Systems, methods, and devices for fractional extraction

Abstract

The apparatus for preparing an extract can have a plurality of extraction chambers, each of which can have an aspect ratio defined by dividing the length of each extraction chamber by the width of each extraction chamber. A flow of extraction medium can be introduced through the extraction chambers.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Incorporation by reference of priority applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 480,800, filed January 20, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Background technology The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for preparing edible extracts, such as systems, methods, and devices for preparing edible extracts having multiple extraction chambers.

[0003] statement Certain brewed beverages are prepared by extracting seeds, leaves, berries, or other plant material containing desirable flavors, aromas, or compounds in a single extraction chamber. For example, espresso is commonly prepared by extracting roasted and ground coffee or espresso beans.

[0004] Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention For purposes of this Summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may necessarily be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, one skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure herein may be embodied or carried out in a way that achieves one or more advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0005] In some embodiments, a method for preparing an extract comprises loading extraction material into a plurality of extraction chambers formed in an extraction device, each extraction chamber forming a volume for the extraction material, each extraction chamber having a length (L) and a width (W) perpendicular to the length, an aspect ratio A defined by dividing the length (L) by the width (W), the aspect ratio A of each extraction chamber being between 0.15 and 3.0, and the volume of each extraction chamber being 200 mm3 ~40,000mm 3 introducing a flow of extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers; and withdrawing the extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers, wherein the TDS of the withdrawn extraction medium is between 4% and 10% and the extraction time of the withdrawn extraction medium is less than 20 seconds.

[0006] In some embodiments, the flow of extraction medium through the multiple extraction chambers can be introduced at a pressure between 1 bar and 12 bar.

[0007] In some embodiments, each extraction chamber can have a length of between 0.2 cm and 10 cm.

[0008] In some embodiments, there may be between 2 and 10 extraction chambers.

[0009] In some embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium can be from about 85°C to about 97°C.

[0010] In some embodiments, the brewing ingredients may include coffee.

[0011] In some embodiments, an extraction device for preparing an extract can include multiple extraction chambers, each having an internal volume of extraction material and having a length (L) and a width (W) perpendicular to the length, wherein an aspect ratio A is defined by dividing the length (L) by the width (W), and the aspect ratio A is between 0.15 and 3.0, and the internal volume of each extraction chamber is 200 mm 3 ~15,000mm 3 is.

[0012] In some embodiments, the brewing material can include a grind size between 200 microns and 400 microns.

[0013] In some embodiments, each extraction chamber has a length of between 0.20 cm and 10 cm.

[0014] In some embodiments, there may be between 2 and 10 extraction chambers.

[0015] In some embodiments, each extraction chamber comprises the same aspect ratio A.

[0016] In some embodiments, a method for preparing an extract comprises loading extraction material into a plurality of extraction chambers formed in an extraction device, each extraction chamber forming a volume for the extraction material, each extraction chamber having a length (L) and a width (W) perpendicular to the length, an aspect ratio A defined by dividing the length (L) by the width (W), the aspect ratio A of each extraction chamber being between 0.15 and 3.0, and the volume of each extraction chamber being 200 mm 3 ~40,000mm 3 the steps of loading, introducing a flow of extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers, and withdrawing the extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers.

[0017] In some embodiments, each extraction chamber can have a length of between 0.2 cm and 10 cm.

[0018] In some embodiments, a flow of extraction medium can be introduced simultaneously through each of multiple extraction chambers.

[0019] In some embodiments, the extraction medium can be drawn through multiple extraction chambers simultaneously.

[0020] In some embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium can be from about 85°C to about 97°C.

[0021] In some embodiments, the extraction time of the drawn extraction medium can be reduced by 25-70% as measured by the double-shot standard.

