Systems and methods for dosing and weighing coffee beans

Abstract

A system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising a rotatable member, and a track having a groove or a projection, wherein rotation of the rotatable member is configured to move the coffee beans along the track. Additionally, a system for weighing coffee beans, the system comprising a receptacle for receiving the coffee beans, the receptable having a closeable opening, a sensor for weighing the coffee beans in the receptacle, the sensor being operatively connected to the receptacle, a drive mechanism to open and close the opening of the receptacle, wherein the drive mechanism is mechanically isolated from the receptacle when the opening is closed.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DOSING AND WEIGHING COFFEE BEANSFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for dosing coffee beans, a system for weighing coffee beans and their associated methods.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use with coffee beans in a coffee machine and / or grinder, and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use, and may also be employed in other applications.BACKGROUND

[0003] Coffee grinders or coffee machines with integrated grinders employ various systems and / or methods to dispense a desired amount of ground coffee. Generally, such systems involve weighing the ground coffee after the grinding process and, in such systems, the grinder tends to stop grinding once a desired amount of ground coffee has been dispensed. However, there may still be partially ground coffee retained in the grinder, which would be dispensed the next time the grinder is used, thereby affecting the flavour of the coffee being brewed with the stale retained ground coffee.

[0004] Some systems may weigh the coffee beans prior to grinding but the accuracy of such weighing systems is quite low and it is desirable to have greater weighing accuracy to ensure proper brewing ratios. Moreover, such systems are relatively big and difficult to implement in a compact coffee machine for home use.SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0006] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising: a rotatable member; and a track having a groove or a projection; wherein rotation of the rotatable member is configured to move the coffee beans along the track.

[0007] Preferably, the track is an arcuate path. Preferably, the arcuate path is a spiral. Preferably, the coffee beans move substantially laterally along the track as the rotatable member rotates. Preferably, rotation of the rotatable member is configured to move the coffee beans along the groove or projection of the track

[0008] Preferably, the system comprises at least one arm that moves the coffee beans as the rotatable member rotates. Preferably, the at least one arm is located on the rotatable member. Preferably, the at least one arm is located on an underside of the rotatable member. Preferably, the at least one arm is fixedly attached to the underside of the rotatable member. Preferably, the at least one arm is located between an upper surface of the rotatable member and the track. Preferably, the at least one arm includes at least two arms. Preferably, the at least two arms are located radially opposite to each other. Preferably, the at least one arm is at least partially arcuate in shape.

[0009] Preferably, the system comprises an upper casing having an aperture for receiving the coffee beans. Preferably, the aperture of the upper casing is configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough. Preferably, the aperture of the upper casing is substantially circular in shape.

[0010] Preferably, the system comprises a lower casing connected to the upper casing. Preferably the lower casing is axially aligned with the upper casing. Preferably, the rotatable member is located between the upper casing and the lower casing.

[0011] Preferably, the lower casing includes a central portion with the track formed thereon. Preferably, the central portion is substantially disc shaped. Preferably, the track is located adjacent a radially outer edge of the central portion. Preferably, the grooves or projections of the track are at least partially arcuate, linear or angular.

[0012] Preferably, the lower casing includes a plurality of apertures located radially outwards from the central portion. Preferably, the plurality of apertures are arcuate slots. Preferably, the plurality of apertures are located circumferentially about the central portion. Preferably, the plurality of apertures are configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0013] Preferably, the rotatable member is disc shaped. Preferably, the rotatable member includes an actuation portion along an outer edge of the rotatable member. Preferably, the actuation portion includes a plurality of gear teeth. Preferably, the actuation portion engages with an actuating mechanism to allow for rotation of the rotatable member.

[0014] Preferably, the rotatable member includes a central aperture configured to allow coffee beans to pass therethrough. Preferably, the rotatable member is coaxially aligned with the upper casing and the lower casing. Preferably, the central aperture includes a projection that extends upwardly from the central aperture. Preferably, the projection is configured to agitate and move the coffee beans received in the central aperture.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one arm is located on an underside of the upper casing. Preferably, the at least one arm is located between an upper surface of the rotatable member the underside of the upper casing. Preferably, the at least one arm is fixedly attached to the underside of the upper casing and extends radially inwards from an edge of the aperture of the upper casing.

[0016] Preferably, the track is located on the rotatable member. Preferably, the track is located on a central portion of the rotatable member. Preferably, the central portion of the rotatable member is substantially circular in shape. Preferably, the central portion of the rotatable member includes a central aperture configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough. Preferably, the central portion of the rotatable member is configured to align with the aperture of the upper casing.

[0017] Preferably, the lower casing includes an aperture sized to allow coffee beans to move therethrough. Preferably, the aperture is centrally located.

[0018] In another form, the invention resides in a system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising: an upper casing with an aperture for receiving the coffee beans;a lower casing with a track having a groove or a projection; and a rotatable member located adjacent the upper casing and lower casing, the rotatable member comprising at least one arm that moves the coffee beans along the track as the rotatable member rotates.

[0019] In another form, the invention resides in a system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising: an upper casing comprising: an aperture for receiving the coffee beans; and at least one arm; a rotatable member located adjacent the upper casing, the rotatable member comprising a track having a groove or a projection, wherein the at least one arm moves the coffee beans along the track as the rotatable member rotates.

[0020] In another form, the invention resides in a method of dosing coffee beans, the method comprising: actuating a rotatable member, wherein rotation of the rotatable member is configured to move the coffee beans along a track having a groove or projection; and dispensing the coffee beans at an end of the track.

[0021] Preferably, the method further comprises controlling an amount of the coffee beans being dispensed by controlling the rotation of the rotatable member. Preferably, the method further comprises controlling a rate of dispensing of the coffee beans by controlling a speed of rotation of the rotatable member.

[0022] Preferably, rotation of the rotatable member moves the coffee beans laterally along the track. Preferably, rotation of the rotatable member moves the coffee beans radially outwards or radially inwards.

[0023] Preferably, dispensing the coffee beans includes moving the coffee beans beyond an end of the track and through an aperture.

[0024] In another form, the invention resides in a system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising:a receptacle comprising an interior volume for receiving the coffee beans; and an auger configured to move the coffee beans from the interior volume of the receptacle towards an outlet of the system.

[0025] Preferably, a casing extends through a wall of the receptacle, the auger being located in the casing. Preferably, the casing extends through a side wall of the receptacle. Preferably, the casing extends laterally through the side wall. Preferably, an outer end of the casing is located outside the receptacle. Preferably, an inner end of the casing has a substantially circular opening through which a portion of the auger extends. Preferably, the opening of the casing is configured to allow movement of coffee beans therethrough.

[0026] Preferably, the system is supported by a frame. Preferably, the frame supports a mechanism housing that includes a mechanism for actuating the auger. Preferably, the outer end of the casing is connected to the mechanism housing.

[0027] Preferably, the receptacle is substantially cylindrical in shape. Preferably, the receptacle includes a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the side wall defining the interior volume of the receptacle. Preferably, an upper rim of the side wall defines an opening of the receptacle through which the coffee beans are received.

[0028] Preferably, the bottom wall of the receptacle includes a sloped portion and a floor, the sloped portion being located between the side wall and floor. Preferably, the sloped portion of the bottom wall is inclined relative to the side wall. Preferably, the side wall of the receptacle includes a tubular opening through which the casing extends.

[0029] Preferably, the receptacle further includes an inclined portion on each side of the casing, the inclined portions extending from the side wall of the receptacle and into the interior volume of the receptacle. Preferably, the inclined portions extend up to the sloped portion of the bottom wall. Preferably, the inclined portions guide the coffee beans received in the receptacle towards a portion of the interior volume that is adjacent to the opening of the casing. Preferably, a vertical surface is located between each inclined portion and the sloped portion of the bottom wall.

[0030] Preferably, the auger includes a proximal end connected to the mechanism in the mechanism housing. Preferably, the auger includes a distal end that partially extends through theopening of the casing. Preferably, a helical fin extends along a length of the auger. Preferably, spacing between adjacent portions of the helical fin is configured to allow coffee beans to be located between the adjacent portions of the helical fin. Preferably, the space between adjacent portions of the helical fin is configured to allow substantially one coffee bean to be located therebetween.

[0031] Preferably, the distal end of the auger includes a projection that extends outwardly from the opening of casing. Preferably, the projection of the auger extends into the interior volume of the receptacle. Preferably, the projection of the auger moves the coffee beans received in the receptacle into the casing. Preferably, the helical fin of the auger is entirely located in the casing. Preferably, the helical fin of the auger does not extend beyond the opening of the casing.

[0032] Preferably, the outlet is an aperture in the bottom wall of the receptacle. Preferably, the outlet is located adjacent the proximal end of the auger. Preferably, the outlet is connected to the casing such that the coffee beans in the casing can exit the casing via the outlet.

[0033] Preferably, the system for dosing coffee beans is located adjacent a coffee grinder. Preferably, the system for dosing coffee beans is located above a coffee grinder. Preferably, the coffee beans dispensed by the system for dosing coffee beans are received directly by the grinder without being weighed. Preferably, the coffee beans are grinded by the grinder into ground coffee, and the ground coffee is weighed by a system for weighing ground coffee.

[0034] In another form, the invention resides in a system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising: a hopper with at least one arm located on a lower surface thereof; a rotatable member located adjacent the hopper, the rotatable member comprising a track having a groove or a projection, wherein the at least one arm moves the coffee beans along the track as the rotatable member rotates.

[0035] Preferably, the system comprises a lower casing located adjacent the rotatable member and connected to the hopper. Preferably, the rotatable member is located between the hopper and the lower casing.

[0036] Preferably, the rotatable member includes first and second projections located diametrically opposite to each other and extending upwardly from an outer edge of the rotatable member. Preferably, the first and second projections extend through an aperture of the hopper.

[0037] Preferably, the rotatable member includes an annular inclined surface extending along the outer edge of the rotatable member. Preferably, the inclined surface is inclined radially inwards towards the aperture of the rotatable member.

[0038] Preferably, the track includes a floor located between the projections. Preferably, the floor of the track is inclined relative to a plane in which the rotatable member is substantially located. Preferably, the floor of the track is inclined radially outwards relative to the aperture of the rotatable member.

[0039] Preferably, the lower casing includes a central cylindrical portion and two inclined portions connected to the cylindrical portion and extending radially outwards therefrom. Preferably, the inclined portions are located diametrically opposite from each other, with the spaces between the inclined portions forming apertures in the lower casing. Preferably, each of the inclined portions includes an inclined upper surface configured to allow the coffee beans to slide down the respective inclined upper surface. Preferably, the inclined portions are located under the aperture of the rotatable member.

[0040] Preferably, the system comprises a locking member located below the lower casing. Preferably, the locking member includes a central cylindrical portion that extends upwardly towards the hopper. Preferably, an upper end of the central cylindrical portion of the locking member engages with the hopper such that rotational movement of the hopper causes the locking member to rotate.

[0041] Preferably, the locking member includes a door connected to the central cylindrical portion of the locking member and extending radially outwards therefrom. Preferably, locking member includes two doors connected to the central cylindrical portion of the locking member. Preferably, the doors are located diametrically opposite from each other, with the spaces between the doors forming apertures in the locking member. Preferably, the apertures of the locking member are sized and / or shaped to correspond with the size and / or shape of the apertures formed between the inclined portions of the lower casing. Preferably, when the apertures of the locking member and the lower casing are aligned, the coffee beans can movefrom the inclined portions of the lower casing through the apertures formed between the inclined portions and through the apertures of the locking member.

