Roasting system with agitator

Abstract

A roasting system is provided in a countertop roaster form factor, including a blower and a roasting assembly in fluid communication with the blower. The roasting assembly receives air from the blower, and a heating element in the roasting assembly generates a hot air current that is directed through the roasting assembly. An agitator in the roasting assembly agitates the food product. The food product is received in a receptacle of the roasting assembly, and the hot air current roasts the food product. The system includes a plurality of sensors and a controller that adjusts operating characteristics of the system based on whether the food product shell cracks during roasting, as determined by a microphone. Waste from the food product is separated during roasting and collected in a waste collection assembly that includes a spray bar to assist in smoke suppression.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] background Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compact coffee bean roasting system including an agitator. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Coffee production typically begins with the harvesting of coffee cherries. The coffee cherries are then dried before being shipped as green coffee beans. The drying process can be carried out according to several known methods. The green coffee beans are roasted to produce roasted beans suitable for brewing coffee.

[0003]

[0003] At a high level, the coffee roasting process involves applying heat to green coffee beans for a specific period of time. Coffee beans are initially covered with a dry skin known as chaff, which is removed during the roasting process. While coffee roasting methods vary, the process can generally be summarized into three steps. The first step is a dewatering stage, which reduces the moisture content of the beans and prepares them for roasting. In some instances, the dewatering stage may be part of the overall roasting process. In other cases, dewatering may occur as a separate step prior to roasting. The second stage is a browning stage, which begins to change the color of the beans from green to yellow while the dewatering stage continues. Additionally, during the browning stage, the Maillard reaction begins to occur, whereby sugars and amino acids react to produce distinct aroma and color compounds known as melanoids. Toward the end of the browning stage, coffee beans begin to produce an audible crackling sound, also known as the first crackle. After the first crack, the process moves to the third and final stage known as the roast development stage. During this stage, the reaction becomes exothermic and the coffee beans crack again ("second crack"), during which additional aroma compounds are developed. Additionally, the coffee beans release oils during this stage, which can further affect the coffee's flavor.

[0004]

[0004] A first crack is a phenomenon in which coffee beans absorb heat up to a certain threshold point and then release the absorbed heat, producing a popping sound. While "first crack" suggests a unique event, a first crack can include multiple stages, including the beginning of the first crack, typically a series of subsequent cracks, and then the end or termination of the first crack. The entire first crack, from beginning to end, is known as the first crack duration. A second crack can be as long as the duration of two cracks, known as the second crack duration.

[0005]

[0005] The coffee roasting process and the resulting coffee flavor are highly dependent on, among other characteristics, when the roasting process is terminated (i.e., before, during, or after the first or second crack), the roasting temperature during the various processing stages, the duration of each stage, and the quality and characteristics of the raw coffee cherry pit. Generally, producing coffee with a desirable flavor profile is a complex process. As a result, traditional coffee roasting has been limited to commercial applications that utilize expensive equipment such as commercially available drum roasters, bed roasters, and cooling systems.

[0006]

[0005] Known coffee roasting systems and methods are inefficient and inconvenient. For example, most coffee is roasted in large batches according to a relatively standard temperature and time recipe. Such recipes do not account for variations in bean characteristics, such as initial moisture levels, which can result in a lack of uniformity and suboptimal flavor development in the final roasted beans. Furthermore, if the batch size is not appropriate for the equipment, the resulting roast will not be uniform. The inherent nature of batch roasting results in a significant amount of chaff during the early stages of the roast, followed by a significant amount of smoke toward the end of the roast as all the beans progress through the various stages together. Batch roasting is also inefficient with respect to changes in coffee demand, as batches of the same size tend to lead to over- or under-production of roasted coffee beans as demand changes. Finally, judgment and expertise are required to know when and how to adjust the heat source, when and how to adjust the airflow, and when to stop roasting during a batch roasting operation. Errors due to any of the above can affect the entire batch and increase the likelihood of significant coffee waste for the wrong batch. These same issues are not limited to coffee roasting, but also pertain to other roasting processes, such as with regard to nuts and cocoa, among others. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007]

[0007] Consequently, it would be advantageous to have a roasting system, apparatus, and method that overcomes the disadvantages of known roasting systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] overview

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a countertop coffee bean roasting system for home or office use. The system is a small form factor including a roasting chamber and an agitator configured to accept green coffee beans and roast the beans to a user-selected roast profile. The system includes a funnel or opening from the top side that allows the beans to pour into a hopper or holding chamber. The holding chamber may include a measuring unit that accurately measures the green coffee beans, allowing for more precise control of the roast.

[0009] There is a door that separates the holding chamber from the roasting chamber. In one embodiment, there are two doors, controlled by a servo mechanism that opens the doors simultaneously after the roast profile is entered into the system. The door may have a sliding or rotating mechanism to release the beans from the holding chamber into the roasting chamber.

[0010]

[0010] The roasting chamber has a plurality of small openings in its bottom surface, which may also be a mesh or other suitable surface that allows air to pass from outside the system into the blower and into the roasting chamber. The blower may include a heating element, such as a resistance coil, or the heating element may be incorporated elsewhere in the system before the roasting chamber.

[0011]

[0011] An agitator is centrally coupled to the bottom of the roasting chamber. The agitator is configured to rotate around a central point during the roasting process, moving and agitating the beans. The movement of the hot air and beans helps control the roasting process.

[0012]

[0012] The roasting chamber includes multiple sensors, such as one or more temperature sensors that provide real-time feedback to a central processing unit or controller. The sensors may include one or more microphones configured to detect the first and second cracks. The microphones are also coupled to the controller for real-time detection of and response to the first and second cracks. This allows for precise control of the roast.

[0013]

[0013] The system includes a smoke suppression subsystem fluidly coupled to the roasting chamber, where chaff is removed during the roasting process and collected in a removable chamber.

[0014]

[0014] The present disclosure generally relates to roasting systems, apparatus, and methods that may be applicable to consumer-scale and commercial roasting applications. In one example, a countertop roaster includes a blower or fan, a roasting assembly in communication with the blower, an agitator within the roasting assembly, a smoke suppressor, and a waste collection assembly in communication with the roasting assembly. The roasting assembly includes a container that receives food and a heating element. The blower is operable to output air to the heating element, which heats the air into a hot air stream. The hot air stream is provided under pressure from the blower to the roasting assembly container. The food in the container is agitated by the agitator and roasted by the hot air stream, which may also remove waste from the food. In some examples, the roasting assembly also includes an additional heat source, such as a radiant heat source, a conductive heat source, or the like. Waste exits the roasting assembly to the waste collection assembly.

[0015]

[0015] The waste collection assembly may include a cyclone separator for separating particulate waste from the airflow and collecting it in a collection bin, which may then be emptied to remove the waste.

[0016] The apparatus may further include microphones, cameras, and other sensors to gauge the roasting process and provide signals to the controller to adjust operating characteristics, such as at least the air velocity output by the blower and the heat output by the heating element, in a control loop that adjusts the roast profile based on the detected quality of the food product. A user may also be able to select different recipes and roast profiles through a user interface of the apparatus or on a mobile computing device, or both, with the control loop adjusting the recipe based on the detected parameters. In some examples, the food product is raw coffee cherry pits and the waste product is chaff resulting from roasting coffee with the apparatus described above, enabling uniform coffee roasting of raw coffee cherry pits with different characteristics within a countertop appliance.

[0017]

[0017] In yet another example, the apparatus automatically dispenses roasted beans into a reclosable storage container, or stores the roasted beans in an airtight space and grinds and dispenses the beans as needed in response to user demand. The apparatus may also be associated with one or more remote computing devices, including but not limited to mobile devices with mobile applications displayed by a graphical user interface, for sharing recipes between users as well as creating a digital roasting master platform.

[0018] A brief description of some of the figures in the drawing

[0018] The present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale in some of the drawings. For example, the shapes of various elements have been selected, enlarged, and positioned to improve the readability of the drawings. In other drawings, the sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are precisely to scale. The particular shapes of elements as depicted may have been selected to make the drawings easier to recognize. The drawings do not illustrate every aspect of the teachings disclosed herein and do not limit the scope of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1]

[0019] A front oblique view of a countertop roasting device. [Figure 2]

[0020] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]

[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]

[0022] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the hopper and door subsystem of the apparatus of FIG. 3. [Figure 5]

[0023] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1 with the outer body removed. [Figure 6]

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the agitator and air circulation chamber of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7]

[0025] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the hopper of FIG. 1. [Figure 8]

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the central processing unit, the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 9]

[0027] 1 is an alternative embodiment of the agitator. [Figure 10]

[0028] 1 is an alternative embodiment of the agitator. [Figure 11]

[0029] 1 is an alternative embodiment of a coffee roasting machine. [Figure 12]

[0030] 1 is an alternative embodiment of a door assembly or subsystem of a coffee roasting apparatus. [Figure 13]

[0031] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the door assembly of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Detailed Description

[0032] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way, and other embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art with the aid of the present disclosure.

[0021]

[0033] Each of the features and teachings disclosed herein may be utilized separately or in combination with other features and teachings to provide roasting systems, apparatuses, and methods. Representative examples of utilizing many of these additional features and teachings, both separately and in combination, are described in further detail with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is intended merely to teach those skilled in the art additional details for practicing aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Therefore, the combinations of features disclosed in the detailed description may not be necessary to practice the teachings in their broadest sense, but instead are taught merely to illustrate certain representative examples of the present teachings.

[0022]

[0034] Furthermore, various features of the representative examples and dependent claims may be combined in ways not specifically and explicitly recited to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings. It is also expressly recognized that the expression of any range of values ​​or group of entities discloses all possible intermediate values ​​or entities for purposes of the original disclosure and for purposes of limiting the claimed subject matter. It is also expressly recognized that the dimensions and shapes of components shown in the drawings are designed to aid in understanding how to implement the present teachings, but are not intended to be limiting to the dimensions and shapes shown in the examples in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the dimensions and shapes of components shown in the drawings are precisely to scale and are intended to limit the dimensions and shapes of the components.