[0022] In some embodiments, a method for preparing an extract comprises loading extraction material into a plurality of extraction chambers formed in an extraction device, each extraction chamber forming a volume for the extraction material, each extraction chamber having a length (L) and a width (W) perpendicular to the length, an aspect ratio A defined by dividing the length (L) by the width (W), the aspect ratio A of each extraction chamber being between 0.15 and 3.0, and the volume of each extraction chamber being 200 mm 3 ~40,000mm 3 introducing a flow of extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers; and withdrawing the extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers, wherein the extraction time of the withdrawn extraction medium is reduced by 10% to 70% as measured by a double-shot standard while maintaining the volume of the extract and / or the TDS of the extract.

[0023] In some embodiments, the drawn extraction medium can have a concentration of 4% to 10% TDS.

[0024] In some embodiments, the brewing device can include 2 to 10 brewing chambers.

[0025] In some embodiments, the temperature of the extraction medium can be from about 85°C to about 97°C.

[0026] Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments in any way. Various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments that are part of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1A] 1 shows an embodiment of a system for single chamber extraction. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system for fractional extraction. [Figure 2A]1A is a graph showing the time required to produce a desired amount of extract using the single-chamber extraction system of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B] 1B is a graph showing the time required to produce a desired amount of extract using the system for fractional extraction of FIG. 1B.

[0028] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Extracted or brewed beverages, such as coffee or tea, typically require the extraction of desired flavors, aromas, or compounds from an extract (i.e., coffee beans, tea leaves, etc.) in an extraction chamber. Extraction materials (e.g., heated water or room temperature water) are added to or passed through the extraction chamber to extract the desired flavors, aromas, or compounds. However, as the desired quantity / volume of beverage increases, the extraction time required to extract the desired flavors, aromas, or compounds from the extract in the chamber to produce the desired quantity / volume of beverage increases. Increasing extraction time can reduce beverage throughput, or the rate at which beverages can be produced while maintaining beverage quality.

[0029] Brewing chambers typically require a large volume of extract to produce large volumes / large volumes of beverages. One aspect of the present disclosure is the recognition that a brewing chamber may require a specific aspect ratio (i.e., height divided by width) to produce a beverage of expected quality. This can result in a single brewing chamber being tall, requiring significant vertical space.

[0030] Therefore, it may be desirable to reduce the brewing time required to produce a desired amount / volume of beverage while maintaining a particular aspect ratio of the brewing chamber so that the quality of the beverage is maintained.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the systems, methods, and devices described herein advantageously reduce the extraction time required to produce a beverage while maintaining or even improving the quality of the extract. The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein can include multiple extraction chambers. Each of the multiple extraction chambers can have the same aspect ratio as a single extraction chamber to maintain (or improve) the quality of the beverage. Multiple extraction chambers can have a reduced height while maintaining the same overall volume as a single extraction chamber. Multiple extraction chambers can reduce the extraction time required to produce the same volume of beverage (of equivalent or improved quality) compared to a single extraction chamber, thereby increasing the throughput or speed at which beverages can be produced.

[0032] FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a system 100 that uses a single chamber for extraction. This description of a single-chamber system is used to help explain certain features of the multi-chamber systems described below. The system 100 can include an extraction chamber 102, an inlet 104, and an outlet 106. The extraction chamber 102 can be formed by walls (not shown) of the system 100. The inlet 104 can be connected to a source of extraction medium (e.g., water), and the outlet 106 can be used to withdraw the extraction medium from the chamber 102. The extraction chamber 102 can include a length L between the inlet 104 and the outlet 106 of the chamber 102 and a width D defined along a cross-section of the chamber perpendicular to the length L. In some embodiments, the inlet 104 of the chamber 102 can correspond to the initial surface of the extraction material within the chamber 102, and the outlet 106 can correspond to the final surface of the extraction material within the chamber 102. In some embodiments, the inlet 104 of the chamber 102 may correspond to the fluid inlet of the chamber 102, and the outlet 106 of the chamber 102 may correspond to the fluid outlet of the chamber 102. In some embodiments, the extraction chamber 102 may be a cylinder having a length and a circular cross-sectional shape. In these embodiments, the width D of the extraction chamber 102 may be the diameter of the extraction chamber 102. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may be non-circular, such as a triangle, a rectangle, a square, a trapezoid, a semicircle, an ellipse, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, and / or any other shape. In these non-circular embodiments, the width D of the extraction chamber may be defined as the diameter of the largest circle that can be defined by the non-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0033] In some embodiments, the extraction chamber 102 can include an aspect ratio A. The aspect ratio A can be calculated or determined by dividing the length L by the width D (i.e., A=L / D). In certain embodiments, the aspect ratio A is between 0.5 and 1.0. In certain embodiments, the aspect ratio A is between 0.15 and 3.0.