[0042] Preferably, the locking member is movable relative to the lower casing. Preferably, the locking member can rotate relative to the lower casing to a position where the apertures of the locking member are not aligned with the apertures of the lower casing.

[0043] In another form, the invention resides in a method of dosing coffee beans, the method comprising: receiving the coffee beans in a receptacle having an interior volume; and actuating an auger to move the coffee beans from the interior volume of the receptacle towards an outlet; and dispensing the coffee beans from the outlet.

[0044] Preferably, the method further comprises controlling an amount of the coffee beans being dispensed by controlling the rotation of the auger. Preferably, the method further comprises controlling a rate of dispensing of the coffee beans by controlling a speed of rotation of the auger.

[0045] Preferably, actuating the auger to move the coffee beans includes moving the coffee beans along a helical fin of the auger.

[0046] In another form, the invention resides in a system for weighing coffee beans, the system comprising: a receptacle for receiving the coffee beans, the receptacle having a closeable opening; a sensor for weighing the coffee beans in the receptacle, the sensor being operatively connected to the receptacle; a drive mechanism to open and close the opening of the receptacle, wherein the drive mechanism is mechanically isolated from the receptacle when the opening is closed.

[0047] Preferably, the system comprises a support member for supporting the receptacle. Preferably, the system is supported by a frame. Preferably, the support member is connected to the frame. Preferably, the support member is cantilevered and connected to the frame at a proximal end thereof. Preferably, the sensor is located on the support member.

[0048] Preferably, the receptacle comprises a first portion and a second portion. Preferably, the first portion and the second portion are engaged with each other. Preferably, the first portion includes engagement members that engage with corresponding engagement members of the second portion. Preferably, each engagement member is a partial gear.

[0049] Preferably, the first and second portions include connecting members that connect the first and second portions to the support member. Preferably, the connecting members are located on side walls of the first and second portions. Preferably, the connecting members include pins.

[0050] Preferably, the first and second portions include stop members that cooperate with the drive mechanism to move the first and second portions. Preferably, the first and second portions are configured to pivot relative to each other. Preferably, the opening is formed between the bottom walls of the first and second portions when the first and second portions pivot relative to each other. Preferably, the opening is configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0051] Preferably, the sensor is configured to detect a change in the weight of the receptacle. Preferably, the sensor is a load cell or force sensor. Preferably, the sensor detects mechanical deformation of the support member when the coffee beans are located in the receptacle.

[0052] Preferably, the drive mechanism is supported by the frame. Preferably, the drive mechanism is located adjacent a distal end of the support member. Preferably, the drive mechanism comprises a motor. Preferably, the motor actuates an actuating member operatively connected to the motor. Preferably, the actuating member is configured to engage with the stop members of the second portion of the receptacle to pivotally move the second portion.Preferably, movement of the second portion causes the first portion to move.

[0053] Preferably, when the opening of the receptacle is closed, the actuating member of the drive mechanism does not engage with either of the stop members, the receptacle and / or the support member. Preferably, to open the opening of the receptacle, the drive mechanism is actuated.

[0054] Preferably, the receptacle comprises a side wall. Preferably, the opening is a floor of the receptacle. Preferably, the side wall is frustoconical in shape. Preferably, the floor is substantially disc shaped. Preferably, the floor includes a plurality of blades. Preferably, the plurality of blades form an iris door. Preferably, the floor is an iris door. Preferably, the openingcan be opened by movement of the blades. Preferably, the opening is closed when the blades are positioned radially inwards. Preferably, the opening is opened when the blades are positioned radially outwards and / or spaced from each other. Preferably, the opening is configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0055] Preferably, each of the blades is connected to an annular member. Preferably, each of the blades is pivotable relative to the annular member. Preferably, the annular member comprises a projection that engages with an actuating member of the drive mechanism to move the annular member. Preferably, movement of the annular member allows the opening to be opened or closed. Preferably, when the annular member is moved by the actuating member, the blades move radially outwards.

[0056] Preferably, the actuating member of the drive mechanism is operatively connected to the blades. Preferably, when the opening of the receptacle is closed, the actuating member does not engage with the annular member, the receptacle and / or the support member.

[0057] Preferably, the receptacle is supported by the support member. Preferably, the support member includes a pair of arms spaced from each other. Preferably, the arms are connected to the side wall of the receptacle. Preferably, a distal end of each of the arms is connected to the side wall of the receptacle. Preferably, a proximal end of each the arms is pivotally connected to the frame. Preferably, the support member is cantilevered relative to the frame. Preferably, the receptacle is entirely supported by the support member and connected to frame in a cantilevered configuration. Preferably, the receptacle and support member are integrally formed.

[0058] Preferably, the support member includes a projection located between the arms. Preferably, the projection is configured to engage with the sensor. Preferably, the sensor is located underneath the projection. Preferably, deflection of the support member causes the projection to exert a downward force on the sensor.

[0059] Preferably, the sensor is a force sensor. Preferably, the sensor is located on a printed circuit board. Preferably, the frame includes stop members configured to engage with the arms of the support member. Preferably, each of the stop members is an upwardly extending projection of a predetermined height. Preferably, the stop members are configured to prevent movement of the arm beyond a maximum deflection of the support member. Preferably, the stopmembers are spaced from each other and each of the stop members is located underneath a respective arm of the support member.

[0060] Preferably, the system includes at least two support members to support the receptacle. Preferably, the support members are located on opposite sides of the frame. Preferably, the support members extend in opposite directions relative to the frame. Preferably, each of the support members includes an arm. Preferably, the proximal end of the arm is connected to the frame. Preferably, each of the support members is cantilevered relative to the frame. Preferably, at least one of the support members includes the sensor. Preferably, both of the support members include a sensor.

[0061] Preferably, the support member includes a pair of arms spaced from each other. Preferably, the receptacle is connected to distal ends of the arms. Preferably, the annular member is connected to distal ends of the arms.

[0062] Preferably, each of the support members comprises two elongate members hingedly connected to each other. Preferably, the elongate members of each of the support members can pivot relative to each other. Preferably, a proximal end of one of the elongate members of each of the support members is connected to the frame. Preferably, a proximal end of the other of the elongate members of each of the support members is connected to an end of an axle. Preferably, the axle extends across a width of the frame. Preferably, a portion of the axle is engaged with a movable member that moves along a groove formed on the frame. Preferably, distal ends of the elongate members are connected to the receptacle.

[0063] Preferably, the movable member is configured to engage with the sensor. Preferably, lateral movement of the movable member causes the movable member to exert a force on the sensor. Preferably, a magnitude of the exerted force is used by the sensor to determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle.

[0064] Preferably, the receptacle is supported by at least three support members connected to the frame. Preferably, each support member includes an arm, a proximal end of the arm being pivotally connected to the frame. Preferably, each support member includes a sensor to weigh the coffee beans.

[0065] Preferably, the floor of the receptacle is a substantially disc-shaped door. Preferably, the floor is moveable to open or close the opening of the receptacle. Preferably, the floor is connected to an actuating member of the drive mechanism to move the floor such that the opening of the receptacle can be opened or closed.

[0066] Preferably, the receptacle is supported by a support member. Preferably, the support member includes an arm connected to the side wall of the receptacle. Preferably, the receptacle is supported by the support member in a cantilevered configuration. Preferably, the support member includes a sensor configured to detect a change in weight of the receptacle.

[0067] In another form, the invention resides in a method of weighing coffee beans, the method comprising: determining, by a sensor, weight of the coffee beans in a receptacle, the sensor being operatively connected to the receptacle; opening, by actuating a drive mechanism, an opening of the receptacle to move the coffee beans through the opening, wherein the drive mechanism is mechanically isolated from the receptacle when the opening is closed.

[0068] Preferably, the sensor transmits the determined weight to a control system connected to the sensor.

[0069] Preferably, the drive mechanism is actuated when the weight of the coffee beans has been determined. Preferably, actuating the drive mechanism includes moving an actuating member to engage with a stop member of a portion of the receptacle. Preferably, moving the actuating member includes causing the portion of the receptacle to pivot upwardly.

[0070] Preferably, actuating the drive mechanism includes causing the actuating member to engage with the annular member. Preferably, actuating the drive mechanism includes moving a plurality of blades of the opening radially outwards.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0072] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a system for dosing coffee beans, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0073] Figure 2 is a further exploded view of the system shown in Figure 1;

[0074] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a system for dosing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0075] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the rotatable member of the system shown in Figure 3;

[0076] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the upper casing of the system shown in Figure 3;

[0077] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a system for dosing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0078] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the system shown in Figure 5;

[0079] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 5;

[0080] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the auger of the system shown in Figure 5;

[0081] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a system for weighing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0082] Figure 10 is a detailed view of the receptacle and support member of the system shown in Figure 9;

[0083] Figure 11 is a detailed view of the receptacle of the system shown in Figure 9;

[0084] Figure 12 is a side view of a hopper, the system for dosing coffee beans shown in Figure 5 and, the system for weighing coffee beans shown in Figure 9;

[0085] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a system for weighing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0086] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 13 with the drive mechanism;

[0087] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 13;

[0088] Figure 16 is a bottom perspective view of the system shown in Figure 13;

[0089] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the receptacle and support member of the system shown in Figure 13;

[0090] Figure 18 is an exploded view of a hopper, the system for dosing coffee beans shown in Figure 1, and the system for weighing coffee beans shown in Figure 13;

[0091] Figure 19 is an exploded view of a hopper, the system for dosing coffee beans shown in Figure 3, and the system for weighing coffee beans shown in Figure 13;

[0092] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a system for weighing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0093] Figure 21 is an exploded view of the system shown in Figure 20;

[0094] Figure 22 is an exploded view of a system for weighing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0095] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 22 without the receptacle;

[0096] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the frame and support member of the system shown in Figure 22;

[0097] Figure 25 is an exploded view of a system for weighing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0098] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the support members of the system shown in Figure 25;

[0099] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a system for weighing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0100] Figure 28 is an exploded view of the system shown in Figure 27;

[0101] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the frame and support members of the system shown in Figure 27 ;

[0102] Figure 30 is a detailed view of a support member of the system shown in Figure 27;

[0103] Figure 31 is a perspective view of a system for weighing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0104] Figure 32 is a further perspective view of the system shown in Figure 31;

[0105] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in Figure 31;

[0106] Figure 34 is a partial underside view of the system shown in Figure 31 ;

[0107] Figure 35 is an upper perspective view of a system for dosing coffee beans, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0108] Figure 36 is a lower perspective view of the system shown in Figure 35;

[0109] Figure 37 is an exploded view of the system shown in Figure 35;

[0110] Figure 38 is a partial exploded view of the system shown in Figure 35;

[0111] Figure 39 is a further partial exploded view of the system shown in Figure 35;

[0112] Figure 40 is a sectional perspective view of the rotatable member of the system shown in Figure 35;

[0113] Figure 41 is a sectional front view of the rotatable member of the system shown in Figure 35.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] Figures 1-4B illustrate systems 10, 20 for dosing coffee beans. The systems 10, 20 comprise a rotatable member 120, 220 and a track 112, 222 having a groove or a projection. Rotation of the rotatable member 120, 220 is configured to move the coffee beans along the track 112, 222. Each of the systems 10, 20 are described in further detail below.