[0023]

[0035] Roasting systems, apparatus, and methods are described herein for roasting food products and for producing roasted food products implemented, for example, in a countertop appliance form factor. Additionally, techniques are described for controlling the operating characteristics of the roasting systems, apparatus, and methods based on user input and sensors in feedback control loops. Some or all of the techniques described herein may be implemented by automated operation of an embodiment of the roasting apparatus, system, and method, as described in more detail below.

[0024]

[0036] As used herein, the term "user" may refer to any human operator of a device, system, or system disclosed in this disclosure. When used herein in connection with one or more elements of a graphical user interface or other electronic display, the term "select" may include various user actions performed with respect to various input control devices, depending on the client computing device used to interact with the display, such as one or more clicks using a mouse or other pointing device, one or more taps using the touchscreen of the client device, etc. Additionally, such selection may further include interactions with various physical actuators, which may generate electrical or electronic signals as a result of such interactions. A non-exclusive list of examples of such actuators includes electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical implementations of keys, buttons, pressure plates, paddles, pedals, wheels, triggers, slides, touchpads, or other touch- or motion-sensing elements on the device, which may be digital or analog in nature.

[0025]

[0037] While this disclosure proceeds to describe several embodiments of roasting systems, apparatuses, and methods for roasting coffee cherry kernels, it should be understood that the concepts of this disclosure are not limited thereto and may be broadly applied to other roasting applications. For example, the concepts of this disclosure may likewise be applied to other foods and food items, such as at least nuts, cocoa, etc. Furthermore, the roasting systems, apparatuses, and methods herein may be implemented in a number of different form factors, and the drawings merely provide representative examples to illustrate the concepts of this disclosure. While a countertop appliance form factor is a particularly advantageous embodiment for the concepts of this disclosure, it should be understood that the concepts of this disclosure may be equally applied to commercial roasting applications. In one non-limiting example, the controllers and feedback control loops described herein are particularly well suited to commercial roasting applications.

[0026]

[0038] 1-7 show various views of a compact countertop roasting apparatus or system 100 for roasting food products such as coffee beans. The apparatus 100 includes a base, a top, and a central support frame extending between the base and the top. There is a top cover 104 that includes an opening for a hopper 120 and a smoke suppression system 180.

[0027]

[0039] A user-controllable interactive display 180 with control dials or knobs 108 is located along the front of the roasting system. The hopper 120 leads to a roasting chamber 130 which includes a transparent wall that allows the user to observe the beans during roasting. The roasting chamber 130 includes a perforated plate 138 that allows hot air to enter the roasting chamber 130. The plate 138 includes a number of openings through which air flows into the roasting chamber from a blower or air movement system 190. The blower is positioned in the rear portion of the system, behind the exterior panel or cover 102.

[0028]

[0040] This cover 102 wraps around the back of the system from a first side to a second side, i.e., from the right side to the left side of the system, and can be removed to view and access features in the rear portion of the system.

[0029]

[0041] An agitator 158 is positioned on the plate 138 and is configured to rotate or revolve about a center point 134. The agitator 158 is configured to shift the food product within the roasting chamber 130 during and after the roasting process. Shifting the food product through the agitator helps achieve even roasting.

[0030]

[0042] The agitator 158 is located within the roasting chamber 130 on the perforated disc 138 in Figure 1. The agitator or rotatable assembly 158 includes a central portion 132 coupled to a rotor drive shaft 182 in Figure 3. The agitator 158 includes a substantially flat, planar blade 134 having the central portion 132 between first and second portions. The first and second portions of the blade 134 have substantially equal dimensions.

[0031]

[0043] The agitator 158 includes first and second extensions or arms 136 coupled to the blade 134 that extend into the roasting chamber. The first extension 136 extends laterally from a first portion of the blade 134, and the second extension 136 extends from a second portion of the blade 134. In one embodiment, the first and second extensions are substantially perpendicular to or at an angle to the blade 134.

[0032]

[0044] In FIG. 3 , screws or other suitable fastening mechanisms couple the first and second arms 136 to the blade 134. In other embodiments, the first and second arms 136 and the blade 134 are a single, integral component. The first and second extensions 136 are equally spaced from each end of the blade 134. The first and second extensions 136 are cylindrical. In other embodiments, the first and second extensions 136 have other suitable shapes. The first and second extensions 136 extend in a first direction over a second dimension D5 that is shorter than the first dimension D6. The first and second extensions 136 are equally spaced from the central portion 132.

[0033]

[0045] An air circulation chamber 140 is located between the plate 138 and the bean bin 164. Further details of the air circulation chamber 140 can be seen in Figure 6. A door or chute 144 provides an exit for the roasted beans from the roasting chamber to the bean bin 164. Further details of the system and operation are described below.

[0034]

[0046] A hopper or holding chamber 120 and a smoke suppression system 170 are located adjacent to the top and have openings therethrough. A blower 190 and a recessed area for receiving a container or bean storage receptacle 164 are located adjacent to the base. Between the base and the top are a heating assembly 186, an air circulation chamber 140, a roasting chamber 130, and a waste collection system 150 including a waste receptacle.

[0035]

[0047] The system 100 includes a front section and a rear section. The front section includes a hopper 120, an interactive display 106, a transparent roasting chamber 130, and a bean bin 164. The rear section includes a smoke suppression system 170, a chaff or waste collection system 150, and a blower. The system has an elliptical cylindrical shape, with the front and rear sections each curving toward the center of the device.

[0036]

[0048] The hopper 120 is in fluid communication with the external environment and is configured to receive food for roasting and deliver the food to the roasting chamber 130. The hopper 120 includes a hopper area base 117, which is a substantially flat panel with a grooved edge 117a configured to receive a joining element 117b, such as a rubber ring, to securely hold a removable glass wall 131 that is part of the roasting chamber 130. The hopper 120 includes an opening 122 that is wider at the top than at the bottom, the bottom being closer to the roasting chamber than the top of the system. A lower end 124 of the opening 122 is sealable by a first door 127. In some embodiments, the hopper area base 117 has multiple sub-panels or layers joined together.

[0037]

[0049] In other words, the hopper or first funnel 120 is in fluid communication with the roasting chamber 130 and the external environment. The hopper 120 has a conical shape with a sloping sidewall that leads to the roasting chamber 130. The hopper 120 has a first end with an opening 122 that is in fluid communication with the external environment. The opening 122 is adjacent to the first cover 104 of the apparatus 100. The opening 122 is circular and has a first diameter D1. Opposite the first end of the hopper 120 is a second, lower end 124 of the hopper 120 (see FIG. 4). The second end 124 is in controllable fluid communication with the roasting chamber 130 through doors 127, 128. The second end 124 is circular and has a second diameter D2. The first diameter D1 is greater than the second diameter D2. In some embodiments, the second diameter D2 is half or more than half the first diameter D1.

[0038]

[0050] Between the first and second ends of the opening is a curved wall that tapers from top to bottom. The wall may be curved inward to create a smooth chute into the roasting chamber. In other embodiments, the hopper 120 has other suitable shapes. The hopper 120 may be made of a conductive material to allow for a preheating or warming step. The hopper 120 may be stainless steel or other suitable material.

[0039]

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus 100 includes a hopper door assembly 126 at the lower end 124 of the hopper 120. The hopper door assembly 126 is configured to seal and unseal the channel between the hopper and the roasting chamber. The hopper door assembly 126 includes a plurality of doors, or a plate and mechanism 129 configured to open and close the plurality of doors 127, 128. At least one door of the plurality of doors has a circular shape and a diameter substantially equal to or less than the second diameter D2 of the second end 124. When in the open configuration, the plurality of doors 127, 128 are substantially parallel or otherwise spaced apart from one another in a stacked configuration.

[0040]

[0052] One embodiment of the hopper door assembly 126 is shown in a closed configuration in FIG. 3 . The hopper door assembly 126 in an open configuration is shown in FIG. 4 . The hopper door assembly 126 includes first and second plates 127, 128 spaced apart from one another. The first and second plates 127, 128 have different shapes. The first plate 127 is circular, while the second plate 128 is semicircular with straight or flat edges. The first and second plates 127, 128 each have a substantially flat or planar surface. The flat surface of the first plate 127 is substantially circular with a third diameter D3 that is less than or equal to the second diameter D2 of the second end 124 of the hopper 120. The second plate 128 has a curved edge that is transverse to the substantially straight edge.

[0041]

[0053] A mechanism or rotatable pivot connection assembly 129 is coupled between the first plate 127 and the second plate 128. The connection assembly 129 may be one or two rigid bars of similar size and shape. Each door includes connection points 129a, 129b on the surface of the door facing the intermediate channel 165.

[0042]

[0054] The connection assembly 129 is configured to move both the first and second plates 127, 128 together to the open and closed configurations. The rigid bar is configured to push and pull the first and second plates 127, 128. In FIG. 3, the hopper door assembly 126 is in the closed configuration, where the first and second plates 127, 128 extend in the second direction. The first plate 127 extends between and contacts the side walls of the hopper 120. The second plate 128 is between the first plate 127 and the roasting chamber 130.

[0043]

[0055] 4, the hopper door assembly 126 is in an open configuration, in which the first plate 127 extends in a first direction at the second end 124 of the hopper 120. In this configuration, the first and second plates 127, 128 do not seal the second end 124 of the hopper 120. Therefore, the external environment is in fluid communication with the roasting chamber 130 through the hopper 120.

[0044]

[0056] The first plate 127 extends to the outside of the hopper 120 and to the second ends 122, 124. The first plate 127 is flush with the sidewall of the hopper 120. The second plate 128 is flush with the first plate 127 and is suspended in the roasting chamber 130.