[0034] The extraction chamber 102 defines an interior volume 108 along which the width D and length L defined above can be measured. In some embodiments, the interior volume 108 is approximately 37,700 mm 3 The interior volume 108 may have a volume of about 100 mm and a length of about 30 mm and a width of about 40 mm. In some embodiments, the interior volume 108 can accommodate brewing material 110, which can be manually or automatically loaded into the volume 108. In some embodiments, the brewing material may be an edible substance, and may be, in whole or in part (e.g., in powder form), at least one of green coffee cherries, red coffee cherries, white coffee, espresso coffee, coffee flowers, coffee cherry pulp, coffee cherry stems, coffee cherry exocarp, or coffee cherry mesocarp. However, it should be understood that certain features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to other beverages besides coffee extracts, such as tea and other similar extracts. For example, in other embodiments, the brewing material may also be green tea leaves and / or partially or fully dehydrated tea leaves. In still further embodiments, the extraction material may comprise fruits, nuts or similar plants, including vanilla beans, chocolate beans, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia, peanuts, cinnamon, mint, apples, apricots, aromatic bitters, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, celery, cherries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, juniper berries, brandy, cachaça, carrots, citrus, lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, coconuts, menthol, ginger, licorice, milk, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, peaches, pears, peppers, etc. Thus, the description herein is not limited to espresso, coffee, coffee products, tea or tea products.

[0035] In some embodiments, an extraction medium can be used to obtain an extract (i.e., a beverage) from the extraction ingredients 110 disposed within the volume 108. In some embodiments, common extraction methods known in the art can be used to obtain an extract from the extraction ingredients 110. For example, in certain embodiments, brewed coffee is the extraction ingredient and hot water is the extraction medium (also referred to as extraction media) used to produce the extract (e.g., espresso or ground coffee).

[0036] In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be a low-temperature extraction medium (i.e., below 100°F). In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be a high-temperature extraction medium (i.e., above 100°F). In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be at a temperature of about 85°C to about 97°C or 85°C to 97°C. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be at a temperature of about 85°C, about 86°C, about 87°C, about 88°C, about 89°C, about 90°C, about 90.5°C, about 91°C, about 92°C, about 93°C, about 94°C, about 95°C, about 96°C, about 97°C, and / or any value between the aforementioned values, with or without the term "about" preceding the stated value. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be introduced or added to the internal volume 108 via the inlet 104. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be a liquid such as water, although in some embodiments, the extraction medium may be other liquids. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be forced into the internal volume 108 at a pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure may be from about 1 bar to about 15 bar. In some embodiments, the pressure may be from about 1 bar to about 12 bar. In some embodiments, the pressure may be from about 5 bar to about 10 bar. In some embodiments, the pressure may be from about 9 bar to about 11 bar. In some embodiments, the pressure may be from 1 bar to 15 bar. In some embodiments, the pressure may be from 1 bar to 12 bar. In some embodiments, the pressure may be from 5 bar to 10 bar. In some embodiments, the pressure may be from 9 bar to 11 bar. In some embodiments, the pressure may be about 9 bar or 9 bar. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be forced into the internal volume 108 via a piston or plunger. In some embodiments, the extraction medium (now forming the extract) may be withdrawn from the internal volume 108 via the outlet 106. In some embodiments, the extraction medium may be introduced or added to the internal volume 108 and held in the internal volume 108 for a period of time. The extraction medium or extract (also referred to as the extract) may be withdrawn from the internal volume 108 after a predetermined time.In some embodiments, the extraction medium is introduced or added to the internal volume 108 while the extraction medium and / or extract is simultaneously withdrawn from the internal volume 108 such that the extraction medium or extract flows continuously through (i.e., into and out of) the internal volume 108 at a flow rate for a predetermined period of time.