[0115] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the system 10 for dosing coffee beans. The system 10 comprises an upper casing 100 having an aperture 101 for receiving the coffee beans, a lower casing 110, and the rotatable member 120 located between the upper casing 100 and the lower casing 110. The system 10 is located adjacent and / or below a hopper (shown in Fig. 18) in which the coffee beans are stored. However, in further embodiments, the system 10 may be located adjacent any opening through which coffee beans can be introduced.

[0116] The aperture 101 of the upper casing 100 is centrally located and aligned with a hopper adaptor that connects the hopper and the system 10. The aperture 101 of the upper casing 100 is substantially circular in shape and is configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0117] The lower casing 110 is connected to the upper casing 100 and is axially aligned with the upper casing 100. The lower casing 110 includes a central portion 111 with a track 112 formed thereon, and a plurality of apertures 113 located radially outwards from and about the central portion 111. The central portion 111 is substantially disc shaped and the track 112 is located adjacent a radially outer edge of the central portion 111. In this embodiment, the track 112 of the central portion 111 is an arcuate path including grooves or projections in the form of a spiral. However, in further embodiments, the track 112 may comprise one or more spirals, grooves or projections, the grooves or projections being at least partially arcuate, linear or angular. The track 112 of the central portion 111 is configured to allow coffee beans to move along the track 112 as the rotatable member 120 rotates. In particular, the coffee beans move substantiallylaterally along the track 112 as the rotatable member 120 rotates and / or the coffee beans move substantially along the groove or projection of the track 112 as the rotatable member 120 rotates.

[0118] The plurality of apertures 113 are in the form of arcuate slots located circumferentially about the central portion 111. However, only one such aperture is sufficient for the system 10 to function as intended and further embodiments may include only one aperture of any shape and size suitable for coffee beans. The plurality of apertures 113 are configured to allow coffee beans to move through the apertures 113 from the track 112 on the central portion 111, as discussed below. However, in further embodiments, the apertures 112 may be shaped differently, for example, circular, elliptical, linear etc.

[0119] The rotatable member 120 is disc shaped and includes an actuation portion 121 in the form of a plurality of gear teeth located circumferentially along an outer edge of rotatable member 120. The actuation portion 121 engages with an actuating mechanism (not shown) and allows for rotation of the rotatable member 120 via the actuating mechanism. However, in further embodiments, the actuation portion 121 may be located in a central region of the rotatable member 120 and / or the rotation of the rotatable member 120 may be achieved by a different mechanism.

[0120] The rotatable member 120 further includes a central aperture 122 configured to allow coffee beans to pass therethrough and is coaxially aligned with the upper casing 100 and the lower casing 110. The central aperture 122 of the rotatable member 120 includes a projection 123 that extends upwardly from the central aperture 122 of the rotatable member 120 and the aperture 101 of the upper casing 100. The projection 123 acts as an agitating arm to agitate and move the coffee beans received in the central aperture 122 of the rotatable member 120.

[0121] An underside of the rotatable member 120 includes at least one arm 124 that moves the coffee beans as the rotatable member 120 rotates, i.e. the at least one arm 124 is located between an upper surface of the rotatable member 120 and the track 112 of the lower casing 110. The at least one arm 124 is fixedly attached to the underside of the rotatable member 120 and extends radially outwards from the central aperture 122. In this embodiment, the rotatable member 120 includes two arms 124 located radially opposite to each other. However, in further embodiments, the rotatable member 120 may include only one or three or more arms 124 thatare spaced from each other. The arms 124 are arcuate in shape, although in further embodiments the arms 124 may be differently shaped, for example, straight, angular etc.

[0122] In use, the system 10 controls the dispensing of coffee beans passing through the system 10 by rotation of the rotatable member 120. Coffee beans in the hopper enter the system 10 via the aperture 101 of the upper casing 100. When the rotatable member 120 is actuated and starts to rotate, the projection 123 of the rotatable member 120 agitates and moves the coffee beans through the central aperture 122 of the rotatable member 120 and onto the central portion 111 of the lower casing 110. When located on the central portion 111 of the lower casing 110, the coffee beans are pushed to move laterally along the track 112 by the at least one arm 124 which rotates with the rotatable member 120. Thus, rotation of the rotatable member 120 moves the coffee beans along the track 112.

[0123] The coffee beans move laterally and radially outwards along the track 112 in a discrete manner, i.e. the beans automatically assume an organized and sequential spiral configuration where each of the coffee beans occupies a substantially distinct position along the track 112. As each of the coffee beans moves towards and beyond an outer end of the track 112, it is pushed beyond the outer edge of the central portion 111 and moves through one of the plurality of apertures 113 of the lower casing 110, thereby being dispensed from the system 10. However, in further embodiments where the track 112 is helical in shape, the coffee beans may move helically and radially outwards along the track 112.

[0124] By controlling the rotation of the rotatable member 120, the number and / or amount of coffee beans being dispensed can be controlled. For example, when a desired amount or dose of coffee beans has been dispensed, the rotation of the rotatable member 120 can be stopped, thereby stopping the dispensing of any further coffee beans from the system 10. Moreover, controlling the speed of the rotation of the rotatable member 120 also allows for the speed and / or rate of dispensing of the coffee beans to be controlled. In this way, the system 10 allows for discrete dispensing of a controlled amount of coffee beans at a time.

[0125] Figures 3, 4A and 4B illustrate the system 20 for dosing coffee beans. The system 20 comprises an upper casing 200 having an aperture 201 for receiving the coffee beans, a lower casing 210, and the rotatable member 220 located between the upper casing 200 and the lower casing 210. The system 20 is located adjacent and / or below a hopper (shown in Fig. 19) inwhich the coffee beans are stored. However, in further embodiments, the system 20 may be located adjacent any opening through which coffee beans can be introduced.

[0126] The aperture 201 of the upper casing 200 is centrally located and aligned with a hopper adaptor that connects the hopper and the system 20. The aperture 201 of the upper casing 200 is substantially circular in shape and is configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0127] An underside of the upper casing 200 includes at least one arm 202 (visible in Fig. 4B) that moves the coffee beans as the rotatable member 220 rotates, i.e. the at least one arm 202 is located between an upper surface of the rotatable member 220 the underside of the upper casing 200. The at least one arm 202 is fixedly attached to the underside of the upper casing 200 and extends radially inwards from an edge of the aperture 201. In this embodiment, the upper casing 200 includes two arms 202 located radially opposite to each other and connected to each other at the center of the aperture 201. However, in further embodiments, the upper casing 200 may include only one or three or more arms 202 that are spaced from each other. The arms 202 are partially arcuate in shape, although in further embodiments the arms 124 may be differently shaped, for example, straight, angular etc.

[0128] The rotatable member 220 is disc shaped and includes an actuation portion 221 in the form of a plurality of gear teeth located circumferentially along an outer edge of rotatable member 120. The actuation portion 221 engages with an actuating mechanism (not shown) and allows for rotation of the rotatable member 220 via the actuating mechanism. However, in further embodiments, the actuation portion 221 may be located in a central region of the rotatable member 220 and / or the rotation of the rotatable member 220 may be achieved by a different mechanism.

[0129] The rotatable member 220 includes a central portion with a track 222 formed thereon. The central portion is substantially circular in shape and includes a central aperture 223 configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough. The central portion is sized and configured to align with the aperture 201 of the upper casing 200. In this embodiment, the track 222 of the rotatable member 220 is an arcuate path including grooves or projections in the form of a spiral. However, in further embodiments, the track 222 may comprise one or more spirals, grooves or projections, the grooves or projections being at least partially arcuate, linear or angular. The track 222 of the rotatable member 220 is configured to allow coffee beans to movealong the track 222 as the rotatable member 220 rotates. In particular, the coffee beans move substantially laterally along the track 222 as the rotatable member 220 rotates and / or the coffee beans move substantially along the groove or projection of the track 222 as the rotatable member 220 rotates.

[0130] The lower casing 210 is connected to the upper casing 200 and is axially aligned with the upper casing 200 and the rotatable member 220. The lower casing 210 includes an aperture 211 that is centrally located and sized to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0131] In use, the system 20 controls the dispensing of coffee beans passing through the system 20 by rotation of the rotatable member 220. Coffee beans in the hopper enter the system 20 via the aperture 201 of the upper casing 200. When the rotatable member 220 is actuated and starts to rotate, the arms 202 of the rotatable member 220 agitate and move the coffee beans along the track 222. Thus, rotation of the rotatable member 120 moves the coffee beans along the track 222.

[0132] The coffee beans move laterally and radially inwards along the track 222 in a discrete manner, i.e. the beans automatically assume an organized and sequential spiral configuration where each of the coffee beans occupies a substantially distinct position along the track 222. As each of the coffee beans moves radially inwards and towards the aperture 223 (i.e. the inner end of the track 222), it is pushed into the aperture 223 and moves through the aperture 211 of the lower casing 210, thereby being dispensed from the system 20. However, in further embodiments where the track 222 is helical in shape, the coffee beans may move helically and radially inwards along the track 222.

[0133] By controlling the rotation of the rotatable member 220, the number and / or amount of coffee beans being dispensed can be controlled. For example, when a desired amount or dose of coffee beans has been dispensed, the rotation of the rotatable member 220 can be stopped, thereby stopping the dispensing of any further coffee beans from the system 20. Moreover, controlling the speed of the rotation of the rotatable member 220 also allows for the speed and / or rate of dispensing of the coffee beans to be controlled. In this way, the system 20 allows for discrete dispensing of a controlled amount of coffee beans at a time.

[0134] Figures 5-8 illustrate a system 30 for dosing coffee beans. The system 30 comprises a receptacle 300 having an interior volume for receiving the coffee beans, and an auger 310configured to move the coffee beans from the interior volume of the receptacle 300 towards an outlet 320 of the system 30.

[0135] The system 30 is supported by a frame 330 that holds the system 30 in place. The frame 330 also supports a mechanism housing 340 that includes a mechanism for actuating the auger 310, the mechanism including a motor to which the auger 310 is connected.

[0136] The receptacle 300 is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes a bottom wall 301 and a side wall 302 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 301, the bottom wall 301 and the side wall 302 defining the interior volume of the receptacle 300. An upper rim of the side wall302 defines the opening of the receptacle 300 through which the coffee beans are received.

[0137] The bottom wall 301 of the receptacle 300 includes a sloped portion and a floor, the sloped portion being located between the side wall 302 and floor. The sloped portion of the bottom wall 301 is inclined relative to the side wall 302.

[0138] The system 30 is located adjacent and / or below a hopper (shown in Fig. 12) in which the coffee beans are stored. However, in further embodiments, the system 30 may be located adjacent any opening through which coffee beans can be introduced. The opening of the receptacle 300 is aligned with a hopper adaptor that connects the hopper and the system 30. The opening of the receptacle 300 is substantially circular in shape and is configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0139] The side wall 302 of the receptacle 300 includes a tubular opening through which a hollow casing 303 extends, with the auger 310 located in the casing 303. The casing 303 extends laterally through the side wall 302. An outer end of the casing 303 that is located outside the receptacle 300 is connected to the mechanism housing 340, while the inner end of the casing303 has a substantially circular opening through which a portion of the auger 310 extends. The casing 303 and the opening of the casing 303 are configured and sized to allow movement of coffee beans therethrough.

[0140] However, in further embodiments, the casing 303 may extend upwardly through the bottom wall 301, or through the side wall 302 at an angle relative to the side wall 302.