[0045]

[0057] In one embodiment, the door assembly may be configured to measure or weigh the amount of beans. This may be incorporated into the first door 127 or both doors 127, 128. The doors and weighing device may be coupled to a central processing unit configured to communicate with a display and other devices in the roasting system for user input and real-time adjustments to the roast profile. For example, the weighing device may display the weight of the beans in the hopper, and the central processing unit may inform the user if the bean weight or amount is correct or needs to be adjusted.

[0046]

[0058] Opposite the first cover 104, there is a second cover 101 at the bottom of the device, which is coupled to an internal frame 111 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The second cover 101 is coupled to the frame by a first plurality of coupling mechanisms, such as screws or clips. The frame 111 has a similar shape to the second cover 101. The frame 111 has an outer portion, an inner or beam portion 103 extending between left and right sides, and a first plurality of openings. The first plurality of openings includes a first opening and a second opening spaced apart by an inner frame portion. The frame 111 extends from a first curved end 111a to an opposite second curved end 111b.

[0047]

[0059] The first and second covers 104, 101 have an oval shape with a straight portion extending between a first curved end and a second curved end. The second cover 101 has a first dimension D6 between the first curved end and the second curved end in a second direction transverse to the first direction in FIG. 1 . The first cover 104 has a second dimension D7 between the first curved end and the second curved end in the second direction in FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the first and second dimensions D6, D7 are substantially similar or the same.

[0048]

[0060] The first cover 104 includes a plurality of openings. The hopper 120 extends through a first of the openings, and the smoke suppression assembly 170 is in fluid communication with a second of the openings. The second opening has a removable perforated cover 180.

[0049]

[0061] In FIG. 2 , the second cover 101 includes a first plate 110 coupled to a first surface of the second cover 101. The first plate has a shape similar to that of the second cover 101. The first plate has a surface 110 facing the external environment. The first plate has a first plurality of recesses or indentations on its outer edge, which are configured to surround the plurality of legs or protrusions 109 of the device 100. Each leg has a substantially flat or planar surface and is spaced apart from one another. Each recess of the plurality of recesses is configured to receive one of the plurality of legs 109. The plurality of legs 109 are arranged to stabilize the device 100 when placed on an external surface or counter.

[0050]

[0062] In this embodiment, the first plate is coupled to the second cover 101 by four screws or other suitable coupling mechanism. In this embodiment, the device 100 has four legs 109 spaced from and adjacent to the outer edge of the first plate.

[0051]

[0063] In this embodiment, the frame 111 has a first opening in a first portion of the device 100 and a second opening in a second portion of the device 100. In some embodiments, the first plurality of coupling mechanisms are screws or other suitable coupling mechanisms.

[0052]

[0064] A power connection port 114 is coupled to an end of the outer portion of the frame 111. The power connection port 114 is within a second portion of the device 100. The power connection port 114 is adjacent to a second opening in the frame 111 and the blower 190. In other embodiments, the power connection port 114 is along the outer portion of the frame 111 or elsewhere within the device 100.

[0053]

[0065] An outer portion of the frame 111 is coupled to a first panel or wall 105 of the apparatus 100. The first panel 105 includes a first surface having a substantially flat surface for coupling to the frame 111. A plurality of holes in the first surface of the first panel 105 are positioned to align with a plurality of holes in the frame 111.

[0054]

[0066] The first surface of the first panel 105 has a shape similar to the outer portion of the frame 111. When the first surface of the first panel 105 is placed on or coupled to the frame 111, the first surface completely covers the outer portion of the frame 111 and extends beyond the edge of the frame 111 in a first direction.

[0055]

[0067] The first panel 105 has straight and curved portions that follow the perimeter of the frame 111. In some embodiments, the first panel 105 is a single continuous piece. In other embodiments, the first panel 105 includes multiple portions. In some embodiments, the multiple portions of the first panel 105 include two portions with edges that contact each other.

[0056]

[0068] A first portion of the first panel 105 extends beyond the frame 111 and is spaced apart from the second cover 101 by a gap 135. The size of the gap 135 between the first portion of the first panel 105 and the second cover 101 is sufficient to allow ambient air to be brought into the system and the blower 190. In some embodiments, the size of the gap may be substantially or approximately equal to the width of the curved portion of the frame 111 that is aligned with the gap.

[0057]

[0069] A second surface of the first panel 105 is transverse to the extension of the plate 110. The second surface extends in a first direction, away from the second cover 101. A plurality of prongs or extensions 112 extend between the second cover 101 and the first panel 105 and act as a filter to prevent dust and other particles from being introduced into the blower.

[0058]

[0070] The device 100 may include a continuous gap around the entire bottom perimeter of the system, or the gap may be in the front or rear portion of the system. In other words, the device 100 draws in outside air through the gap between the second cover 101 and the first panel 105. The blower 190 receives the air and forces it everywhere into the device 100.

[0059]

[0071] As in Figures 3 and 5, the blower or air moving device 190 has a main cylindrical body with a bottom opening (not shown) at the bottom of the body that receives air. The main cylindrical body is coupled to the frame 111 by a number of coupling mechanisms. In Figure 3, the bottom opening is at the base of the main cylindrical body that faces the frame 111. The blower 190 is spaced from the frame 111 by a number of spacers. The spacers may also include coupling mechanisms that hold the blower in place and reduce vibration. The blower creates suction to move ambient air through the gap and into the system.

[0060]

[0072] After air enters the blower 190 through the bottom opening, the blower 190 forces the air into the heating assembly 186. The blower 190 includes a pump or fan configured to push air throughout the apparatus 100. The blower 190 includes a tubular section that extends from the main cylindrical body and joins across the centerline toward the roasting chamber. In Figure 5, the tubular section turns or bends toward the heating assembly 186. The tubular section can extend from the main body adjacent the power connection port 114 or facing the back portion of the apparatus 100 to the bottom of the roasting chamber and air circulation chamber 140.

[0061]

[0073] The heating assembly 186 of the apparatus 100 heats the air required for the roasting process. Within the heating assembly 186 is a heating element for heating the air. The heating assembly 186 has a first end and an opening coupled to the blower 190, specifically the tubular section of the blower 190.

[0062]

[0074] 5, the heating assembly 186 has a tubular or tube-like shape and extends from the blower 190 at an upward angle toward the center frame. The heating assembly 186 extends through an opening in the center frame to the air circulation chamber 140. The heating assembly includes heating coils or resistance heating elements (not shown) in the tubular section that heat the air to a user-selected temperature to support the selected roast profile.

[0063]

[0075] Further details of the air circulation chamber 140 in Figure 6 include a sidewall 145 extending in a first direction (vertical in Figure 6) from a base. The sidewall includes a curved sidewall portion and a straight sidewall portion. The sidewall has a first end opposite a second end, the first end extending from the base. The air circulation chamber 140 has a central post 142 extending in the first direction away from the base. There is an opening between the sidewall and the central post 142. In some embodiments, the sidewall and the base are integral with one another.

[0064]

[0076] A central post 142 extends from the base of the air circulation chamber 140 to the grate or perforated disk 138 of the roasting chamber 130. The straight sidewall portion of the air circulation chamber 140 has a through opening 141 connected to the heating assembly 186.

[0065]

[0077] The air circulation chamber 140 has a plurality of perforated protrusions or openings 143 for connecting to the roasting chamber 130. The perforated protrusions 143 are located at the second end of the curved sidewall. Screws or other suitable connecting mechanisms connect the air circulation chamber 140 to the roasting chamber 130. Each of the perforated protrusions 143 is substantially equally spaced around the circumference of the air circulation chamber 140. Each perforated protrusion 143 has a hole or opening. In some embodiments, the perforated protrusions 143 are curved or rounded. The air circulation chamber 140 may be made of a conductive material to support a selected temperature or operate smoothly when receiving hot air from the heating element 164 through a tube from the blower 190.

[0066]

[0078] In Figure 3, the second end of the rotor drive shaft 182 is coupled to an agitator or rotatable assembly 158 located within the roasting chamber 130. The rotor drive shaft 182 is connected to a motor or electric motor configured to rotate the drive shaft 182, thereby rotating the agitator. The motor is coupled to a central processing unit, which may be positioned in the space near the hopper or in the chamber below the air circulation chamber. The air circulation chamber includes curved side walls that support airflow to ensure uniform roasting of the beans. The air circulation chamber is not symmetrical around the drive shaft 182. The portion of the chamber closer to the central axis is smaller than the portion of the chamber closer to the front. This creates a chute 162 connected from the door 144 to the bean collector area at the bottom of the system.

[0067]

[0079] 3, above the air circulation chamber 140 is a roasting chamber 130 comprising a perforated disk 138. The perforated disk 138 defines a base portion of the roasting chamber 130. Surrounding the perforated disk 138 is a curved grooved edge 133 of the shelf area 118 of the apparatus 100. The curved grooved edge 133 includes a first groove configured to receive and secure a removable curved wall 131 that defines a portion of the roasting chamber 130. The curved grooved edge 133 includes a second groove for securing and receiving a second curved wall 139 that defines a portion of the roasting chamber 130.

[0068]

[0080] The perforated disk 138 is circular and has a fourth diameter D4 (see FIG. 1). The fourth diameter D4 is larger than the second diameter D2. In some embodiments, the fourth diameter D4 is larger than the first diameter D1. In other embodiments, the first and fourth diameters D1, D4 are substantially equal.

[0069]

[0081] The perforated disk 138 has a plurality of holes, openings, apertures, or other suitable configurations that allow the passage of air or gas. The holes in the perforated disk 138 are spaced apart from one another. The holes are arranged in a radial pattern or in concentric rings around the center of the disk. The holes are equidistant from one another. The concentric rings are equidistant from one another.

[0070]

[0082] In other embodiments, the holes are spaced apart in an alternating pattern or pattern. Perforated disk 138 may be stainless steel or other suitable conductive material. Perforated disk 138 is integral with device 100. In other embodiments, perforated disk 138 is separable from device 100.