[0037] In some embodiments, the brewing material 110 can include a grind size and / or a packing force. In some embodiments, the grind size can be about 200 microns to about 400 microns. In some embodiments, the grind size can be about 200 microns to about 300 microns. In some embodiments, the grind size can be about 300 microns to 400 microns. In some embodiments, the packing force can be about 0 kgF to about 60 kgF. In some embodiments, the packing force can be about 0 kgF to about 40 kgF. In some embodiments, the packing force can be about 20 kgF to about 60 kgF. In some embodiments, the packing force can be about 20 kgF to about 40 kgF.

[0038] In some embodiments, the outlet 106 can include a filter 112 covering the outlet 106. The filter 112 can filter the extraction medium and / or extract so that when the extraction medium and / or extract is withdrawn from the internal volume 108, none of the extraction material 110 is withdrawn from the internal volume 108.

[0039] FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of a system 100A for fractional extraction. Common features between the single-chamber extraction system 100 and the fractional extraction system 100A will not be described again but are incorporated herein in their entirety. In some embodiments, the fractional extraction system 100A may include multiple extraction chambers 102A, which may be defined by one or more walls (not shown) of the system 100A. In some embodiments, the multiple extraction chambers 102A may be parallel, allowing extraction material to be added or extruded simultaneously into each of the multiple extraction chambers 102A. In some embodiments, the fractional extraction system 100A may include two extraction chambers 102A, three extraction chambers 102A, four extraction chambers 102A, five extraction chambers 102A, six extraction chambers 102A, seven extraction chambers 102A, eight (8) extraction chambers 102A, nine extraction chambers 102A, or ten (10) extraction chambers 102A. In some embodiments, the fractional extraction system 100A can include more than ten (10) extraction chambers 102A. In certain embodiments, the system 100A includes between two and ten (10) extraction chambers 102A. In certain embodiments, the system 100A includes between two and eight (8) extraction chambers 102A. In certain embodiments, the system 100A includes between four (4) and six (6) extraction chambers 102A. In some embodiments, the multiple extraction chambers 102A can be sized such that the multiple extraction chambers 102A can hold the same volume of extraction material 110 as the extraction chamber 102A of the single-chamber extraction system 100. In some embodiments, the multiple extraction chambers 102A can be sized such that the sum of the internal volumes 108A of each of the multiple extraction chambers 102A is equal to or approximately equal to the internal volume 108 of the extraction chamber 102 of the single-chamber extraction system 100.

[0040] In some embodiments, the extraction chamber 102 can include an aspect ratio A, as defined above. The aspect ratio A can be calculated or determined by dividing the length L by the width D (i.e., A=L / D). In some embodiments, the aspect ratio A can be 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, about 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, about 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.25, 1.30, 1.35, 1.40, 1.45, 1.50, 1.55 The aspect ratio A may be 1.60, 1.65, 1.70, 1.75, 1.80, approximately 1.85, 1.90, 1.95, 2.00, 2.05, 2.10, 2.15, 2.20, 2.25, 2.30, 2.35, 2.40, 2.45, 2.50, 2.55, 2.60, approximately 2.65, 2.70, 2.75, 2.80, 2.85, 2.90, 2.95, 3.00, and / or any value between or equal to or equal to any value between the above values. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio A may be greater than 3.00. In certain embodiments, the aspect ratio A is between 0.5 and 1.0. In certain embodiments, the aspect ratio A is between 0.15 and 3.0. In certain embodiments, chamber 102A may have a length of about 0.2 cm to about 10 cm and a width of about 0.2 cm to about 10 cm. In certain embodiments, chamber 102A may have a length of about 0.5 cm to about 7.5 cm and a width of about 0.5 cm to about 7.5 cm. In certain embodiments, chamber 102A may have a length of about 1 cm to about 5 cm and a width of about 1 cm to about 5 cm.