[0141] The receptacle 300 further includes an inclined portion 304 on each side of the casing 303, the inclined portions 304 extending from the side wall 302 of the receptacle 300 and into the interior volume of the receptacle 300, up to the sloped portion of the bottom wall 301 of the receptacle 300. The inclined portions guide the coffee beans received in the receptacle 300 towards the portion of the interior volume that is adjacent to the opening of the casing 303, to allow the coffee beans to be moved into the casing 303 by the auger 310. A vertical surface 305 is located between each inclined portion 304 and the sloped portion of the bottom wall 301 of the receptacle 300. The inclined portions 304 and the vertical surfaces 305 together prevent jamming of the coffee beans (or any other form of blockage) in the system 30 by directing the coffee beans toward the bottom wall 301 and adjacent the opening of the casing 303, i.e. as the coffee beans fall into the receptacle 300 from the hopper, they move down the inclined portions 304 and the vertical surfaces 305 towards the bottom wall 301 of the receptacle 300.

[0142] The auger 310 includes a proximal end connected to the mechanism in the mechanism housing 340 and a distal end that partially extends through the opening of the casing 303, with a helical fin extending along the length of the auger 310. The spacing between adjacent portions of the helical fin is configured to allow coffee beans to be located and move between adjacent portions of the helical fin as the auger 310 rotates about a rotational axis. In particular, the space between adjacent portions of the helical fin is configured to allow approximately / substantially one coffee bean to be located therebetween, i.e. the spacing is particularly configured based on the size of an average-sized coffee bean. This allows for greater control and accuracy when dispensing coffee beans as it can be estimated how many coffee beans are located along the helical fin and, by controlling the rotation of the auger, the amount of coffee beans being dispensed can be controlled.

[0143] In this embodiment, the rotational axis of the auger is substantially perpendicular relative to the side wall 302 of receptacle 300. However, in further embodiments, the auger 310 may be located such that its rotational axis is substantially parallel or angled relative to the side wall 302 of receptacle 300, i.e. instead of being located in a horizontal configuration, the auger 310 may be located in a vertical or inclined configuration.

[0144] The distal end of the auger 310 includes a projection 311 that extends outwardly from the opening of casing 303 and into the interior volume of the receptacle 300. The projection 311 acts as an agitating member to agitate and move the coffee beans received in the receptacle 300into the casing 303. Only the projection 311 of the auger 310 extends outwardly and beyond the opening of casing 303. The auger 310 is configured such that no portion of the helical fin of the auger 310 extends beyond the opening of the casing 303, i.e. the helical fin of the auger 310 is entirely located in the casing 303 and does not extend beyond the opening of the casing 303. This configuration prevents jamming of the coffee beans (or any other form of blockage) in the system 30 when it is in use.

[0145] The outlet 320 is in the form of an aperture in the bottom wall 301 of the receptacle 300 and is located adjacent the proximal end of the auger 310. The outlet 320 is connected to the casing 303 such that coffee beans in the casing 303 can exit the casing 303 via the outlet 320 when they reach the distal end of the auger 310.

[0146] In use, the system 30 controls the dispensing of coffee beans passing through the system 30 by rotation of the auger 310. Coffee beans in the hopper enter the system 30 via the opening of the receptacle 300, and are then located and collected in the interior volume of the receptacle 300. When the auger 310 is actuated by the mechanism in the mechanism housing 340 and starts to rotate, the projection 311 of the auger 310 agitates and moves the coffee beans into the casing 303.

[0147] As the auger 310 rotates, the coffee beans move along the helical fin of the auger 310 towards the proximal end of the auger 310. When one of the coffee beans reaches the proximal end of the auger 310, it falls downwards towards the outlet 320 and is dispensed from the system 30. Thus, rotation of the auger 310 moves the coffee beans towards the outlet 320.

[0148] By controlling the rotation of the auger 310, the number and / or amount of coffee beans being dispensed can be controlled. For example, when a desired amount or dose of coffee beans has been dispensed, the rotation of the auger 310 can be stopped, thereby stopping the dispensing of any further coffee beans from the system 30. Moreover, controlling the speed of the rotation of the auger 310 also allows for the speed and / or rate of dispensing of the coffee beans to be controlled. In this way, the system 30 allows for discrete dispensing of a controlled amount of coffee beans at a time.

[0149] The dosing systems 10, 20, 30 provide several advantages. As the total amount of coffee beans being dispensed from the system 10, 20, 30 can be controlled, it is possible to determine with a high degree of accuracy the amount of coffee beans that will be grinded by the grinder,thereby making it easy to ensure that there is no ground or partially ground coffee beans are retained in the grinder. Further, the systems 10, 20, 30 allow for control of dispensing of coffee beans to a level where it may be possible to dispense only a single bean at a time (if desired). As a coffee bean weighs an average of 0.13 grams, the systems 10, 20, 30 can have an accuracy of ±0.13 grams, while also allowing to adjust the total amount of coffee beans dispensed by an additional 0.13 grams at a time. Moreover, systems 10, 20, 30 are quite compact and allow for accurate dispensing of coffee beans while requiring only a minimal amount of space in a coffee machine or grinder. The configuration of systems 10, 20, 30 also prevents coffee beans from jamming or causing any other forms of blockage in the systems 10, 20, 30.

[0150] Figures 9-30 illustrate systems 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 for weighing coffee beans. The systems 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 comprise a receptacle for receiving the coffee beans and a sensor for weighing the coffee beans in the receptacle, the sensor being operatively connected to the receptacle. The receptacle has a closeable opening and the systems 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 further include a drive mechanism to open and close the opening of the receptacle. The drive mechanism is mechanically isolated from the receptacle when the opening is closed. Each of the systems 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 are described in further detail below.

[0151] Figures 9-12 illustrate the system 40 for weighing coffee beans. The system 40 comprises a receptacle 400 with an opening, a support member 410 for supporting the receptacle, and a drive mechanism 420 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 400. The system 40 is supported by a frame 430 that holds the system 40 in place. In particular, the frame 430 supports the support member 410 and the drive mechanism 420.

[0152] In this embodiment, the system 40 is located adjacent and below a system 10, 20, 30 for dosing coffee beans. For example, Fig. 12 shows the system 40 located below the system 30 such that coffee beans dispensed from the system 30 are received in the receptacle 400 of the system 40. However, in further embodiments, the system 40 may be located below the system 10 or system 20 for dosing coffee beans, or the system 40 may be located below a hopper or any other opening through which coffee beans may be introduced.

[0153] The receptacle 400 comprises two portions engaged with each other - a first portion 401 and a second portion 402. Each of the first and second portions 401, 402 have planar side walls and a curved bottom wall. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 400 may include 3or more portions and any one or all of the portions may be shaped differently, for example, cuboidal, spherical etc. The first portion 401 includes engagement members 403a, 403b that engage with corresponding engagement members 404a, 404b of the second portion 402. In this embodiment, each of the engagement members 403a, 403b, 404a, 404b is in the form of a partial gear with teeth. However, in further embodiments, the engagement members may be shaped differently and / or any number of engagement members may be used. Moreover, in further embodiments, no engagement members may be required.

[0154] Each of the first and second portions 401, 402 also includes connecting members that are used to connect each of the first and second portions 401, 402 to the support member 410. In this embodiment, the connecting members of the first and second portions 401, 402 are located on the side walls and include pins to which the support member 410 can be connected.However, in further embodiments, the connecting members of the first and second portions 401, 402 may be shaped differently or the first and second portions 401, 402 may be connected to the support member 420 in a different manner.

[0155] Each of the first and second portions 401, 402 also includes stop members 405, 406 in the form of pins that cooperate with the drive mechanism 420 to move the first and second portions 401, 402. The first and second portions 401, 402 are configured to pivot relative to each other such that a gap is formed between the bottom walls of the first and second portions 401, 402. This gap defines the opening of the receptacle 400 and is configured and / or sized to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0156] The support member 410 is connected to the frame 430 at a proximal end of the support member 410, i.e. the support member 410 is cantilevered and connected to the frame 430 at one end only. Each of the ends of the support member 410 is also connected to the connecting members of the first and second portions 401, 402. Thus, the receptacle 400 is entirely supported by the support member 410. The support member 410 includes a sensor that is configured to detect a change in the weight of the receptacle 400. In this embodiment, the sensor is a load cell that detects change in weight of the receptacle 400 by detecting mechanical deformation of the support member 410 when coffee beans are located in the receptacle 400, thereby sensing the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 400. Thus, the sensor of the support member 410 is operatively connected to the receptacle 400. However, in further embodiments, the sensor may be any suitable sensor that can detect a change in the weight ofthe receptacle 400 and / or the sensor may be located elsewhere in the system 40 as far as it is operatively connected to the receptacle 400.

[0157] The drive mechanism 420 is supported by the frame 420 and located adjacent the distal end of the support member 410. The drive mechanism 420 comprises a motor or other actuating means (not shown) to actuate an actuating member 421 that is operatively connected to the motor. The actuating member 421 is configured to engage with the stop members of the second portion 402 of the receptacle 402 to pivotally move the second portion 402, which causes the first portion 401 to pivotally move as well because the engagement members 403a, 403b, 404a, 404b of the first and second portions 401, 402 are correspondingly engaged with each other and movement of any of the first portion 401 or the second portion 402 causes the other remaining portion of the receptacle 400 to move. However, in further embodiments, the drive mechanism 420 may also include a further actuating member that engages with the stop members of the first portion 401 to directly move the first portion 401.

[0158] Notably, when the opening of the receptacle 400 is closed, the actuating member 421 of the drive mechanism 420 does not engage or is in contact with either of the stop members of the second portion 402 or any other portion of the receptacle 400 and / or the support member 410, i.e. when the opening of the receptacle 400 is closed, the drive mechanism 420 is mechanically isolated from the receptacle 400. This allows the sensor to accurately detect the weight of the coffee beans located in the receptacle while avoiding any interference or potential measurement errors arising from the drive mechanism 420 partially supporting the receptacle 400.

[0159] When the opening of the receptacle is to be opened, the drive mechanism 420 is actuated and the actuating member 421 moves to engage with one of the stop members of the second portion 402, thereby causing the second portion 402 and the first portion 401 to pivot away from each other and opening the opening of the receptacle 400 to allow coffee beans to move through the opening. Once the coffee beans have been dispensed from the system 40, the drive mechanism 420 is actuated again and the actuating member 421 moves in an opposite direction to engage with the other stop member of the second portion 402, thereby causing the second portion 402 and the first portion 401 to pivot towards each other and closing the opening of the receptacle 400.

[0160] The system 40 is used to weigh coffee beans, for example, when it is required to determine the amount of beans that are to be grinded. In use, the receptacle receives the coffee beans from a system for dosing coffee beans or a hopper and the weight of the coffee beans is determined by the sensor which is able to detect the deflection in the support member 410 due to the additional weight of the coffee beans. The sensor provides this data to a control system connected to the sensor, and this data may be provided to the user or used to control other systems (such as the system for dosing coffee beans) or parameters in the machine (such as parameters for grinding and / or brewing coffee).

[0161] When the total weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 400 has been determined, the drive mechanism 420 is actuated which causes the actuating member 421 to move and engage with a stop member of the second portion 402 of the receptacle. The actuating member 421 pushes against the stop member and causes the second portion 402 to pivot upwardly. As the second portion 402 is engaged with the first portion 401, movement of the second portion 402 also causes the first portion 401 to pivot upwardly in the opposite direction, i.e. the first and second portions 401, 402 pivot and move away from each other. This causes the opening of the receptacle 400 to open and the coffee beans fall / move through the opening. In this manner, the drive mechanism 420 opens the opening to dispense the coffee beans from the receptacle 400. The dispensed coffee beans can then be grinded by a grinder to brew coffee.