[0071]

[0083] The apparatus 100 includes a plurality of sensors 146 within the roasting chamber 130. The plurality of sensors 146 are configured to detect noise, sound, temperature, humidity, or a combination thereof. The plurality of sensors 146 are configured to determine the exact temperature of the coffee beans.

[0072]

[0084] The plurality of sensors includes a first sensor 146b. The first sensor 146 is located within the roasting chamber 130. The first sensor 146 protrudes at an angle from the grooved edge 133. The first sensor 146 protrudes above the perforated disc 138 within the roasting chamber 130.

[0073]

[0085] The sensor 146 is a resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensor or other suitable sensor for detecting sound, temperature, humidity, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the device 100 includes two spaced apart sensors 146.

[0074]

[0086] In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 146 includes a third sensor 146a extending from the top of the roasting chamber 130. In this embodiment, the third sensor is suspended above the perforated disc 138 within the roasting chamber 130. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 includes thirteen or more sensors 146. In a particular embodiment, there are four RTD sensors 146, one sensor 146 in the chute 162, a second sensor 146 above the perforated disc 138 within the roasting chamber 130, and a third and fourth sensor extending from the grooved edge 133 within the roasting chamber 130. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 146 includes at least one sensor for detecting bean color, such as an image sensor or other suitable sensor.

[0075]

[0087] The removable wall 131 slides into a first inner groove of the curved grooved edge 133. The second outer groove of the curved grooved edge 133 is spaced farther from the perforated disc 138 than the first groove. The removable wall 131 defines a roasting chamber 130 having a cylindrical shape.

[0076]

[0088] The removable wall 131 may be made of tempered glass or other suitable heat-resistant material. The removable wall 131 extends from the grooved edge 133 to the hopper 120 across a first dimension D5.

[0077]

[0089] The roasting chamber 130 includes a roasting chamber or first door assembly 144 between the chutes 162 of the shelf area 118. The first door assembly 144 is flush with the perforated disc 138. The first door assembly 144 includes a straight edge transverse to a curved edge. A linear actuator 184 is coupled to the first door assembly 144, which may be in an open or closed configuration. When in the open configuration, the roasting chamber 130, the chute 162, and the external environment are in fluid communication. When in the closed configuration, the roasting chamber 130 is sealed from the chute 162 and the external environment.

[0078]

[0090] The second curved wall 139 of the roasting chamber 130 extends in a first direction from a first end to an opposite second end. The first end of the second curved wall 139 is secured within the second groove of the grooved edge 133. The second end of the second curved wall 139 contacts the hopper region base 117, which defines the boundary of the roasting chamber 130.

[0079]

[0091] The device 100 includes a first curved wall 107 coupled to a base frame 111 and extending transversely relative to the frame 111 in a first direction. The first curved wall 107 surrounds approximately half of a first opening in the frame 111. The first curved wall 107 is coupled to a portion of the outer portion of the frame 111. The first curved wall 107 is coupled to a circular recessed portion 116 of the device 100. The circular recessed portion 116 is spaced from the portion of the first curved wall that is coupled to the frame 111. The first curved wall 107 has a first end opposite a second end. The first end is adjacent to the coupling portion of the circular recessed portion 116.

[0080]

[0092] The circular recess portion 116 is coupled to the first curved wall 107 using at least one screw or other suitable coupling mechanism. The circular recess portion 116 has a substantially flat surface that bounds the bottom of the circular recess extending in a first direction. The diameter of the flat surface is smaller than the diameter of the recess opening in the first surface. The first surface extends in a second direction with a thickness. The circular recess portion 116 is configured to securely hold or house a cup or reclosable container for receiving roasted food products.

[0081]

[0093] A first portion of the circular recessed portion 116 abuts the first curved wall 107. In Figure 3, a second portion of the circular recessed portion 116 contacts the second end of the first panel 105. The circular recessed portion 116 is spaced from the first opening in the frame 111.

[0082]

[0094] A second end of first curved wall 107 extends to a base 115 of an intermediate shelf or platform region 118 of apparatus 100 that contains air circulation chamber 140. Shelf region 118 extends transversely to first curved wall 107 in a first portion of apparatus 100. First curved wall 107 separates base 115 of shelf region 118 from a circular recess portion 116.

[0083]

[0095] A shelf area 118 extends from the central support over the circular recessed portion. The shelf area does not extend beyond the first panel 105. The shelf area 118 includes a second panel or wall 113 extending in a first direction. The shelf area 118 has a first end facing the circular recessed portion. Opposite the first end of the shelf area is a second end adjacent the roasting chamber 130. The second panel 113 extends between the first and second ends of the shelf area 118. The shelf area 118 is optional, and other variations are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0084]

[0096] The second panel 113 extends in the first direction across a third dimension. The third dimension of the second panel 113 is greater than the first dimension of the first panel 105. In some embodiments, the third dimension is more than twice the first dimension.

[0085]

[0097] A first chute or channel 162 extends through the shelf area 118. One end of the first chute 162 includes an opening 144 that fluidly communicates with the external environment. The opening 144 is in the bottom cover 115 of the shelf area 118. The bottom cover 115 is transverse to the second panel 113. The opening 144 may be in fluid communication with a cup or reclosable container disposed in the circular recess 116 for receiving roasted food products. The shelf area 118 includes a rotor drive shaft 182 that resides within the central post 142 of the air circulation chamber 140. The rotor drive shaft 182 has a first end that has a rotor in the shelf area 118. The shelf area 118 may also include a chip assembly, processor, servo mechanism, or other electrical component to control the rotation of the gear on the rotor drive shaft 182, thereby controlling the agitator. The rotor drive shaft 182 extends through the shelf area 118 and the air circulation chamber 140.

[0086]

[0098] After roasting, the roasted food exits the apparatus 100 via a chute 162, which is in fluid communication with the roasting chamber 130 and the external environment. A blower 190 draws in outside air through gaps in the case of the apparatus 100 and forces the air throughout the apparatus 100. The air is heated by a heating assembly 186. The food waste and air are passed through a waste collection system to separate and capture the food waste. The air is filtered through a smoke suppression system 170 before exiting the apparatus via a vent in the lid 180.

[0087]

[0099] The central frame extends in a first direction between a first or top cover 104 of the device 100 and a second or bottom cover 101 of the device 100. The central frame is between a first or front portion of the device 100 and a second or back portion of the device 100. A first end of the central frame is coupled to a base frame 111 of the device. A second end opposite the first end is adjacent to the top cover 104. The central frame has a plurality of openings and holes. The plurality of openings are shaped to receive a number of other components of the device 100. The central frame has a rectangular, substantially flat surface. A first side of the central frame faces the back portion of the device 100, while a second side opposite the first side faces the front portion of the device 100. The front portion of the device 100 includes a display screen 106, and the back portion of the device 100 may include a power connection port 114.

[0088]

[0100] The first and second covers 104, 101 extend in a second direction transverse to the first direction between the front and back portions of the device 100. The first cover 104 may be made of wood or other suitable material. The second cover 101 includes a wood frame base and a metal plate coupled to the wood frame base.

[0089]

[0101] The first and second covers 104, 101 have a first curved end at a first portion of the apparatus 100. The first portion of the apparatus 100 includes a hopper 120 for feeding food or coffee cherries into the apparatus 100, connected to a roasting chamber 130 which is connected to an air circulation chamber 140. The first cover 104 has a first opening 122 for receiving food for roasting.

[0090]

[0102] Opposite the first curved end are second curved ends of the first and second covers 104, 101 in a second portion of the apparatus 100. The second portion of the apparatus 100 includes a smoke suppression system 170 and a blower 190. The smoke suppression system 170 is connected to a cyclone funnel 156 that is connected to the waste receptacle 150. The blower 190 is connected to a heating assembly 186.

[0091]

[0103] In Figure 7, adjacent to the hopper 120 and above the roasting chamber, the apparatus 100 includes a vent 123. The vent 123 is in fluid communication with the roasting chamber and waste bin assembly. A second channel is coupled to the vent 123 and the cyclone chamber 156 (see Figure 3). The cyclone funnel is connected to a removable waste bin.

[0092]

[0104] The cyclone funnel 156 has a first end with a first opening. The first opening of the cyclone funnel 156 extends in a second direction from left to right, i.e., horizontally in the drawing. Opposite the first end of the cyclone funnel 156 is a second end with a second opening. The second opening of the cyclone funnel 156 extends in a second direction across a second dimension that is shorter than the first dimension.

[0093]

[0105] The curved surface of the cyclone funnel 156 extends in a first direction between a first end and a second end of the cyclone funnel 156. The curved surface tapers from the first opening to the second opening.

[0094]

[0106] The cyclone funnel 156 is in fluid communication with the waste receptacle 150. A second end of the cyclone funnel 156 is coupled to a waste receptacle area or a portion of the apparatus 100 configured to secure the waste receptacle 150.

[0095]

[0107] A waste bin or chaff collector 150 is located between the cyclone funnel 156 and the blower 190 (see FIG. 3). The roasting chamber 130 is adjacent to the waste bin 150 and spaced therefrom by a central axis. In FIG. 5, a removable waste bin or drawer 150 for collecting food waste is coupled to the cyclone funnel 156. The waste bin 150 is configured to slide in and out from both sides in a second direction. The apparatus 100 includes a waste bin area or portion configured to secure the waste bin 150.

[0096]

[0108] The waste receptacle 150 may be transparent. The waste receptacle 150 may be made of glass, plastic, or other suitable material. The waste receptacle 150 includes two windows 152 facing each other. The two windows 152 have an oval or oval shape. In other embodiments, the windows 152 have other suitable shapes and designs.

