the second beverage determined to be selected in step b).

40. 40. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 38 or 39, further comprising: a first fluid source configured to supply fluid at the first temperature to the beverage preparation fluid circuit; and a second fluid source configured to supply fluid at the second temperature to the beverage preparation fluid circuit, wherein in step b) the controller is configured to determine at least one of the first temperature and the second temperature.

41. 41. The beverage dispensing system of claim 40, wherein the first temperature and the second temperature are each a predetermined temperature.

42. 41. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 40, further comprising a thermostat communicatively coupled to the controller, operably coupled to the beverage preparation fluid circuit, and configured to generate a temperature signal based on a fluid temperature measurement of a fluid in the beverage preparation fluid circuit, the controller receiving the temperature signal from the thermostat.

43. 43. The beverage dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 38-42, further comprising a fluid heating component operably coupled to the controller and to the beverage preparation fluid circuit, the fluid heating component configured to supply fluid to the beverage preparation fluid circuit at the first temperature.

44. 44. The beverage dispensing system of claim 43, wherein the fluid heating component comprises a fluid heating tank.

45. 45. The beverage dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 38-44, further comprising a fluid cooling component operably coupled to the controller and the beverage preparation fluid circuit and configured to supply the fluid to the beverage preparation fluid circuit at the second temperature.

46. 46. ​​The beverage dispensing system of claim 45, wherein the fluid cooling component comprises a cooling tank.

47. The beverage dispensing system of any one of claims 38-46, wherein in step b), the controller is further configured to receive a fluid temperature selection input by a user.

48. 40. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 38, wherein in step c), the controller is further configured to select at least one of the first beverage brewing pressure and the second beverage brewing pressure from a look-up table corresponding to a fluid temperature selection and a pressure setting.

49. 1. A beverage dispensing device comprising: A water tank and a water supply line connected to the water tank and having a water pump for pumping water from the water tank to a water outlet at a distal end of the water supply line; a pressure sensor connected to the water supply line at a location upstream of the water outlet; a controller configured to receive an output from a pressure sensor indicative of a pressure at a location upstream of the water outlet and to determine an estimated pressure at the water outlet based on the received output and a flow rate of water through the water supply line; wherein the water outlet is connectable to a beverage ingredient container.

50. 50. The beverage dispensing system of claim 49, further comprising a flow meter, wherein the controller receives an output from the flow meter indicative of the flow rate through the water supply line.

51. 50. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 49, wherein the controller determines a flow rate through the water supply line based on a type of beverage ingredient container connected to the water outlet.

52. A beverage dispensing device according to any one of claims 49-51, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the estimated pressure at the water outlet exceeds a predetermined level.

53. 53. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 52, wherein the controller is configured to reduce the pressure at the water outlet if the estimated pressure is determined to exceed a predetermined level.

54. The controller: reducing the speed of the water pump; turning off the water pump; closing a valve upstream of the water outlet to prevent water from reaching the water outlet; and opening a valve upstream of said water outlet to divert water away from said water outlet.

54. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 53, wherein the pressure at the water outlet is reduced by one or more of:

55. A beverage dispensing system according to any one of claims 49-54, wherein a valve is disposed between the water outlet and the pressure sensor.

56. A beverage dispensing system according to any one of claims 49-55, wherein the pressure sensor is connected to the supply manifold.

57. 57. The beverage dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 49-56, further comprising an air pump for pumping air from the water outlet through the beverage ingredient container after a vending process to dehydrate the beverage ingredient container.

58. 58. The beverage dispensing system of claim 57, wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether an estimated pressure at the water outlet exceeds a predetermined level during operation of the air pump.

59. 59. A beverage dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 49-58, wherein the water supply line includes a high pressure branch and a low pressure branch, and the water pump includes a first pump configured to pump the high pressure branch at a first pressure, and a second pump configured to pump the low pressure branch at a second pressure lower than the first pressure.

60. 60. The beverage dispensing system of claim 59, wherein the high pressure branch and the low pressure branch have separate water outlets.

61. 61. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 60, wherein the controller is configured to determine an estimated pressure at each water outlet based on the received output and a flow rate of water through the high pressure or low pressure branch of the water supply line.