[0162] Figures 13-19 illustrate the system 50 for weighing coffee beans. The system 50 comprises a receptacle 500 with an opening, a support member 510 for supporting the receptacle 500, and a drive mechanism 520 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 500. The system 50 is supported by a frame 530 that holds the system 50 in place. In particular, the frame 530 supports the support member 510 and the drive mechanism 520.

[0163] In this embodiment, the system 50 is located adjacent and below a system 10, 20, 30 for dosing coffee beans. For example, Fig. 18 shows the system 50 located below the system 10 such that coffee beans dispensed from the system 10 are received in the receptacle 500 of the system 50, and Fig. 19 shows the system 50 located below the system 20 such that coffee beans dispensed from the system 20 are received in the receptacle 500 of the system 50. However, in further embodiments, the system 50 may be located below the system 30 for dosing coffee beans, or the system 50 may be located below a hopper or any other opening through which coffee beans may be introduced or dispensed.

[0164] The receptacle 500 comprises a side wall 501 and a floor 502 that moves to form the opening of the receptacle 500. The side wall 501 is frustoconical in shape, with the side wall 501 tapering inwards towards the floor 502. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 500 may be shaped differently, for example, the side wall may be cylindrical, cuboidal etc. in shape.

[0165] The floor 502 of the receptacle 500 is substantially disc shaped and formed from a plurality of blades 503 that together form a mechanical iris door. As the floor 502 of the receptacle can be opened by movement of the blades 503, the floor 502 is effectively the opening of the receptacle 500 that can be opened and closed. The opening of the receptacle 500 is in a closed position when the blades 503 are positioned radially inwards and in contact with each other at a common central intersection point, and the opening of the receptacle 500 is in an open position when the blades 503 are positioned radially outwards and spaced from each other. The opening of the receptacle 500 is configured and / or sized to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0166] As seen in Fig. 16, each of the blades 503 is connected to an annular member 504 such that each blade 503 is pivotable relative to the annular member 504. The annular member 504 comprises a projection that engages with an actuating member 521 of the drive mechanism 520 to move the annular member 504 such that the opening of the receptacle 500 can be opened or closed. The annular member 504 also includes a track for each blade 503 and a portion of each blade 503 engages with the corresponding track to allow the blade 503 to move in a particular and predetermined manner. Thus, when the annular member 504 is moved by the actuating member 521, the blades 503 move radially outwards and the movement of the blades 503 is guided by the tracks of the annular member 504.

[0167] The drive mechanism 520 comprises a motor or other actuating means (not shown) to actuate the actuating member 521 that is operatively connected to the motor. As discussed above, the actuating member 521 engages with the annular member 504 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 500, i.e. the actuating member 521 is operatively connected to the blades 503. However, in further embodiments, the drive mechanism 520 may include two or more actuating members and / or the actuating member of the drive mechanism 520 may be directly connected to one or more of the blades 503. Notably, when the opening of the receptacle 500 is closed, the actuating member 521 of the drive mechanism 520 does not engageor is in contact with the annular member 504 or any portion of the receptacle 500 and / or the support member 510, i.e. when the opening of the receptacle 500 is closed, the drive mechanism 520 is mechanically isolated from the receptacle 500. This allows the sensor to accurately detect the weight of the coffee beans located in the receptacle 500 while avoiding any interference or potential measurement errors arising from the drive mechanism 520 partially supporting the receptacle 500.

[0168] When the opening of the receptacle 500 is to be opened, the drive mechanism 520 is actuated and the actuating member 521 moves to engage with the annular member 504, thereby causing the blades 503 to move radially outwards and opening the opening of the receptacle 500 to allow coffee beans to move through the opening. Once the coffee beans have been dispensed from the system 50, the drive mechanism 520 is actuated again and the actuating member 521 moves in an opposite direction, allowing the annular member 504 to move back to its previous position and the blades 503 to move radially inwards, thereby closing the opening of the receptacle 500.

[0169] The receptacle 500 is supported and connected to the frame 530 by the support member 510. The support member 510 includes a pair of arms 511 spaced from each other and connected to the side wall 501 of the receptacle 500 at a distal end of the arms 511, the proximal end of the arms 511 being pivotally connected to the frame 530 such that the support member 510 is cantilevered relative to the frame 530. Thus, the receptacle 500 is entirely supported by the support member 510 and connected to frame 530 in a cantilevered configuration. In this embodiment, the receptacle 500 and support member 510 are integrally formed. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 500 and support member 510 may be formed separately and connected to each other by any means. Moreover, in further embodiments, the support member 510 may include only one or three or more arms to support the receptacle 500.

[0170] The support member 510 also includes a projection 512 located between the arms 511. The projection 512 is configured to engage with a sensor 513 (visible in Fig. 15) located on the frame 530 and underneath the projection 512 such that deflection of the support member 510, due to change in weight of the receptacle 500 when coffee beans are received in the receptacle 500, causes the projection 512 to exert a downward force on the sensor 513, which can be detected by the sensor 513 and the magnitude of the exerted force can be used by the sensor 513 to determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 500. Thus, the sensor 513 isoperatively connected to the receptacle 500 and the sensor 513 can determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 500.

[0171] The sensor 513 is in the form of a force sensor that is connected to and located on a printed circuit board (PCB) that is located on the frame 530. To prevent accidental overloading of the sensor 513 and to avoid damaging the sensor 513, a maximum deflection of the support member 510 is enforced by a pair of stop members 531 (visible in Fig. 15) located on the frame 530, the stop members 531 being in the form of upwardly extending projections of a predetermined height. The stop members 531 are spaced from each other and each stop member 531 is located underneath the respective arm 511 of the support member 510. The stop members 531 are configured to engage with the arms 511 of the support member 510 to prevent further movement of the arms 511, thereby setting a limit to how much the support member 510 can deflect downwards when the weight of the receptacle 500 increases due to coffee beans located in the receptacle 500, i.e. the stop members 531 limit the force / load applied to the sensor 513 to a predetermined maximum force / load.

[0172] The system 50 is used to weigh coffee beans, for example, when it is required to determine the amount of beans that are to be grinded. In use, the receptacle 500 receives the coffee beans from a system for dosing coffee beans or a hopper and the weight of the coffee beans is determined by the sensor 513 which is able to detect the deflection in the support member 510 due to the additional weight of the coffee beans. The sensor 513 provides this data to a control system connected to the sensor, and this data may be provided to the user or used to control other systems (such as the system for dosing coffee beans) or parameters in the machine (such as parameters for grinding and / or brewing coffee).

[0173] When the total weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 500 has been determined, the drive mechanism 520 is actuated which causes the actuating member 521 to engage with the annular member 504, resulting in the blades 503 moving radially outwards. This causes the opening of the receptacle 500 to open and the coffee beans fall / move through the opening. In this manner, the drive mechanism 520 opens the opening to dispense the coffee beans from the receptacle 500. The dispensed coffee beans can then be grinded by a grinder to brew coffee.

[0174] Figures 20 and 21 illustrate the system 60 for weighing coffee beans. The system 60 comprises a receptacle 600 with an opening, support members 610 for supporting the receptacle600, and a drive mechanism 620 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 600. The system 60 is supported by a frame 630 that holds the system 60 in place. In particular, the frame 630 supports the support members 610 and the drive mechanism 620.

[0175] In this embodiment, the system 60 is located adjacent and below a system 10, 20, 30 for dosing coffee beans such that coffee beans dispensed from the system 10, 20, 30 are received in the receptacle 600 of the system 60. However, in further embodiments, the system 60 may be located below a hopper or any other opening through which coffee beans may be introduced or dispensed.

[0176] The receptacle 600 comprises a side wall 601 and a floor 602 that moves to form the opening of the receptacle 600. The side wall 601 is cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 600 may be shaped differently, for example, the side wall may be frustoconical, cuboidal etc. in shape.

[0177] The floor 602 of the receptacle 600 is substantially disc shaped and formed from a plurality of blades 603 that together form a mechanical iris door. As the floor 602 of the receptacle can be opened by movement of the blades 603, the floor 602 is effectively the opening of the receptacle 600 that can be opened and closed. The opening of the receptacle 600 is in a closed position when the blades 603 are positioned radially inwards and in contact with each other at a common central intersection point, and the opening of the receptacle 600 is in an open position when the blades 603 are positioned radially outwards and spaced from each other. The opening of the receptacle 600 is configured and / or sized to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0178] As seen in Fig. 20, each of the blades 603 is connected to an annular member 604 such that each blade 603 is pivotable relative to the annular member 604. The annular member 604 engages with an actuating member 621 of the drive mechanism 620 to move the annular member 604 such that the opening of the receptacle 600 can be opened or closed. The annular member 604 also includes a track for each blade 603 and a portion of each blade 603 engages with the corresponding track to allow the blade 603 to move in a particular and predetermined manner. Thus, when the annular member 604 is moved by the actuating member 621, the blades 603 move radially outwards and the movement of the blades 603 is guided by the tracks of the annular member 604.

[0179] The drive mechanism 620 comprises a motor or other actuating means (not shown) to actuate the actuating member 621 that is operatively connected to the motor. As discussed above, the actuating member 621 engages with the annular member 604 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 600, i.e. the actuating member 621 is operatively connected to the blades 603. However, in further embodiments, the drive mechanism 620 may include two or more actuating members and / or the actuating member of the drive mechanism 620 may be directly connected to one or more of the blades 603. Notably, when the opening of the receptacle 600 is closed, the actuating member 621 of the drive mechanism 620 does not engage or is in contact with the annular member 604 or any portion of the receptacle 600 and / or the support members 610, i.e. when the opening of the receptacle 600 is closed, the drive mechanism 620 is mechanically isolated from the receptacle 600. This allows the sensors to accurately detect the weight of the coffee beans located in the receptacle 600 while avoiding any interference or potential measurement errors arising from the drive mechanism 620 partially supporting the receptacle 600.

[0180] When the opening of the receptacle 600 is to be opened, the drive mechanism 620 is actuated and the actuating member 621 moves to engage with the annular member 604, thereby causing the blades 603 to move radially outwards and opening the opening of the receptacle 600 to allow coffee beans to move through the opening. Once the coffee beans have been dispensed from the system 60, the drive mechanism 620 is actuated again and the actuating member 621 moves in an opposite direction, allowing the annular member 604 to move back to its previous position and the blades 603 to move radially inwards, thereby closing the opening of the receptacle 600.

[0181] The receptacle 600 is supported and connected to the frame 630 by the support members 610. The support members 610 are located on opposite sides of the frame 630 and extend in opposite directions relative to the frame 630. Each support member 610 includes an arm, the proximal end of the arm being connected to the frame 630 such that the support member 610 is cantilevered relative to the frame 630. The receptacle 500 and the annular member 604 are supported by the cantilevered portion of each of the support members 610. Thus, the receptacle 600 is entirely supported by the support members 610. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 600 may be supported by only one or three or more support members. Moreover, in further embodiments, each support member 610 may include two or more arms to support the receptacle 600.