[0097]

[0109] The smoke suppression system 170 filters smoke, air, and other particulate matter. The smoke suppression system 170 is in fluid communication with the cyclone funnel 156 via the second chute or channel 160. The smoke suppression system 170 includes a chamber. The chamber of the smoke suppression system 170 may have a rectangular, cylindrical, or other suitable shape for receiving or securing a filter.

[0098]

[0110] The chamber of the smoke suppression system 170 extends in the second direction across a sixth dimension, which is substantially the same as or similar to the first dimension of the cyclone funnel.

[0099]

[0111] The chute 160 has a first end connected to the smoke suppression system 170. A second end opposite the first end of the chute 160 is within the cyclone funnel 156. The first end of the chute 160 has a first opening having a seventh dimension extending in a second direction. The chute 160 extends from the first end to a second end and tapers. The second end has a second opening having an eighth dimension extending in the second direction. The seventh dimension is greater than the eighth dimension. The second end of the chute 160 is spaced apart from the second end of the cyclone funnel 156. The second end of the chute 160 is suspended within the cyclone funnel 156.

[0100]

[0112] The first end of chute 160 is centrally located within smoke suppression system 170. The base of the smoke suppression chamber has a curved recess at its edge. The diameter of the curved recess in the base can be substantially similar to the seventh dimension. The first end of chute 160 is coupled to the curved recess in the base of the smoke suppression chamber.

[0101]

[0113] The filter within the smoke suppression system 170 is removable and connectable to the smoke suppression system 170. The filter may be a carbon filter or other suitable filter. The filter may have a shape that fills substantially the entire cavity of the smoke suppression chamber.

[0102]

[0114] In some embodiments, more than one filter may be used in the smoke suppression system 170. In preferred embodiments, the plurality of filters includes at least three different filters or layers of filters stacked together, where at least one of the filters is different from the other filters in the stack. In some embodiments, the filters are all the same. The filters may have a circular or rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the filters have a square or rectangular shape.

[0103] A perforated lid or cover 180 covers the top of the smoke suppression system 170. A filter is located between the perforated lid 180 and the base of the smoke suppression chamber. Filtered air exits the device 100 through the perforated lid 180. The perforated lid 180 is circular and has a plurality of oblong openings therethrough. The oblong openings are spaced apart and radially arranged about the center of the lid 180. The lid 180 includes a protruding lip. The device 100 includes an upper frame portion having a grooved surface configured to receive and secure the lid 180.

[0104]

[0115] Referring to Figure 1, a third curved panel 125 extends in the second direction to cover the hopper area and has openings for receiving the display 106 and dial buttons 108.

[0105]

[0116] The display 106 and dial buttons 108 are located between the hopper area base 117 and the first cover 104. The display 106 is configured to receive signals and communications from the processor or CPU and output roast information to the user on the display 106. The dial buttons 108 and display 106 are for interacting with the device 100. The display 106 is configured to present various information to the user, such as operating characteristics, roast profiles, recipes, device status, etc. The dial buttons 108 are pressable and rotatable.

[0106]

[0117] 1, a curved panel 102 is coupled to device 100 via multiple coupling mechanisms. Curved panel 102 is curved so that opposite edges face each other. Curved panel 102 covers the back and straight sides of device 100. Curved panel 102 has four rounded corners, two adjacent to the base and two adjacent to the top of device 100. The edges of curved panel 102 extend over the center of device 100 and over the first, second, and third curved panels 105, 113, and 125.

[0107]

[0118] The curved panel 102 extends in a first direction between the top cover 104 and the bottom cover 101. The curved panel 102 extends in a second direction to cover portions of the hopper area, the roasting chamber 130, the air circulation chamber 140, and the recessed area for accommodating containers on both sides of the device 100.

[0108]

[0119] The curved panel 102 has a plurality of openings, two of which have the same size and shape configured to expose the windows 152 of the waste receptacle 150. The two openings face each other and are located on opposite sides or opposite ends of the curved panel 102.

[0109]

[0120] The curved panel 102 includes a recess or third opening at the lower bottom edge that is configured to expose a power connection port 114 that may extend through the recess in the curved panel 102 .

[0110]

[0121] The curved panel 102 may be a single, integrated piece or may include multiple pieces.

[0111]

[0122] In this embodiment, the multiple coupling mechanisms include four screws located at the four rounded corners of the curved panel 102 .

[0112]

[0123] 8 is a diagram, in block or schematic form, of an electronic system or controller 193 of system 100. As described further below, controller 193 is suitable for performing or otherwise implementing at least some embodiments or techniques described herein with respect to system 100. Physical or hardware aspects of controller 193 may be located within the housing of system 100 or other device.

[0113]

[0124] The controller 193 includes a processor 177, such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor, programmable gate array (PGA), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller 193 includes one or more non-transitory storage media, collectively designated 175, in communication with the processor 177, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and / or flash memory or other physical computer- or processor-readable storage media. The non-transitory storage media 175 may store instructions and / or data used by the processor 177 and the controller 193 as a whole, such as an operating system (OS) and / or applications. The instructions as executed by the processor 177 may implement logic for performing functions of the various implementations or techniques of the apparatus and systems described herein, including, among other things, but not limited to, receiving signals, instructions, or other data from aspects of the system 100 and, accordingly, controlling the operating parameters of the system 100 or executing instructions of certain roasting recipes selected by a user through a computing device.

[0114]

[0125] The controller 193 may include a user interface 174 ("UI") that allows a user to operate or otherwise provide input to the controller 193 or system 100 described herein regarding the operating states or conditions of the controller 193 and / or the system 100. Additionally, the user interface 174 may include several user-actuable controls accessible externally of the system 100. For example, the user interface 174 may be the display 106 in FIG. 1 and may include several switches or keys operable to turn the system 100 on and off and / or to set various operating parameters of the system 100, such as the recipe, roast time, air speed, roast temperature, and many others.

[0115]

[0126] In some embodiments, user interface 174 may include a display, such as a touch-sensitive display. The touch-sensitive display (e.g., an LCD or LED with a touch-sensitive overlay) may provide both an input and output interface for the user. The touch-sensitive display may present a graphical user interface with various user-selectable icons, menus, check boxes, dialog boxes, and other components and elements selectable by an end user to set operational states or conditions of system 100. User interface 174 may also include one or more acoustic transducers, such as one or more speakers and / or microphones. Such may allow audible alert notifications or signals to be provided to the user as a result of manual interaction with user interface 174. Additionally or alternatively, such may allow the user to provide audible commands or instructions. User interface 174 may include additional and / or different components and / or omit certain components relative to those shown or described.

[0116]

[0127] The switches and keys of the graphical user interface 174 may include, for example, toggle switches, a keypad or keyboard, rocker switches, or other physical actuators of the type described herein. The switches and keys or the graphical user interface 174 may, for example, allow a user to turn on the system 100, among other additional functions described herein.

[0117]

[0128] Controller 193 includes a communications subsystem 176, which in some embodiments may include one or more communications modules or components that facilitate communication with one or more external devices, such as various components of personal computing device or mobile device 192. Communications subsystem 176 may provide wireless or wired communications to one or more external devices and may include a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, and / or a wireless transceiver to provide wireless signal paths to various remote control components or systems of one or more paired devices. Communications subsystem 176 may include components that enable short-range (e.g., via Bluetooth, BLE (“Bluetooth low energy”), near-field communication (NFC), or radio frequency identification (RFID) components and protocols) or longer-range wireless communications (e.g., over wireless LAN, low-power wide-area network (LPWAN), satellite, or cellular networks), and may include one or more modems or one or more Ethernet or other types of communications cards or components to do so. The communications subsystem 176 may include one or more bridges or routers suitable for handling network traffic including switched packet type communications protocols (TCP / IP), Ethernet, or other network protocols.

[0118]

[0129] Controller 193 further includes a power interface manager 178 that manages the supply of power from power source 114 to controller 193 and various components of system 100. Power interface manager 178 is communicatively coupled to processor 177 and power source 114. Alternatively, in some embodiments, power interface manager 178 may be incorporated into processor 177. Power source 114 may include an external power source or a rechargeable or replaceable battery power source. In some embodiments, power interface manager 178 may include power converters, rectifiers, buses, gates, circuitry, etc. In particular, power interface manager 178 may control, limit, and / or restrict the supply of power from power source 114 to at least blower 190, agitator 158, and heating element 186.

[0119]

[0130] In some embodiments, instructions and / or data stored in non-transitory storage medium 175, such as memory 175, that may be used by processor 177 and controller 193 generally, include or provide an application program interface (“API”) that provides programmatic access to one or more functions of controller 193. For example, such an API may provide a programmatic interface to control one or more operational characteristics of system 100, including, but not limited to, one or more functions of user interface 174, processing and / or storage and / or transmission of data received from sensors 146, and control of the characteristics of blower 190, agitator 158, heating element 186, among others. Such control may be invoked by other programs, other remote devices or systems, or one of some other modules. In this manner, the API may facilitate the development of a variety of different user interfaces and control systems for third-party software, such as other devices, plug-ins, adapters, and the like, to facilitate interactivity and customization of operations and devices within system 100.

[0120]

[0131] In some embodiments, the components or modules of the controller 193 and other devices in the system 100 are implemented using standard programming techniques. For example, logic for performing the functions of various embodiments or techniques described herein may be implemented as a “native” executable running on the controller 193, e.g., on the processor 177, along with one or more static or dynamic libraries. In other embodiments, various functions of the controller 193 may be implemented as instructions processed by a virtual machine that executes as one or more programs, the instructions being stored in memory 175. Generally, a range of programming languages ​​known in the art may be used to implement such exemplary embodiments, including representative examples of implementations of various programming language paradigms, including, but not limited to, object-oriented (e.g., Java, C++, C#, Visual BASIC.NET, Smalltalk, etc.), functional (e.g., ML, Lisp, Scheme, etc.), procedural (e.g., C, Pascal, Ada, Modula, etc.), scripting (e.g., Perl, Ruby, Python, JavaScript, VBScript, etc.), or declarative (e.g., SQL, Prolog, etc.).