[0041] In some embodiments, the extraction chamber 102A can include a combined interior volume 108A. In some embodiments, the combined interior volume 108A can be approximately 200 mm 3 ~approx. 40,000mm 3 In some embodiments, the combined interior volume 108A may have a volume of about 200 mm 3 ~approx. 20,000mm 3and may have a length of about 0.2 cm to about 10 cm and a width of about 0.2 cm to about 10 cm. In some embodiments, the combined interior volume 108A is about 1,000 mm. 3 ~approx. 15,000mm 3 In some embodiments, combined interior volume 108A may have a volume of about 5,000 mm to about 10,000 mm, a length of about 1 cm to about 5 cm, and a width of about 1 cm to about 5 cm.

[0042] Each individual extraction chamber is 200mm 3 ~20,000mm 3 may have an internal volume of

[0043] In some embodiments, the outlets 106A of the extraction chamber 102A can each include a separate filter 112A, or the outlets 106A of the extraction chamber 102A can include one filter 112 that covers all of the outlets 106A.

[0044] In some embodiments, the aspect ratio A of each of the multiple extraction chambers 102A may be equal to or approximately the same as the aspect ratio A of the extraction chamber 102 of the single-chamber extraction system 100. In some embodiments, the multiple extraction chambers 102A can be sized such that the sum of the interior volumes 108A of each of the multiple extraction chambers 102A is equal to or approximately equal to the interior volume 108 of the extraction chamber 102 of the single-chamber extraction system 100, and the aspect ratio A of each of the multiple extraction chambers 102A is equal to or approximately equal to the aspect ratio A of the extraction chamber 102 of the single-chamber extraction system 100. For example, the brewing chamber 102 of the system 100 for single-chamber brewing may have an internal volume 108 of approximately 40,000 mm and an aspect ratio A of 0.75, while the system 100A for fractional brewing may include four brewing chambers 102A, each with an internal volume 108A of approximately 10,000 mm and an aspect ratio A of 0.75. In this way, the same amount of brewing material 110 can be held in the internal volumes 108 and 108A, but the height L of each brewing chamber 102A may be smaller, reducing the vertical space required for the brewing chambers 102A and / or reducing the height required for the pistons or plungers.

[0045] In some embodiments, the total internal volume 108A (i.e., the sum of each internal volume 108A) may be equal to or approximately the same as the internal volume 108 of the extraction chamber 102 of the system 100, and the total surface area of ​​the inlet 104A of the extraction chamber 102A (i.e., the sum of the surface areas of the inlets 104A) may be greater than the surface area of ​​the inlet 104 of the extraction chamber 102 of the system 100.

[0046] By using multiple extraction chambers 102A, each having a smaller height L and a larger total surface area of ​​the inlets 104A than the single extraction chamber 102 of the system 100, the same amount of extract can be extracted from the same volume of extraction material in a shorter amount of time.

[0047] 2A, when using a single brew chamber 102 of the system 100, as the desired amount of extract (x-axis: amount of coffee) increases, the brew time (y-axis: shot time) required to brew the desired amount of extract increases. For example, a desired amount of 10 g of extract requires approximately 20 seconds of brew time, while a desired amount of 20 g of extract requires approximately 40 seconds of brew time.

[0048] 2B, as the desired amount of extract (x-axis: amount of coffee) increases when using multiple brew chambers 102A of system 100A, the brew time (y-axis: shot time) required to brew the desired amount of extract increases less than when using a single brew chamber 102 of system 100. For example, a desired amount of 10 g of extract requires approximately 10 seconds of brew time, while a desired amount of 20 g of extract requires approximately 40 seconds of brew time.