[0182] The frame 630 further includes a reinforcement member 631 connected to the frame 630 and located adjacent the support members 610, under the receptacle 600 and the annular member 604. The reinforcement member 631 is formed of a strong material such as a metal (for example, steel, iron, aluminium etc.) or a composite material and provides additional strength and stiffness to the frame 630 which may be formed from a polymer / plastic material.

[0183] Each of the support members 610 also includes a sensor that can detect a change in weight of the receptacle 600 and determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 600 based on the deflection of the respective support member 610. Thus, the sensor is operatively connected to the receptacle 600 and the sensor can determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 600. In this embodiment, the sensors are in the form of load cells that are located on the arms of the support members 610 and can detect a change in weight of the receptacle 600 by detecting mechanical deformation of the support members 610 when coffee beans are located in the receptacle 600. However, in further embodiments, the sensors may be any suitable sensor that can detect a change in the weight of the receptacle 600 and / or the sensors may be located elsewhere in the system 60 as far as they are operatively connected to the receptacle 600.

[0184] The system 60 is used to weigh coffee beans, for example, when it is required to determine the amount of beans that are to be grinded. In use, the receptacle 600 receives the coffee beans from a system for dosing coffee beans or a hopper and the weight of the coffee beans is determined by the sensors which are able to detect the deflection in the support members 610 due to the additional weight of the coffee beans. The sensors provide this data to a control system connected to the sensors, and this data may be provided to the user or used to control other systems (such as the system for dosing coffee beans) or parameters in the machine (such as parameters for grinding and / or brewing coffee).

[0185] When the total weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 600 has been determined, the drive mechanism 620 is actuated which causes the actuating member 621 to engage with the annular member 604, resulting in the blades 603 moving radially outwards. This causes the opening of the receptacle 600 to open and the coffee beans fall / move through the opening. In this manner, the drive mechanism 620 opens the opening to dispense the coffee beans from the receptacle 600. The dispensed coffee beans can then be grinded by a grinder to brew coffee.

[0186] Figures 22-24 illustrate the system 70 for weighing coffee beans. The system 70 comprises a receptacle 700 with an opening, a support member 710 for supporting the receptacle 700, and a drive mechanism 720 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 700. The system 70 is supported by a frame 730 that holds the system 70 in place. In particular, the frame 730 supports the support member 710 and the drive mechanism 720.

[0187] In this embodiment, the system 70 is located adjacent and below a system 10, 20, 30 for dosing coffee beans such that coffee beans dispensed from the system 10, 20, 30 are received in the receptacle 700 of the system 70. However, in further embodiments, the system 70 may be located below a hopper or any other opening through which coffee beans may be introduced or dispensed.

[0188] The receptacle 700 comprises a side wall 701 and a floor (not visible in the figures) that moves to form the opening of the receptacle 700. The side wall 701 is cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 700 may be shaped differently, for example, the side wall may be frustoconical, cuboidal etc. in shape.

[0189] The floor of the receptacle 700 is substantially disc shaped and formed from a plurality of blades (not visible in the figures) that together form a mechanical iris door. As the floor of the receptacle can be opened by movement of the blades, the floor is effectively the opening of the receptacle 700 that can be opened and closed. The opening of the receptacle 700 is in a closed position when the blades are positioned radially inwards and in contact with each other at a common central intersection point, and the opening of the receptacle 700 is in an open position when the blades are positioned radially outwards and spaced from each other. The opening of the receptacle 700 is configured and / or sized to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0190] Each of the blades is connected to an annular member 704 such that each blade is pivotable relative to the annular member 704. The annular member 704 engages with an actuating member 721 of the drive mechanism 720 to move the annular member 704 such that the opening of the receptacle 700 can be opened or closed. The annular member 704 also includes a track for each blade and a portion of each blade engages with the corresponding track to allow the blade to move in a particular and predetermined manner. Thus, when the annular member 704 is moved by the actuating member 721, the blades move radially outwards and the movement of the blades is guided by the tracks of the annular member 704.

[0191] The drive mechanism 720 comprises a motor or other actuating means (not shown) to actuate the actuating member 721 that is operatively connected to the motor. As discussed above, the actuating member 721 engages with the annular member 704 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 700, i.e. the actuating member 721 is operatively connected to the blades. However, in further embodiments, the drive mechanism 720 may include two or more actuating members and / or the actuating member of the drive mechanism 720 may be directly connected to one or more of the blades. Notably, when the opening of the receptacle 700 is closed, the actuating member 721 of the drive mechanism 720 does not engage or is in contact with the annular member 704 or any portion of the receptacle 700 and / or the support member 710, i.e. when the opening of the receptacle 700 is closed, the drive mechanism 720 is mechanically isolated from the receptacle 700. This allows the sensor to accurately detect the weight of the coffee beans located in the receptacle 700 while avoiding any interference or potential measurement errors arising from the drive mechanism 720 partially supporting the receptacle 700.

[0192] When the opening of the receptacle 700 is to be opened, the drive mechanism 720 is actuated and the actuating member 721 moves to engage with the annular member 704, thereby causing the blades to move radially outwards and opening the opening of the receptacle 700 to allow coffee beans to move through the opening. Once the coffee beans have been dispensed from the system 70, the drive mechanism 720 is actuated again and the actuating member 721 moves in an opposite direction, allowing the annular member 704 to move back to its previous position and the blades to move radially inwards, thereby closing the opening of the receptacle 700.

[0193] The receptacle 700 is supported and connected to the frame 730 by the support member 710. The support member 710 includes a pair of arms 711 spaced from each other, with the proximal end of the arms 711 being pivotally connected to the frame 730 such that the support member 710 is cantilevered relative to the frame 730. Thus, the receptacle 700 (and the annular member 704 connected thereto) is entirely supported by the support member 710 and connected to frame 730 in a cantilevered configuration. In particular, the receptacle 700 and the annular member 704 are connected to the distal ends of the arms 711. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 700 and support member 710 may be integrally formed and / or the support member 710 may include only one or three or more arms to support the receptacle 700.

[0194] The support member 710 also includes a projection 712 located between the arms 711. The projection 712 is configured to engage with a sensor 713 (visible in Fig. 24) located on the frame 730 and underneath the projection 712 such that deflection of the support member 710, due to change in weight of the receptacle 700 when coffee beans are received in the receptacle 700, causes the projection 712 to exert a downward force on the sensor 713, which can be detected by the sensor 713 and the magnitude of the exerted force can be used by the sensor 713 to determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 700. Thus, the sensor 713 is operatively connected to the receptacle 700 and the sensor 713 can determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 700.

[0195] The sensor 713 is in the form of a force sensor that is connected to and located on a printed circuit board (PCB) that is located on the frame 730. To prevent accidental overloading of the sensor 713 and to avoid damaging the sensor 713, a maximum deflection of the support member 710 is enforced by a pair of stop members 731 (visible in Fig. 24) located on the frame 730, the stop members 731 being in the form of upwardly extending projections of a predetermined height. The stop members 731 are spaced from each other and each stop member 731 is located underneath the respective arm 711 of the support member 710. The stop members 731 are configured to engage with the arms 711 of the support member 710 to prevent further movement of the arms 711 beyond a maximum point, thereby setting a limit to how much the support member 710 can deflect downwards when the weight of the receptacle 700 increases due to coffee beans located in the receptacle 700, i.e. the stop members 731 limit the force / load applied to the sensor 713 to a predetermined maximum force / load.

[0196] The system 70 is used to weigh coffee beans, for example, when it is required to determine the amount of beans that are to be grinded. In use, the receptacle 700 receives the coffee beans from a system for dosing coffee beans or a hopper and the weight of the coffee beans is determined by the sensor 713 which is able to detect the deflection in the support member 710 due to the additional weight of the coffee beans. The sensor 713 provides this data to a control system connected to the sensor, and this data may be provided to the user or used to control other systems (such as the system for dosing coffee beans) or parameters in the machine (such as parameters for grinding and / or brewing coffee).

[0197] When the total weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 700 has been determined, the drive mechanism 720 is actuated which causes the actuating member 721 to engage with theannular member 704, resulting in the blades moving radially outwards. This causes the opening of the receptacle 700 to open and the coffee beans fall / move through the opening. In this manner, the drive mechanism 720 opens the opening to dispense the coffee beans from the receptacle 700. The dispensed coffee beans can then be grinded by a grinder to brew coffee.

[0198] Figures 25 and 26 illustrate the system 80 for weighing coffee beans. The system 80 comprises a receptacle 800 with an opening, support members 810 for supporting the receptacle 800, and a drive mechanism 820 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 800. The system 80 is supported by a frame 830 that holds the system 80 in place. In particular, the frame 830 supports the support members 810 and the drive mechanism 820.

[0199] In this embodiment, the system 80 is located adjacent and below a system 10, 20, 30 for dosing coffee beans such that coffee beans dispensed from the system 10, 20, 30 are received in the receptacle 800 of the system 80. However, in further embodiments, the system 80 may be located below a hopper or any other opening through which coffee beans may be introduced or dispensed.

[0200] The receptacle 800 comprises a side wall 801 and a floor that moves to form the opening of the receptacle 800. The side wall 801 is cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 800 may be shaped differently, for example, the side wall may be frustoconical, cuboidal etc. in shape.

[0201] The floor of the receptacle 800 comprises a tapered portion and a substantially planar portion located in the center of the tapered portion. The planar portion includes an engagement portion 802 that engages with an actuating member of the drive mechanism 820 to move the planar portion such that the opening of the receptacle 800 can be opened. As the planar portion of the floor of the receptacle 800 can be moved by the drive mechanism 820 to form an opening in the floor, the planar portion of the floor is effectively the opening of the receptacle 800 that can be opened and closed. The opening of the receptacle 800 is in a closed position when the planar portion of the floor is located across the opening, and the opening of the receptacle 800 is in an open position when the planar portion of the floor is moved away from the opening such that it does not obstruct the opening. The opening of the receptacle 800 is configured and / or sized to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0202] The drive mechanism 820 comprises a motor or other actuating means (not shown) to actuate the actuating member that is operatively connected to the motor. As discussed above, the actuating member engages with the engagement portion 802 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 800, i.e. the actuating member is operatively connected to the opening. However, in further embodiments, the drive mechanism 820 may include two or more actuating members and / or the actuating member of the drive mechanism 820 may be directly connected to the opening. Notably, when the opening of the receptacle 800 is closed, the actuating member of the drive mechanism 820 does not engage or is in contact with the engagement portion 802 or any portion of the receptacle 800 and / or the support members 810, i.e. when the opening of the receptacle 800 is closed, the drive mechanism 820 is mechanically isolated from the receptacle 800. This allows the sensor to accurately detect the weight of the coffee beans located in the receptacle 800 while avoiding any interference or potential measurement errors arising from the drive mechanism 820 partially supporting the receptacle 800.

[0203] When the opening of the receptacle 800 is to be opened, the drive mechanism 820 is actuated and the actuating member moves to engage with the engagement portion 802, thereby causing the planar portion of the floor to move laterally and opening the opening of the receptacle 800 to allow coffee beans to move through the opening. Once the coffee beans have been dispensed from the system 80, the drive mechanism 820 is actuated again and the actuating member moves in an opposite direction, allowing the engagement portion 802 to move back to its previous position and the planar portion of the floor moves laterally to its previous position, thereby closing the opening of the receptacle 800.