[0121]

[0132] In a software or firmware implementation, the instructions stored in memory, when executed, configure one or more processors 177 of the controller 193 to perform the functions of the controller 193. The instructions cause the microprocessor 177 or some other processor, such as an I / O controller / processor, to process and act on information received from the sensor 146, the personal computing device 192, or other external devices to provide the functionality described herein.

[0122]

[0133] The above-described embodiments may also use well-known or other synchronous or asynchronous client-server computing techniques. However, the various components may also be implemented using more monolithic programming techniques, for example, as executable files running on a single microprocessor, or alternatively, may be decomposed using various architectural techniques known in the art, including, but not limited to, multiprogramming, multithreading, client-server, or peer-to-peer (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC or RFID wireless technology, mesh networking, etc.), providing communication channels between aspects of system 100 and / or controller 193 and to external devices 184 or personal computing systems 192, running on one or more computer systems each having one or more central processing units (CPUs) or other processors. Some embodiments may execute simultaneously and asynchronously and communicate using message-passing techniques. Also, other functions may be implemented and / or performed by each component / module, in different orders, and by different components / modules, and still achieve the functions of controller 193.

[0123]

[0134] Additionally, programming interfaces to the data stored by and functionality provided by controller 193 may be available through standard mechanisms such as C, C++, C#, and Java APIs; libraries for accessing files, databases, or other data repositories; scripting languages; or web servers, FTP servers, or other types of servers that provide access to stored data. The data stored and utilized by controller 193, and system 100 overall, may be implemented as one or more database systems, file systems, or any other technology for storing such information, or any combination of the above, including implementations using distributed computing techniques.

[0124]

[0135] Different configurations and locations of programs and data are contemplated for use with the techniques described herein. Various distributed computing technologies are suitable for implementing the components of the illustrated embodiment in a distributed manner, including, but not limited to, TCP / IP sockets, RPC, RMI, HTTP, and Web Services (XML-RPC, JAX-RPC, SOAP, etc.). In other embodiments, other variations are possible. Other functionality may also be provided by each component / module, or existing functionality may be distributed in a different manner among components / modules within system 100 and / or controller 193 while still achieving the functionality of controller 193 and system 100.

[0125]

[0136] Additionally, in some embodiments or implementations, some or all of the components of controller 193 and other components or devices in system 100 may be implemented or provided at least partially in firmware and / or hardware in other manners, including, but not limited to, one or more application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), standard integrated circuits, controllers (e.g., including suitable instruction execution and microcontrollers and / or embedded controllers), field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"), complex programmable logic devices ("CPLDs"), etc. Some or all of the system components and / or data structures may also be stored as content (e.g., as executable files or other machine-readable software instructions or structured data) on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a hard disk; memory; a computer network, a cellular wireless network, or other data transmission medium; or a portable media item read by an appropriate drive or via an appropriate connection, e.g., a DVD or flash memory device), such that the computer-readable medium and / or one or more associated computing systems or devices can be enabled or configured to execute or otherwise use or provide the content to perform at least some of the described techniques.

[0126]

[0137] It will be understood that the computing systems and devices described herein, including those related to controller 193, are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Instead, the systems and / or devices may each include multiple interactive computing systems or devices and may be connected to other devices not specifically shown, including by Bluetooth or other direct communication, by one or more networks, such as the Internet, via the Web, or via one or more private networks (e.g., mobile communications networks, etc.). More generally, the devices or other computing systems may include any combination of hardware that, optionally when programmed, can interact to perform functions of the types described, or may otherwise be configured with specific software instructions and / or data structures, including, but not limited to, desktop or other computers (e.g., tablets, slates, etc.), database servers, network storage devices and other network devices, smartphones and other cell phones, home appliances, wearable devices, biometric monitoring devices, PDAs, wireless telephones, Internet appliances, and various other consumer products that include appropriate communications capabilities. Furthermore, the functionality provided by system 100 may, in some embodiments, be distributed among various modules. Similarly, in some embodiments, some of the functionality of system 100 may not be provided and / or other additional functionality may be available. Furthermore, in some implementations, various functionality of system 100 may be provided by a third-party partner of a user of system 100. For example, data collected by system 100 may be provided to a third party for analysis and / or metric generation, or recipes may be provided by a third party to a database accessible to the user. In some embodiments, the third party is another user, such that a first user's recipes may be shared with a second user, allowing the first user's recipes to control the operating characteristics of the second user's system.

[0127]

[0138] It will be understood that while various items are described as being stored in memory 175 or on storage during use, these items, or portions thereof, may be transferred between memory 175 and other storage devices for memory management and data integrity purposes. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of the software modules and / or systems may execute in the memory of another device and communicate with the described computing system via computer-to-computer communications. Thus, in some embodiments, some or all of the described techniques may be performed by one or more software programs and / or data structures, e.g., by hardware means including one or more processors and / or memory and / or storage, when configured by the execution of software instructions of one or more software programs and / or the storage of such software instructions and / or data structures.

[0128]

[0139] The systems, modules, and data structures may also, in some embodiments, be transmitted by data signals (e.g., as part of a carrier wave or other analog or digital propagated signal) generated over a variety of computer-readable transmission media, including wireless-based and wired / cable-based media, and may take a variety of forms (e.g., as part of a single or multiplexed analog signal, or as multiple individual digital packets or frames). In other embodiments, such computer program products may also take other forms. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced with other computer system configurations.

[0129]

[0140] In some embodiments, memory 175 stores instructions, information, or other data that are executed by processor 177 to operate blower 190, agitator 158, heating element 186, and sensor 146 according to a roasting recipe selected by user input at personal computing device 192, which may be a mobile device in wireless communication with communication subsystem 176 of controller 193. More specifically, a user may select a recipe according to a certain coffee cherry bean type or source, and personal computing device 192 sends instructions, information, signals, or other data to communication subsystem 176 of controller 193. Communication subsystem 192 interfaces with processor 177, which in turn interfaces with memory 175, to execute the instructions as a series of individual or simultaneous actions. For example, execution of the instructions may cause processor 177 to operate power interface manager 178, which enables a selected amount of power to be sent from power source 114 to blower 190, agitator 158, and heating element 186 for a selected period of time or at a selected moment in time, according to the recipe selected by the user.

[0130]

[0141] In further embodiments, the sensor 146 sends commands, information, signals, or other data to the processor 177, which determines whether to adjust the operating characteristics of the blower 190, the agitator 158, and the heating element 186 based on the information received from the sensor 146. For example, the sensor 146 may be a speaker or a microphone that collects data corresponding to sounds generated proximate the roasting chamber 130 of the roasting assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor 146 is at least a microphone. Sounds incident on and detected by the microphone may be operating sounds from the blower 190, the agitator 158, the heating element 186, and the waste collection assembly 148, as well as sounds indicative of certain characteristics of the food in the chamber 130. Processor 177 may execute instructions stored in memory 175 to analyze the spectrum of sound detected by microphone 146 and filter out known frequencies and volumes of sounds corresponding to the operation of system 100, while simultaneously looking for particular spikes at given frequencies that correspond to food or bean cracks, such as a crack when roasting coffee cherry beans. Processor 177 may also execute instructions in memory 175 to determine the duration of a crack and the time to a crack (i.e., the duration before the crack), compare this information to the expected results based on the recipe, and correspondingly adjust the operating characteristics of system 100 accordingly.

[0131]

[0142] For example, if the pre-crack duration is too long (i.e., the first crack occurs later than expected based on the recipe), the processor 177 executes instructions in the memory 175 and interfaces with the power interface manager 178 to provide more power from the power supply 114 to the heating element 186 to increase the roasting temperature, increase or decrease the revolutions per minute of the agitator 158, and / or provide more power from the power supply to the blower 190 to increase or decrease the airflow rate. The same process can be applied to increase power to the blower 190 and decrease power to the heating element 186 if the pre-crack duration is too short (i.e., the first crack occurs sooner than expected based on the recipe) or if the first crack duration is too long or too short.

[0132]

[0143] In another non-limiting example, sensor 146 is or includes one or more thermocouples, such as a group of thermocouples in the roasting assembly or chamber 130. Processor 177 may execute instructions stored in memory 175 to continuously communicate with and monitor the one or more thermocouples to measure the food product and determine its exact temperature. Based on the determined temperature, processor 177 may execute further instructions stored in memory 175 to control the amount of power to heating element 186 or blower 190, or both, to achieve a certain curve shape of the food temperature, or more specifically, a certain curve shape of the change in food temperature over time, to maintain a certain ramp rate for the food product temperature. If the food product is a green coffee cherry pit, the ramp rate may be related to the temperature of beans that are part of a recipe for roasting the green coffee cherry pit.

[0133]

[0144] In one embodiment, the CPU 193 is configured to receive temperature measurements in real time from at least each of the thermocouples or sensors 146 associated with the roasting chamber 130. The CPU 193 is configured to average the temperature measurements at specific time intervals or at preselected points during the roast duration to identify when the beans are properly roasted for a particular system. In other words, the temperature average from the sensors is utilized in real time to determine, at least in part, when the roast is complete. The temperature average can be used alone or in conjunction with a microphone for detecting cracks to determine when to stop the roast.

[0134]

[0145] In some embodiments, one or more sensors 146 may include an imaging device and / or a gas sensor with a processor 177 that executes instructions stored in memory 175 to generally modify an operating characteristic of system 100. For example, if the imaging device determines that the coffee cherry seeds are browning too quickly, which may indicate that the coffee cherry seeds are roasting too quickly, processor 177 executes instructions to memory 175 to decrease power to heating element 102 and increase power to blower 190. Of course, in any of the above examples, processor 177 may also execute instructions in memory 175 to only adjust one operating characteristic (i.e., the temperature of heating element 186 or the air velocity output by blower 190) while all other characteristics remain constant.