[0049] Thus, in certain embodiments, a method using multiple brew chambers 102A can advantageously produce a shot of brewed material having a total dissolved solids (TDS) of 4% to 10% in a brew time of less than 30 seconds. For example, TDS can be a measure of the coffee compounds extracted into the beverage by the water. TDS can be a measure of the strength of the produced beverage. TDS can be expressed as a percentage or grams per liter (g / L). When expressed as a percentage, TDS represents the mass of all solids dissolved in the solution divided by the mass of the solution. When expressed as grams per liter (g / L), TDS represents the mass (grams) of solids dissolved in one liter of solution. In some embodiments, a method using multiple brew chambers 102A can produce a shot of brewed material having a TDS of 6% to 8% in a brew time of less than 30 seconds. In some embodiments, a method using multiple brew chambers 102A can produce a shot of brewed material having a TDS of 4% to 10% in a brew time of less than 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the method using multiple brewing chambers 102A can produce a shot of brewed material having a TDS of 6% to 8% in a brewing time of less than 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the method using multiple brewing chambers 102A can produce a shot of brewed material having a TDS of 4% to 10% in a brewing time of about 1 second to about 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the method using multiple brewing chambers 102A can produce a shot of brewed material having a TDS of 4% to 10% in a brewing time of about 5 seconds to about 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the method using multiple brewing chambers 102A can produce a shot of brewed material having a TDS of 4% to 10% in a brewing time of about 10 seconds to about 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the method using multiple brewing chambers 102A can produce a shot of brewed material having a TDS of 6% to 8% in a brewing time of about 1 second to about 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the method using multiple brewing chambers 102A can produce a shot of brewed material having a TDS of 6% to 8% in a brewing time of about 5 seconds to about 20 seconds.In some embodiments, the method using multiple brewing chambers 102A can produce a shot of brewed material with a TDS of 6% to 8% in a brewing time of about 10 seconds to about 20 seconds. In certain embodiments, the method using multiple brewing chambers 102A can reduce brewing time by 10% to 70% as measured by a double shot standard while maintaining, at least maintaining, and / or enhancing the volume, dose, TDS, and / or flavor profile of the brewed material shot. In certain embodiments, the method using multiple brewing chambers 102A can reduce brewing time by 25% to 70% as measured by a double shot standard while maintaining, at least maintaining, and / or enhancing the volume, dose, TDS, and / or flavor profile of the brewed material shot. In certain embodiments, the method of using multiple brewing chambers 102A can reduce brewing time by 50% to 70% as measured by a double shot standard, while at least maintaining and / or enhancing the volume of the brewing material shot, the dose of the brewing material, the TDS, and / or the flavor profile of the brewing material shot.

[0050] It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the various ranges described above can be combined in various combinations, e.g., the given ranges for grind size, temperature, internal volume 108, combined internal volume 108A, length, width, extraction time, and / or TDS can be used and claimed in various combinations.

[0051] Terminology The term "beverage," as used herein, has its ordinary and customary meaning and includes, among other things, any edible liquid or substantially liquid substance or product having a flowable quality (e.g., juice, coffee drink, tea, milk, beer, wine, cocktails, liqueurs, spirits, cider, soft drinks, flavored waters, energy drinks, soups, broths, combinations thereof, etc.). As used herein, the term "double shot basis," in one embodiment, includes a shot of 36 to 45 grams of brewed material extracted from a dose of 13 to 19 grams of brewed material, using a brewing medium at a pressure of 9 to 11 bar, a temperature of 90.5°C (195°F) to 96°C (205°F), and a brewing time of 15 to 30 seconds.