[0204] The receptacle 800 is supported and connected to the frame 830 by the support members 810. The support members 810 are located on opposite sides of the frame 830 and each support member 810 comprises two elongate members 811a, 811b, 812a, 812b hingedly connected to each other at a point that is located substantially at a center of the length of each of the elongate members 811a, 811b, 812a, 812b such that the elongate members 811a, 811b, 812a, 812b may pivot relative to each other about the center point.

[0205] The proximal ends of one of the elongate members 811a, 812a of each of the support members 810 are pivotally connected to the frame 830, while the proximal ends of the remaining elongate members 811b, 812b of each of the support members 810 are connected to the ends of an axle 831 that extends across a width of the frame 830. A portion of the axle 831 isreceived and / or engaged with a movable member 832 that moves along a groove formed on the frame 830. The distal ends of the elongate members 811a, 811b, 812a, 812b of the support members 810 are connected to the receptacle 800.

[0206] The movable member 832 is configured to engage with a sensor 833 located on the frame 830 and facing a lateral surface of the movable member 832 such that lateral movement of the movable member 832, due to change in weight of the receptacle 800 when coffee beans are received in the receptacle 800, causes the movable member 832 to exert a force on the sensor 833, which can be detected by the sensor 833 and the magnitude of the exerted force can be used by the sensor 833 to determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 800. Thus, the sensor 833 is operatively connected to the receptacle 800 and the sensor 833 can determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 800.

[0207] In particular, as coffee beans fall into the receptacle 800, the weight of the receptacle 800 increases and the receptacle 800 moves downwards, causing the distal ends of the elongate members 811a, 811b, 812a, 812b of the support members 810 to move downwards and towards the proximal ends of the elongate members 811a, 811b, 812a, 812b. As the distal ends of the elongate members 811a, 811b, 812a, 812b move downwards, the proximal ends of elongate member 811b and elongate member 812b, that are connected to the axle 831, move laterally with the axle 831, and movement of the axle 831 causes the movable member 832 to move towards the sensor 833, thereby applying a force on the sensor 833 that is proportional to the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 800. Thus, the sensor 833 is operatively connected to the receptacle 800 and the sensor 833 can determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 800.

[0208] The sensor 833 is in the form of a force sensor that is connected to and located on a printed circuit board (PCB) that is located on the frame 830. However, in further embodiment, the sensor 833 may be a load cell or any other type of sensor that can detect the change in weight of the receptacle 800.

[0209] The system 80 is used to weigh coffee beans, for example, when it is required to determine the amount of beans that are to be grinded. In use, the receptacle 800 receives the coffee beans from a system for dosing coffee beans or a hopper and the weight of the coffee beans is determined by the sensor 833 which is able to detect the lateral movement of themovable member 832 due to the additional weight of the coffee beans. The sensor 833 provides this data to a control system connected to the sensor, and this data may be provided to the user or used to control other systems (such as the system for dosing coffee beans) or parameters in the machine (such as parameters for grinding and / or brewing coffee).

[0210] When the total weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 800 has been determined, the drive mechanism 820 is actuated which causes the actuating member to engage with the engagement portion 802, resulting in the planar portion of the floor of the receptacle 800 to move laterally and away from the opening. This causes the opening of the receptacle 800 to open and the coffee beans fall / move through the opening. In this manner, the drive mechanism 820 opens the opening to dispense the coffee beans from the receptacle 800. The dispensed coffee beans can then be grinded by a grinder to brew coffee.

[0211] Figures 27-30 illustrate the system 90 for weighing coffee beans. The system 90 comprises a receptacle 900 with an opening, support members 910 for supporting the receptacle 900, and a drive mechanism 920 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 900. The system 90 is supported by a frame 930 that holds the system 90 in place. In particular, the frame 930 supports the support members 910 and the drive mechanism 920.

[0212] In this embodiment, the system 90 is located adjacent and below a system 10, 20, 30 for dosing coffee beans such that coffee beans dispensed from the system 10, 20, 30 are received in the receptacle 900 of the system 90. However, in further embodiments, the system 90 may be located below a hopper or any other opening through which coffee beans may be introduced or dispensed.

[0213] The receptacle 900 comprises a side wall 901 and a floor 902 that moves to form the opening of the receptacle 900. The side wall 901 is cylindrical in shape. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 900 may be shaped differently, for example, the side wall may be frustoconical, cuboidal etc. in shape.

[0214] The floor 902 of the receptacle 900 is substantially disc shaped and formed from a plurality of blades 903 that together form a mechanical iris door. As the floor 902 of the receptacle can be opened by movement of the blades 903, the floor 902 is effectively the opening of the receptacle 900 that can be opened and closed. The opening of the receptacle 900 is in a closed position when the blades 903 are positioned radially inwards and in contact witheach other at a common central intersection point, and the opening of the receptacle 900 is in an open position when the blades 903 are positioned radially outwards and spaced from each other. The opening of the receptacle 900 is configured and / or sized to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

[0215] Each of the blades 903 is connected to an annular member such that each blade 903 is pivotable relative to the annular member. The annular member engages with an actuating member 921 of the drive mechanism 920 to move the annular member such that the opening of the receptacle 900 can be opened or closed. The annular member also includes a track for each blade 903 and a portion of each blade 903 engages with the corresponding track to allow the blade 903 to move in a particular and predetermined manner. Thus, when the annular member is moved by the actuating member 921, the blades 903 move radially outwards and the movement of the blades 903 is guided by the tracks of the annular member.

[0216] The drive mechanism 920 comprises a motor or other actuating means (not shown) to actuate the actuating member 921 that is operatively connected to the motor. As discussed above, the actuating member 921 engages with the annular member to open and close the opening of the receptacle 900, i.e. the actuating member 921 is operatively connected to the blades 903. However, in further embodiments, the drive mechanism 920 may include two or more actuating members and / or the actuating member of the drive mechanism 920 may be directly connected to one or more of the blades 903. Notably, when the opening of the receptacle 900 is closed, the actuating member 921 of the drive mechanism 920 does not engage or is in contact with the annular member or any portion of the receptacle 900 and / or the support members 910, i.e. when the opening of the receptacle 900 is closed, the drive mechanism 920 is mechanically isolated from the receptacle 900. This allows the sensors to accurately detect the weight of the coffee beans located in the receptacle 900 while avoiding any interference or potential measurement errors arising from the drive mechanism 920 partially supporting the receptacle 900.

[0217] When the opening of the receptacle 900 is to be opened, the drive mechanism 920 is actuated and the actuating member 921 moves to engage with the annular member, thereby causing the blades 903 to move radially outwards and opening the opening of the receptacle 900 to allow coffee beans to move through the opening. Once the coffee beans have been dispensed from the system 90, the drive mechanism 920 is actuated again and the actuating member 921moves in an opposite direction, allowing the annular member to move back to its previous position and the blades 903 to move radially inwards, thereby closing the opening of the receptacle 900.

[0218] The receptacle 900 is supported and connected to the frame 930 by the support members 910. Each of the support members 910 is located on a distinct side of the frame 930. In this embodiment, there are three support members 910 to support the receptacle 900. However, in further embodiments, there may be only one, two or four or more support members 910.

[0219] Each support member 910 includes an arm, the proximal end of the arm being pivotally connected to the frame 930 such that each support member 910 is cantilevered relative to the frame 930. The receptacle 900 and the annular member are supported by the cantilevered portion of each of the support members 910. Thus, the receptacle 900 is entirely supported by the support members 910. However, in further embodiments, each support member 910 may include two or more arms to support the receptacle 900.

[0220] Each of the support members 910 engages with a sensor 931 that can detect a change in weight of the receptacle 900 and determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 900 based on the deflection of the respective support member 910. Thus, the sensor 931 is operatively connected to the receptacle 900 and the sensor 931 can determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 900. In this embodiment, the sensors 931 are in the form of load cells that are located underneath and engage with the arms of the support members 910 and can detect a change in weight of the receptacle 900 by detecting mechanical deformation of the support members 910 when coffee beans are located in the receptacle 900. However, in further embodiments, the sensors 931 may be any suitable sensor that can detect a change in the weight of the receptacle 900 and / or the sensors may be located elsewhere in the system 90 as far as they are operatively connected to the receptacle 900.

[0221] The system 90 is used to weigh coffee beans, for example, when it is required to determine the amount of beans that are to be grinded. In use, the receptacle 900 receives the coffee beans from a system for dosing coffee beans or a hopper and the weight of the coffee beans is determined by the sensors 931 which are able to detect the deflection in the support members 910 due to the additional weight of the coffee beans. The sensors 931 provide this data to a control system connected to the sensors 931, and this data may be provided to the user orused to control other systems (such as the system for dosing coffee beans) or parameters in the machine (such as parameters for grinding and / or brewing coffee).

[0222] When the total weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 900 has been determined, the drive mechanism 920 is actuated which causes the actuating member 921 to engage with the annular member, resulting in the blades 903 moving radially outwards. This causes the opening of the receptacle 900 to open and the coffee beans fall / move through the opening. In this manner, the drive mechanism 920 opens the opening to dispense the coffee beans from the receptacle 900. The dispensed coffee beans can then be grinded by a grinder to brew coffee.

[0223] Figures 31-34 illustrate the system 95 for weighing coffee beans. The system 95 comprises a receptacle 1100 with an opening, a support member 1110 for supporting the receptacle 1100, and a drive mechanism 1120 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 1100. The system 95 is supported by a frame 1130 that holds the system 95 in place. In particular, the frame 1130 supports the support member 1110 and the drive mechanism 1120.

[0224] In this embodiment, the system 95 is located adjacent and below a system 10, 20, 30 for dosing coffee beans such that coffee beans dispensed from the system 10, 20, 30 are received in the receptacle 1100 of the system 95. However, in further embodiments, the system 95 may be located below a hopper or any other opening through which coffee beans may be introduced or dispensed.

[0225] The receptacle 1100 comprises a side wall and a floor 1102 that moves to form the opening of the receptacle 1100. The side wall is frustoconical in shape, with the side wall tapering inwards towards the floor 1102. However, in further embodiments, the receptacle 1100 may be shaped differently, for example, the side wall may be cylindrical, cuboidal etc. in shape.

[0226] The floor 1102 of the receptacle 1100 is a substantially disc-shaped door that is moveable to open or close the opening of the receptacle 1100. The opening of the receptacle 1100 is in a closed position when the floor 1102 substantially covers the opening, thereby preventing any coffee beans located in the receptacle 1100 from moving through the opening, and the opening of the receptacle 1100 is in an open position when the floor 1102 is moved away from the opening such that it does not obstruct the opening, thereby allowing any coffee beans located in the receptacle 1100 to move through the opening. The opening of the receptacle 1100 is configured and / or sized to allow coffee beans to move therethrough. As seen in Fig. 34,the floor 1102 is connected to an actuating member 1121 of the drive mechanism 1120 to move the floor 1102 such that the opening of the receptacle 1100 can be opened or closed.

[0227] The drive mechanism 1120 comprises a motor or other actuating means (not shown) to actuate the actuating member 1121 that is operatively connected to the motor. As noted above, the actuating member 1121 is connected to the floor 1102 to open and close the opening of the receptacle 1100. When the opening of the receptacle 1100 is closed, the drive mechanism 1120 is mechanically isolated from the receptacle 1100. This allows the sensor to accurately detect the weight of the coffee beans located in the receptacle 1100 while avoiding any interference or potential measurement errors arising from the drive mechanism 1120 partially supporting the receptacle 1100.