[0135]

[0146] In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 146 are or include one or more gas sensors and / or moisture sensors. The processor 177 executes instructions stored in memory 175 to communicate with the gas and / or moisture sensors to detect changes in volatile organic compounds in the food product over time and / or changes in the moisture level in the food product over time, compare the detected changes to the recipe stored in memory 175, and calculate whether the time to the first crack is earlier or later than expected. If the time to the first crack is different from expected, the processor 177 executes further instructions in memory 175 to adjust power to the heating element 186, the rotation of the agitator 158, and / or the resulting blower 190. In some embodiments, the moisture sensor also measures the moisture content in the food product, and the processor 177 executes instructions in memory 175 to adjust power to the heating element 186 to a preheat temperature or otherwise initiate a draining process prior to or as part of the roasting process.

[0136]

[0147] In certain embodiments, system 100 is agnostic to conditions in the external environment surrounding system 100, i.e., the same quality and consistency of roasted food products can be achieved regardless of temperature, humidity, and other characteristics of the external environment surrounding system 100. For example, system 100 may include a global positioning system ("GPS") receiver or transceiver that provides a location to system 100, and process 177 may execute instructions stored in memory 175 to communicate with a remote device to obtain location-based external environmental data, such as temperature, from an official weather agency. Additionally, processor 177 may execute instructions stored in memory 175 to obtain external environmental data from personal computing device 192, which may be a user's mobile device, via communication subsystem 176. In a further non-limiting example, sensors 146 may include temperature, humidity, and other similar sensors exposed to the external environment surrounding system 100 to obtain data regarding characteristics of the external environment surrounding system 100. In some embodiments, system 100 collects data from only one or more of the above sources. Regardless of the source of the data, processor 177 executes instructions in memory 175 to adjust heating element 186 and / or blower 190 (or other operating characteristics of system 100) based on the external environment surrounding system 100 to produce results (i.e., roasted food products) of the same quality and consistency regardless of external environmental conditions. In this manner, processor 177 executes instructions stored in memory 175 to adjust the operating characteristics of system 100 to ensure roast uniformity in a feedback control loop via one or more sensors 146. Advantageously, this functionality is provided in a countertop appliance form factor, simplifying the roasting process and enabling successful roasting at consumer scale. This feedback control loop also accounts for variations in batch size, as the recipe is adjusted based on detected characteristics of the roast to ensure uniformity according to the recipe.

[0137]

[0148] In some embodiments, memory 175 stores additional instructions executed by processor 177 associated with cooling operations within the chamber or container. For example, in some non-limiting examples, the instructions may include instructions to turn off power to heating element 186 and run blower 190 for a selected period of time, such as 10 seconds or less, 30 seconds or less, 1 minute or less, or 5 minutes or less (including all values ​​in between). The cooling operation may occur once, twice, or more times depending on the detected characteristics of the coffee cherry pits within the chamber in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0138]

[0149] In some embodiments, the controller 193 and the system 100 generally communicate with other devices 114, which may be a network or a database stored on a remote server or personal computing device to provide new recipes accessible via the personal computing device 192. Additionally, the controller 193 and the system 100 may communicate with other such systems 100 and / or networked appliances, for example, in a "smart home" system, using any of the communication protocols described herein. Such networked appliances may include, but are not limited to, smart home speakers such as Amazon Alexa®, Google Home®, and Apple Siri® products, among others.

[0139]

[0150] For example, for a given bean, the system can be utilized to test multiple different roast profiles (charge temperature (preheat temperature at which roasting begins), heat setting, fan setting, agitation revolutions per minute setting, and drop temperature (temperature at which heating ends and cooling begins) over the roasting and cooling time periods) to create one optimal roast profile for each roast level (e.g., blonde, light, medium, or dark roast). It is envisioned that the system can be programmed to handle five or more roast levels. The roast profile setting is based on the average of readings from the inlet temperature sensor, the exhaust temperature sensor, and two bean temperature sensors, such as the prong sensor 146 at the bottom of the chamber 130 in FIG. 3. Location-agnostic technology will take into account ambient temperature and humidity to replicate the optimal roast profile regardless of the location of the user and roasting system. This allows users to share roast profiles within the ecosystem through APIs, websites, or other connectivity, and the roast profile can be accurately and successfully implemented anywhere in the world.

[0140]

[0151] The system is configured to provide at least five different roast levels, such as light and dark roast. The system is configured to receive bean origin data and use it to adjust roast parameters based on the selected roast level. Bean origin data, such as altitude, can be utilized to achieve various roast levels. Multiple processing methods are stored in the system and accessible for instant selection by the user or as part of a stored roast profile. As multiple coffee varieties are programmed into the system, different roast levels and profiles can be accessed by the user. Other bean origin data, such as harvest time, soil type, bean size (volume), bean density, and batch size (grams), can be included in the roast level or profile.

[0141]

[0152] Ambient temperature and humidity are collected by the system and processed before each roast to generate an optimal roast profile for the selected beans, selected batch size, selected roast level, and physical location. All of this information is collected and stored in a network to which each roaster can connect through the communications subsystem 176. Each roaster can receive information about the different beans a user has ordered to be roasted on their roaster. This information, including roast profile options and instructions, can be automatically transmitted to the system or uploaded by the user at the time the beans are roasted. For example, a bag of beans can include a QR code that can be read by the user's personal computing device, such as a mobile phone. The mobile phone can be wirelessly coupled to the roaster via an app or website, where the QR code allows the user to activate and enter purchased bean information, including the roast profile, on a display.

[0142]

[0153] The system allows users to create and save their own roast profiles for specific beans to be reused within the same system with future bean purchases, or shared with a community of users of the roasting system.

[0143]

[0154] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a mixer that includes two sections. The first section 234 is a support blade with a central section for connecting to a countertop roaster. The central section has a first plurality of holes. The first section 234 has a main blade section with two extensions extending from opposite sides. The two extensions have curved ends that bend inward. The curved ends are connected to a second section 236. The second section 236 has a second plurality of holes.

[0144]

[0155] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an agitator. The agitator has a substantially flat support piece or blade 334 coupled to two substantially flat curved arms 336. The curved arms 336 are coupled adjacent to opposite ends of the support piece 334. The curved arms 336 are coupled to a first surface of the support 334. The first end of the curved arm 336 is coupled to the support piece 334. A second end of the curved arm 336, opposite the first end, extends away from the support piece 334. The curved arms 336 are coupled and oriented such that the second end of the curved arm 336 extends toward the center of the support piece 334. The agitator may include a central connection point for coupling to a countertop roasting apparatus. The central connection point may be a hole in the support piece 334. The two opposing curved arms 336 may be mirror images on opposite sides of a vertical axis passing through the center of the blade 334. In one embodiment, two opposing curved arms 336 extend toward each other and curve in a partial helical pattern about a central vertical axis.

[0145]

[0156] 11 is another embodiment of a countertop roaster 200 similar to the other roasters of the present disclosure, including a hopper, smoke suppression system, roasting chamber, etc. This apparatus 200 includes a different waste receptacle 252 according to another embodiment. The waste receptacle 252 is configured to slide out from or be placed in the back portion of the countertop roaster 200. The rear panel 202 has a cutout or opening at the back to expose the waste receptacle 252. The waste receptacle 252 may be transparent, allowing a user to see when the chaff has filled or nearly filled the waste receptacle.

[0146]

[0157] 12, an alternative embodiment of a coffee roasting apparatus 400 includes an alternative embodiment of a hopper door assembly 426 and a smoke suppression system 470. The apparatus 100 has an apparatus top cover 404 as described with respect to FIG. 1. The apparatus top cover 404 has a plurality of openings, a first opening in a front portion of the apparatus 400 and a second opening in a rear portion of the apparatus 100. A hopper 420 is located in the first opening of the apparatus top cover 404 as described with respect to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. A first end of the hopper 420 extends through the first opening of the apparatus top cover 404.

[0147]

[0158] The second end of the hopper 420 includes a hopper door assembly 426. The second end of the hopper 420 is opposite the first end of the hopper 420. In other embodiments, the hopper door assembly 426 is coupled to the hopper 420. The hopper door assembly 426 may extend partially past the center frame of the apparatus 400. The hopper door assembly 426 is coupled to a hopper area base 417 that is coupled to the center frame. A linear actuator 430 of the hopper door assembly is coupled to the center frame.

[0148]

[0159] As in Figure 13, the hopper door assembly 426 includes two door systems 427, 428. The two door systems 427, 428 have similar shapes and dimensions. Each door system 427, 428 has a respective door or plate 427b, 428b. In this embodiment, the doors 427b, 428b have a semicircular shape. One door 427a, which is the top door farther from the roasting chamber 130 than the other door, has a recessed groove.

[0149]

[0160] Each door system 427, 428 includes multiple frame portions 427a, 427c, 427d, 428a, 428c, and 428d. In this embodiment, each door system 427, 428 includes three frame portions, including one intermediate frame portion 427c, 428c and two outer frame portions 427a, 427d, 428a, and 428d. Each door 427b, 428b is located between the intermediate frame portion 427c, 428c and one of the outer frame portions 427a, 427d, 428a, and 428d. The outer frame portions 427a, 427d, 428d, and 428a have substantially similar shapes and dimensions. The lengths of the outer frame portions 427a, 427d, 428d, and 428a exceed the lengths of the doors 427a, 428a in the second direction.

[0150]

[0161] In each door system 427, 428, one of the outer frame portions 427a, 428a has a recessed area through which the two doors 427b, 428b slide. The two doors 427b, 428b are configured to open and close by sliding side to side in a second direction within their respective frame portions 427a, 428a.

[0151]

[0162] 12, the hopper door assembly 426 includes a spring 429 for opening and closing the doors 427b, 428b. The spring 429 is attached to the doors 427b, 428b and a linear actuator 430. The two doors 427b, 428b are spaced apart from each other in a first direction by a number of spacers or screws.