[0052] Conditional language such as "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless otherwise specified or understood otherwise within the context in which it is used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language generally does not imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are somehow required by one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether those features, elements, and / or steps should be included in or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0053] Connective language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless otherwise specified, is understood in the context in which it is generally used to convey that an item, term, etc. can be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such connective language does not generally imply that a particular embodiment requires the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0054] Unless otherwise specified, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be construed to include one or more listed items. Thus, phrases such as "a device configured to" include one or more listed devices. Such one or more listed devices may also be collectively configured to perform the stated enumeration. For example, "a processor configured to perform enumerations A, B, and C" may include a first processor configured to perform enumeration A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to perform enumerations B and C.

[0055] Terms such as "comprise," "include," and "have" are synonymous and are used in an inclusive, open-ended manner and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, etc. Similarly, terms such as "some," "certain," and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended manner. Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not its exclusive sense), so that, for example, when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" refer to an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within a range of 10% of the stated amount. Numerals preceded by terms such as "about" or "approximately" are inclusive of the recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the context (e.g., as precisely as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, "about 1 gram" includes "1 gram." In embodiments described herein, terms preceding values ​​or ranges within ranges, such as "about" or "approximately," may be omitted, and the disclosed ranges may be claimed without the term "about" or "approximately," whereby disclosing "about 1 gram" herein supports claiming "1 gram" in the claims. As used herein, the term "generally" refers to a value, quantity, or characteristic that primarily includes or tends toward a particular value, quantity, or characteristic. As an example, in particular embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term "generally parallel" can refer to deviations of 20 degrees or less from exactly parallel, and / or the term "generally perpendicular" can refer to deviations of 20 degrees or less from exactly perpendicular.

[0057] Overall, the claim language should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims, and not limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples illustrated and described in this disclosure or described during prosecution of this application.

[0058] The following exemplary embodiments identify some possible permutations of the feature combinations disclosed herein, although other permutations of feature combinations are also possible.

[0059] Summary of the Invention Although certain aspects, advantages, and features have been described herein, it is not necessary for any particular embodiment to include or realize any or all of those aspects, advantages, and features. For example, some embodiments may not realize the advantages described herein, but may instead realize other advantages. Any structure, feature, or step in any embodiment may be used in place of, or in addition to, any structure, feature, or step in any other embodiment, or may be omitted. The present disclosure contemplates all combinations of features from the various disclosed embodiments. No feature, structure, or step is required or essential. Additionally, while the present disclosure describes specific embodiments and examples of beverage systems and methods, many aspects of the systems and methods described above may be combined differently and / or modified to form yet other embodiments or acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] Also, although there may be some embodiments within the scope of this disclosure that are not explicitly listed above or elsewhere herein, this disclosure contemplates and includes all embodiments within the scope of what this disclosure shows and describes. Furthermore, this disclosure contemplates and includes embodiments that include any combination of any structure, material, step, or other feature disclosed anywhere herein with any other structure, material, step, or other feature disclosed anywhere herein.

[0061] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, while features may be described above as functioning in a particular combination, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be deleted from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0062] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be embodied or performed to achieve one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0063] Some embodiments are described in connection with the accompanying drawings. While the figures are drawn to scale, such scale should not be construed as limiting. Distances, angles, and the like are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to the actual dimensions and layout of the devices depicted. Components may be added, removed, and / or rearranged. Furthermore, the present disclosure herein of any particular features, aspects, methods, attributes, properties, qualities, attributes, elements, etc. associated with various embodiments may be used in all other embodiments described herein. Additionally, any method described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

[0064] Moreover, while components and operations may be depicted in the figures or described herein in a particular arrangement or order, such components and operations need not be arranged and performed in the particular arrangement and order shown, or in sequential order, to achieve desirable results, nor need all of the components and operations be included. Other components and operations not depicted or described may be incorporated into the embodiments and examples. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the described operations. Moreover, operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, it should be understood that the division of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood to require such division in all implementations, and that the described components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged in multiple products.