62. 1. A beverage dispensing device comprising: a fluid pump for pumping fluid into a beverage preparation fluid circuit including an outlet; a pressure sensor arranged to sense a pressure in the beverage preparation fluid circuit; a controller configured to receive an output from the pressure sensor and determine an estimated pressure at the outlet based on the received output and a flow rate of the fluid through the fluid pump; 1. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising:

63. 1. A method of operating a beverage dispensing system, comprising: Dispensing a beverage by pumping water from a water outlet in a water supply line through a beverage ingredient container; measuring pressure in the water supply line at a location upstream of the water outlet and the beverage ingredient container; determining an estimated pressure at the water outlet based on the measured pressure and a flow rate of water through the water supply line; A method comprising:

64. 64. The method of claim 63, further comprising determining a flow rate through the water supply line based on a type of the beverage ingredient container connected to the water outlet.

65. 65. The method of claim 63 or 64, further comprising determining whether the estimated pressure at the water outlet exceeds a predetermined level.

66. 66. The method of claim 65, further comprising reducing the pressure at the water outlet if the estimated pressure is determined to exceed a predetermined level.

67. reducing the speed of the water pump; turning off the water pump; closing a valve upstream of the water outlet to prevent water from reaching the water outlet; and opening a valve upstream of said water outlet to divert water away from said water outlet.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising reducing the pressure at the water outlet by performing one or more of the following:

68. 68. A method according to any one of claims 63-67, wherein the water supply line includes a high pressure branch and a low pressure branch, and an estimated pressure at the water outlet is determined for the high pressure branch and the low pressure branch based on the measured pressure and the flow rate of water through each branch of the water supply line.

69. 1. A method of operating a beverage dispensing device, comprising: pumping fluid into a beverage preparation fluid circuit including an outlet; measuring a pressure in the beverage brewing circuit; determining an estimated pressure at the outlet based on the measured pressure and a flow rate of the fluid pumped into the beverage preparation fluid circuit; A method comprising:

70. 1. A beverage dispensing device comprising: A water tank and a water supply line connected to the water tank and having a water pump for pumping water from the water tank to a water outlet at a distal end of the water supply line; a heater disposed between the water tank and the water outlet for heating water; a sealed pressure sensor configured to measure ambient atmospheric pressure relative to a reference pressure; a controller configured to receive an output from the sealed pressure sensor indicative of the ambient atmospheric pressure and to adjust a temperature setting of the heater based on the ambient atmospheric pressure; wherein the water outlet is connectable to a beverage ingredient container.

71. 71. The beverage dispensing system of claim 70, wherein the sealed pressure sensor is an absolute pressure sensor.

72. 72. The beverage dispensing system of claim 71, wherein the reference pressure is atmospheric pressure at sea level.

73. 73. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 70-72, wherein the sealed pressure sensor is connected to the water supply line, and the controller is further configured to determine the pressure of the water supply line at the water outlet based on an output from the sealed pressure sensor.

74. 74. The beverage dispensing system of claim 73, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a temperature setting of the heater based on an output from the sealed pressure sensor when vented to atmosphere.

75. 75. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 73 or 74, wherein the sealed pressure sensor is positioned at a position upstream of the water outlet, and the controller determines an estimated pressure at the water outlet based on an output received from the sealed pressure sensor and a flow rate of water through the water supply line.

76. 1. A beverage dispensing device comprising: a beverage preparation fluid circuit including an outlet; a heater disposed upstream of said outlet for heating a fluid for said beverage preparation fluid circuit; a sealed pressure sensor configured to measure ambient atmospheric pressure relative to a reference pressure; a controller configured to receive an output from the sealed pressure sensor and adjust a temperature setting of the heater based on the measured ambient atmospheric pressure; 1. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising:

77. 1. A method of operating a beverage dispensing device, comprising: measuring an ambient atmospheric pressure at the beverage dispensing system relative to a reference pressure using a sealed pressure sensor; and adjusting a temperature setting of a heater of the beverage dispensing apparatus based on the ambient atmospheric pressure.

Images