[0152]

[0163] A channel is between the hopper 420 and the roasting chamber 430. The roasting chamber 430 is as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. When in the closed configuration, the doors 427b, 428b are in the channel between the hopper 420 and the roasting chamber 430. The roasting chamber 430 includes an agitator 458 as illustrated in Figures 1, 3, and 6. The roasting chamber 430 includes a roasting chamber door assembly and a second linear actuator 484 as illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 6.

[0153]

[0164] The apparatus 400 includes an air circulation chamber 440 as illustrated in Figures 3 and 6. Below the air circulation chamber 440 is a recessed area 416, fluidly connected to the roasting chamber 430, for securing or accommodating a container, as illustrated in Figures 1-3. Below the recessed area 416 is a bottom frame 403 as illustrated in Figure 3. The bottom frame 403 has a first opening 403a at a front portion of the apparatus 400, which is spaced apart from a second opening 403b at a rear portion of the apparatus 400. A portion of the bottom frame 403 extends between the two openings 403a, 403b.

[0154]

[0165] A power connection port 414 is coupled to the rear portion of the bottom frame 403, as illustrated in Figure 3. A blower is coupled to the rear portion of the bottom frame 403 and forces air through the connected heating assembly 486, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5.

[0155]

[0166] Above the heating assembly is a waste collection system 448 including a waste receptacle 450 and a cyclone funnel 456, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 7. Fluidly connected to the waste collection system 448 is a smoke suppression system 470, as illustrated in Figures 1-7. In this embodiment, the smoke suppression system 470 has a circular or cylindrical shape and is configured to secure a circular or cylindrical filter or filters.

[0156]

[0167] In some embodiments, the device 100 includes an RFID scanner.

[0157]

[0168] In some embodiments, the device 100 is climate controlled.

[0158]

[0169] In some embodiments, the device 100 includes a digital scale, which may be a weighing scale integrated with the hopper 120.

[0159]

[0170] In some embodiments, device 100 has dimensions of 7 inches wide by 12 inches deep (D6) by 16 inches high. The width is between the ends of panel 102 in the second direction. The height is from first cover 104 to second cover 101. In other embodiments, device 100 has dimensions of 6 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 16 inches high.

[0160]

[0171] In some embodiments, device 100 comprises aluminum, stainless steel, glass, walnut, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof.

[0161]

[0172] The apparatus 100 allows for rapid cooling of roasted food products.

[0162]

[0173] The apparatus 100 can be used repeatedly to roast various batches of food according to different or the same settings. Back-to-back roasts can be performed using the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 can be left unattended and operated by a user or can be fully automated.

[0163]

[0174] The apparatus 100 is configured to roast variable batch sizes of coffee cherries. In one embodiment, the batch size may range from 50g to 225g.

[0164]

[0175] The device 100 accounts for environmental characteristics and automatically adjusts roast settings or data accordingly.

[0165]

[0176] A method of using device 100 includes obtaining coffee cherry fruits or other food products for roasting. The coffee cherry fruits may be obtained or harvested from a vendor. In one embodiment, the purchase from the vendor is performed by ordering through a software application on a personal device. A user may select or choose coffee cherry fruits according to the user's personal preferences or flavor profile. The user may complete the quiz at any time to determine or recommend roasting settings for device 100.

[0166]

[0177] After ordering coffee cherries, the user receives a package containing the ordered coffee cherries. The user scans the RFID tag on the package using the roasting apparatus 100 or a personal device. Roast characteristics and settings are imported into the roasting apparatus 100 wirelessly or otherwise from a remote server that stores bean data. If a personal device is used to scan the RFID tag, the roast data is sent to the roasting apparatus 100 via the personal device. The roast settings include roast temperature and roast time. The roast data or settings may include temperature and time for the roast, five different roast levels, airflow conditions, roast duration, heating conditions, or a combination thereof.

[0167]

[0178] The device 100 is operable in an offline mode.

[0168]

[0179] In another embodiment, after harvesting or picking the coffee cherries, the user sets or adjusts the roast settings on the roasting apparatus 100. Setting the roasting settings is done by dials and buttons using a display on the front of the apparatus 100, or by using a software application on a personal device that is sent to the roasting apparatus 100.

[0169]

[0180] The coffee cherry fruits are then placed into the machine 100 via a first opening in the hopper 120. The user presses a button or instructs the machine 100 through a personal device to begin the roasting process.

[0170]

[0181] An optional step of pre-roasting or pre-heating the coffee cherries is performed while the coffee cherries are in the hopper 120. The hopper 120 is heated to a predetermined temperature, thereby heating the coffee cherries. Once the predetermined temperature of the coffee cherries is reached, the door to the roasting chamber is opened to release the pre-heated coffee cherries. Once the coffee cherries have emptied into the roasting chamber, the door is closed. The coffee cherries fall onto a perforated disc 138 inside the roasting chamber.

[0171]

[0182] Outside air is drawn in through the gaps in the device 100. The air is then forced through the device 100 by a blower. The blower forces the air through a first opening and into the heating assembly where it is heated to a predetermined temperature based on the roast setting.

[0172]

[0183] The hot air is then forced through a second opening in the heating assembly and into the air circulation chamber 140. From the air circulation chamber 140, the hot air is evenly distributed and forced through the perforated disc 138 into the roasting chamber. The hot air is forced with enough force to displace the coffee cherries away from the disc 138. Because the coffee cherries jump or bounce around in the roasting chamber, they are not over-roasted or heated to high temperatures due in part to heating from the conductive disc 138.

[0173]

[0184] Meanwhile, a rotatable agitator turns or spins within the roasting chamber to further shift and agitate the coffee cherries. The spinning motion of the agitator repeatedly shifts and rotates the coffee cherries constantly, ensuring even roasting of the coffee cherries.

[0174]

[0185] During the roasting process, a sensor detects when the roasting process is complete. The sensor may detect temperature or sound. When sound detection is used, the first or second crack is detected and used to determine when the roasting process is complete. When temperature is used, the roasting process is complete once the roasted coffee beans reach a predetermined temperature based on the roasting settings. In some embodiments, a combination of both sound and temperature detection is used.

[0175]

[0186] During the roasting process, air and food waste or chaff are forced out of the roasting chamber through a vent. From the vent, the air and waste products are forced through a channel to a cyclone funnel. Food waste, having a higher mass than air, falls through the end of the funnel into a removable waste container.

[0176]

[0187] Meanwhile, the air travels upward through a smoke suppression system, which filters out smoke and other particulate matter through at least one filter, after which the filtered air exits the device 100 via a second port.

[0177]

[0188] Once roasting is complete, the roasted product is automatically dispensed into a container located on the circular concave plate 116. A second door in the roasting chamber opens to release the roasted coffee beans through the opening into the external environment. The agitator continues to rotate to guide the roasted coffee beans through the door. The roasted coffee beans then travel down a chute into a cup or airtight container that communicates with the opening to receive the roasted coffee beans.

[0178]

[0189] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned herein and / or listed in the Application Data Sheets are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, as necessary, to employ concepts from the various patents, applications, and publications to provide still other embodiments.

[0179]

[0190] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be deemed to limit the scope of the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be deemed to include all possible embodiments, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the claims, therefore, is not limited by the present disclosure.

[0180]

[0191] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 396,184, filed August 8, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. a blower; a heating assembly coupled to the blower; an air circulation chamber coupled to the heating assembly, the air circulation chamber including a base and a central post extending laterally from the base, the central post including a drive shaft; a roasting chamber coupled to the air circulation chamber; a perforated disk coupled to the central pillar, the perforated disk being between the air circulation chamber and the roasting chamber, the central pillar extending through the perforated disk into the roasting chamber; a transfer assembly located on the perforated disc within the roasting chamber; 1. An apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the roasting chamber is cylindrical with a sidewall extending transversely to the perforated disc.

3. The transfer assembly comprises: a flat blade having a first portion and a second portion; a first arm on the first portion; a second arm on the second portion, the first and second arms extending laterally from the blade; and The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising:

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the blade has a first end and an opposite second end, a first dimension between the first end and the second end, the first dimension being equal to or less than a diameter of the roasting chamber.

5. The device of claim 3 , wherein the blade has a center connected to the central post.

6. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the blade extends across the diameter of the roasting chamber.

7. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first and second arms are each spaced a first dimension from the center of the blade, and the first and second arms are each spaced a second dimension from the side wall of the roasting chamber.

8. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a smoke suppression system including at least one filter.

9. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, including a removable waste container.

10. The device of claim 1 , comprising an air intake in fluid communication with the blower, the air intake comprising a gap in an outer casing.

11. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating assembly includes a heating element in a first channel having a first end opposite a second end, the first end coupled to the blower and the second end coupled to the air circulation chamber.

12. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, including a hopper and a door between the hopper and the roasting chamber.

13. 1. A rotatable agitator comprising: a substantially flat rotor blade having a center between a first portion and a second portion; a first extension on the first portion of the rotor blade; a second extension on the second portion of the rotor blade, the first and second extensions extending laterally from the rotor blade; A freely rotatable agitator including 1. An apparatus comprising:

14. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first and second extensions are cylindrical.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the first and second extensions are equally spaced from the center of the rotor blade.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the first and second extensions are equally spaced from the first and second ends of the rotor blades, respectively.

17. 1. Use of a countertop roaster to roast food products, comprising: Discharging the food from the hopper into the roasting chamber; roasting the food product in the roasting chamber for a predetermined time, the roasting including continuously transferring the food product; detecting with a sensor when the food product is roasted and ceasing said roasting; separating and removing waste from said food; Including A method comprising:

18. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising heating air with a heating assembly and delivering the hot air to the roasting chamber.

19. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein detecting comprises audible detection of a popping sound in the food product.

20. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the transferring is performed by a rotating assembly within the roasting chamber.

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