[0065] In summary, various exemplary embodiments and examples of preparing edible extracts and methods are disclosed. Although the systems and methods are disclosed in the context of these embodiments and examples, the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or other uses of the embodiments, as well as certain modifications and equivalents thereof. The present disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for each other. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by the specific disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the following claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A method for preparing an extract comprising: loading brewing material into a plurality of brewing chambers formed within a brewing device, each brewing chamber forming a volume for the brewing material, each brewing chamber having a length (L) and a width (W) perpendicular to the length, the aspect ratio A being defined by dividing the length (L) by the width (W), the aspect ratio A of each brewing chamber being between 0.15 and 3.0, and the volume of each brewing chamber being 200 mm ３ ~40,000mm ３ a loading step, introducing a flow of extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers; drawing the extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers; The method wherein the TDS of the drawn extraction medium is between 4% and 10% and the extraction time of the drawn extraction medium is less than 20 seconds.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the flow of extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers is introduced at a pressure of between 1 bar and 12 bar.

3. 3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each extraction chamber has a length of between 0.2 cm and 10 cm.

4. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein there are 2 to 10 extraction chambers.

5. 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature of the extraction medium is from about 85°C to about 97°C.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the brewing material comprises coffee.

7. An extraction apparatus for preparing an extract, comprising: A plurality of brewing chambers, each having an internal volume for the brewing material, each brewing chamber having a length (L) and a width (W) perpendicular to the length, the aspect ratio A being defined by dividing the length (L) by the width (W), the aspect ratio A being between 0.15 and 3.0, the internal volume of each brewing chamber being 200 mm ３ ~15,000mm ３ The extraction device is between.

8. 8. The brewing device of claim 7, wherein the brewing material comprises a grind size between 200 microns and 400 microns.

9. 9. The brewing device according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein each brewing chamber has a length of between 0.2 cm and 10 cm.

10. The brewing device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising 2 to 10 brewing chambers.

11. 11. The extraction device of claim 7, wherein each extraction chamber comprises the same aspect ratio A.

12. 1. A method for preparing an extract comprising: loading brewing material into a plurality of brewing chambers formed within a brewing device, each brewing chamber forming a volume for the brewing material, each brewing chamber having a length (L) and a width (W) perpendicular to the length, the aspect ratio A being defined by dividing the length (L) by the width (W), the aspect ratio A of each brewing chamber being between 0.15 and 3.0, and the volume of each brewing chamber being 200 mm ３ ~40,000mm ３ a loading step, introducing a flow of extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers; and drawing the extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein each extraction chamber has a length of between 0.2 cm and 10 cm.

14. 14. The method of any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the flow of extraction medium is introduced simultaneously through each of the plurality of extraction chambers.

15. 15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the extraction medium is drawn through the multiple extraction chambers simultaneously.

16. 16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the temperature of the extraction medium is from about 85°C to about 97°C.

17. 17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the extraction time of the drawn extraction medium is reduced by 25 to 70% as measured by the double-shot standard.

18. 1. A method for preparing an extract comprising: loading brewing material into a plurality of brewing chambers formed within a brewing device, each brewing chamber forming a volume for the brewing material, each brewing chamber having a length (L) and a width (W) perpendicular to the length, the aspect ratio A being defined by dividing the length (L) by the width (W), the aspect ratio A of each brewing chamber being between 0.15 and 3.0, and the volume of each brewing chamber being 200 mm ３ ~40,000mm ３ a loading step, introducing a flow of extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers; drawing the extraction medium through the plurality of extraction chambers; 10. A method wherein the extraction time of the extracted extraction medium is reduced by 10% to 70% as measured by a double-shot standard while maintaining the volume of the extracted extraction medium and / or the TDS of the extraction medium.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the drawn extraction medium has a TDS of 4% to 10%.

20. 20. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 19, wherein the brewing device comprises between 2 and 10 brewing chambers.

21. 21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the temperature of the extraction medium is from about 85°C to about 97°C.

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