[0228] The receptacle 1100 is supported and connected to the frame 1130 by the support member 1110. The support member 1110 includes an arm connected to the side wall of the receptacle 1100 such that the receptacle 1100 is entirely supported by the support member 1110 and connected to frame 1130 in a cantilevered configuration. The support member 1110 also includes a sensor (not shown) configured to sense a change in weight of the receptacle 1100 to determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 1100. Thus, the sensor is operatively connected to the receptacle 1100 and the sensor can determine the weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 1100.

[0229] The system 95 is used to weigh coffee beans, for example, when it is required to determine the amount of beans that are to be grinded. In use, the receptacle 1100 receives the coffee beans from a system for dosing coffee beans or a hopper and the weight of the coffee beans is determined by the sensor which is able to detect the deflection in the support member 1110 due to the additional weight of the coffee beans. The sensor provides this data to a control system connected to the sensor, and this data may be provided to the user or used to control other systems (such as the system for dosing coffee beans) or parameters in the machine (such as parameters for grinding and / or brewing coffee).

[0230] When the total weight of the coffee beans in the receptacle 1100 has been determined, the drive mechanism 1120 is actuated which causes the actuating member 1121 to move the floor 1102. This causes the opening of the receptacle 1100 to open and the coffee beans fall / move through the opening. In this manner, the drive mechanism 1120 opens the opening todispense the coffee beans from the receptacle 1100. The dispensed coffee beans can then be grinded by a grinder to brew coffee.

[0231] Figures 35-41 illustrate a system 35 for dosing coffee beans. In this embodiment, the system 35 is connected to and located below a hopper 1250 in which the coffee beans are stored. However, in further embodiments, the system 35 may be located at a distance from the hopper and / or adjacent any opening through which coffee beans can be introduced. The hopper 1250 includes an annular aperture 1251 through which the coffee beans located in the hopper 1250 move to enter the system 35 for dosing coffee beans.

[0232] The system 35 comprises a lower casing 1210, a rotatable member 1220 located between the hopper 1250 and the lower casing 1210, and a locking member 1230 located below the lower casing 1210. The lower casing 1210 is connected to the hopper 1250 by one or more fasteners, thereby holding the rotatable member 1220 securely between the hopper 1250 and the lower casing 1210.

[0233] The rotatable member 1220 is disc shaped and includes an actuation portion 1221 in the form of a plurality of gear teeth located circumferentially along an outer edge of the rotatable member 1220. The actuation portion 1221 engages with an actuating mechanism 1260 and allows for rotation of the rotatable member 1220 via the actuating mechanism 1260. However, in further embodiments, the actuation portion 1221 may be located in a central region of the rotatable member 1220 and / or the rotation of the rotatable member 1220 may be achieved by a different mechanism.

[0234] The rotatable member 1220 includes a central portion with a track 1222 formed thereon. The central portion is substantially circular in shape and includes a central aperture 1223 configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough. The central portion is sized and configured to align with the aperture 1251 of the hopper 1250. In this embodiment, the track 1222 of the rotatable member 1220 is an arcuate path including grooves or projections in the form of a spiral. However, in further embodiments, the track 1222 may comprise one or more spirals, grooves or projections, the grooves or projections being at least partially arcuate, linear or angular.

[0235] The track 1222 includes a floor located between the projections. In use, the coffee beans are located on the floor of the track 1222, between the projections, and move along the floor ofthe track 1222, towards the aperture 1223, as the rotatable member 1220 rotates. As seen in Fig. 41, the floor of the track 1222 is inclined relative to a plane in which the rotatable member 1220 is substantially located. In this embodiment, the floor of the track 1222 is inclined radially outwards relative to the aperture 1223, i.e. the floor of the track 1222 is tapered downwardly towards an outer edge of the rotatable member 1220. However, in further embodiments, the floor of the track 1222 may be parallel to the plane in which the rotatable member 1220 is substantially located or the floor of the track 1222 may be inclined radially inwards relative to the aperture 1223 (i.e. the floor of the track 1222 may be tapered downwardly towards the aperture 1223).

[0236] An underside or lower surface of the hopper 1250 includes at least one arm (not shown) in the form of a projection that moves the coffee beans as the rotatable member 1220 rotates. The at least one arm is fixedly attached to the underside of the hopper 1250 and extends radially outwards from a central axis of the hopper 1250.

[0237] The track 1222 of the rotatable member 1220 is configured to allow coffee beans to move along the track 1222 as the rotatable member 1220 rotates. In particular, the coffee beans move substantially laterally along the track 1222 as the rotatable member 1220 rotates and / or the coffee beans move substantially along the groove or projection of the track 1222 as the rotatable member 1220 rotates.

[0238] The rotatable member 1220 further includes first and second projections 1224 located diametrically opposite to each other and extending upwardly from an outer edge of the rotatable member 1220. The first and second projections 1224 extend through the aperture 1251 of the hopper 1250 and are configured to agitate the coffee beans located in the hopper 1250 when the rotatable member 1220 rotates. In further embodiments, the rotatable member 1220 may include one or three or more projections to agitate the coffee beans located in the hopper 1250.

[0239] The rotatable member 1220 also includes an annular inclined surface 1225 extending along the outer edge of the rotatable member 1220. The inclined surface 1225 is inclined radially inwards toward the aperture 1223, i.e. the inclined surface 1225 is tapered inwardly. In use, the inclined surface 1225 facilitates the movement of the coffee beans, that move through the aperture 1251 towards the rotatable member 1220, onto the track 122 as the coffee beans would slide down the inclined surface 1225 towards the track 122.

[0240] The lower casing 1210 is connected to the hopper 1250 and is axially aligned with the hopper 1250, the rotatable member 220 and the locking member 1230. The lower casing 1210 includes a central hollow cylindrical portion 1211 and two inclined portions 1212 connected to the cylindrical portion 1211 and extending radially outwards therefrom. The inclined portions 1212 are located diametrically opposite from each other, with the spaces between the inclined portions 1212 forming apertures in the lower casing 1210 through which the coffee beans can move. Each of the inclined portions 1212 include an inclined upper surface that allows the coffee beans to slide down the respective inclined upper surface towards the locking member 1230. The inclined portions 1212 are located under the aperture 1223 of the rotatable member 1220 and receive the coffee beans that move from the track 1222 and through the aperture 1223.

[0241] The locking member 1230 is located below the lower casing 1210 and includes a central cylindrical portion that extends upwardly towards the hopper 1250. In particular, the central cylindrical portion of the locking member 1230 extends through the hollow cylindrical portion 1211 of the lower casing 1210 and through a portion of the hopper 1250. An upper end of the central cylindrical portion of the locking member 1230 engages with the hopper 1250 such that rotational movement of the hopper 1250 causes the locking member 1230 to rotate.

[0242] The locking member 1230 further includes two doors 1231 connected to the central cylindrical portion of the locking member 1230 and extending radially outwards therefrom. The doors 1231 are located diametrically opposite from each other, with the spaces between the doors 1231 forming apertures in the locking member 1230 through which the coffee beans can move. These apertures of the locking member 1230 are sized and shaped to correspond with the size and shape of the apertures formed between the inclined portions 1212 of the lower casing 1210, such that, when the apertures of the locking member 1230 and the lower casing 1210 are aligned (i.e. open configuration), the coffee beans can move from the inclined portions 1212 of the lower casing 1210 through the apertures formed between the inclined portions 1212 and then through the apertures of the locking member 1230.

[0243] The locking member 1230 is movable relative to the lower casing 1210. In particular, the locking member 1230 can rotate relative to the lower casing 1210 to a position where the apertures of the locking member 1230 are not aligned with the apertures of the lower casing 1210 (i.e. locked configuration). In this position, the doors 1231 of the locking member 1230 are aligned with and located below the apertures of the lower casing 1210 to prevent coffee beansfrom moving through the apertures of the lower casing 1210. As the central cylindrical portion of the locking member 1230 is engaged with the hopper 1250, rotation of the hopper 1250 can move the locking member 1230 between the open and locked configurations. In the locked configuration, coffee beans cannot move past the locking member 1230 until the locking member 1230 is moved to the open configuration.

[0244] In use, the system 35 controls the dispensing of coffee beans passing through the system 35 by rotation of the rotatable member 1220. Coffee beans in the hopper 1250 enter the system 35 via the aperture 1251 of the hopper 1250. When the rotatable member 1220 is actuated and starts to rotate, arms / projections located on an underside of the hopper 1250 agitate and move the coffee beans along the track 1222. Thus, rotation of the rotatable member 1120 moves the coffee beans along the track 1222.

[0245] The coffee beans move laterally and radially inwards along the track 1222 in a discrete manner, i.e. the beans automatically assume an organized and sequential spiral configuration where each of the coffee beans occupies a substantially distinct position along the track 1222. As each of the coffee beans moves radially inwards and towards the aperture 1223 (i.e. the inner end of the track 1222), it is pushed into the aperture 1223 and onto either of the inclined portions 1212 of the lower casing 1210. From the inclined portions 1212 of the lower casing 1210, the coffee beans move through the apertures of the lower casing 1210 and then through the apertures of locking member 1230, thereby being dispensed from the system 35.

[0246] By controlling the rotation of the rotatable member 1220, the number and / or amount of coffee beans being dispensed can be controlled. For example, when a desired amount or dose of coffee beans has been dispensed, the rotation of the rotatable member 1220 can be stopped, thereby stopping the dispensing of any further coffee beans from the system 35. Moreover, controlling the speed of the rotation of the rotatable member 1220 also allows for the speed and / or rate of dispensing of the coffee beans to be controlled. In this way, the system 35 allows for discrete dispensing of a controlled amount of coffee beans at a time.

[0247] In a further embodiment (not shown), any one of the systems 10, 20, 30, 35 for dosing coffee beans may be located directly above a coffee grinder such that coffee beans dispensed by the system 10, 20, 30, 35 for dosing coffee beans are received directly by the grinder without being weighed. In this embodiment, there is no system 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 for weighingcoffee beans located between the system 10, 20, 30, 35 for dosing coffee beans and the grinder. Instead, the system 10, 20, 30, 35 for dosing coffee beans dispenses coffee beans as described above and the dispensed coffee beans move downwards into the grinder where the beans are grinded into ground coffee.

[0248] However, in some embodiments, a system for weighing ground coffee may be located below the coffee grinder such that the ground coffee is received in the system for weighing ground coffee and weighed. Such a system for weighing ground coffee may be similar to system 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 for weighing coffee beans or it may have a different configuration that still allows it to weigh ground coffee being dispensed by the grinder.

[0249] Various forms of the system 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 for weighing coffee beans (and associated methods) described above may have one or more of the following advantages. As the systems 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 are configured to weigh intact coffee beans prior to the beans being grinded, it can be ensured that no ground or partially ground coffee is retained in the grinder. Moreover, the systems 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 are extremely accurate when weighing coffee beans due to their particular configuration and the possibility of erroneous outputs is minimized due to the sensor and receptacle being mechanically isolated from the drive mechanism when the coffee beans are being weighed.

[0250] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0251] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process,method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising: a rotatable member; and a track having a groove or a projection; wherein rotation of the rotatable member is configured to move the coffee beans along the track.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the track is an arcuate path or a spiral.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the coffee beans move substantially laterally along the track as the rotatable member rotates.

4. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein rotation of the rotatable member is configured to move the coffee beans along the groove or projection of the track.

5. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises at least one arm that moves the coffee beans as the rotatable member rotates.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one arm is located on the rotatable member.

7. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises an upper casing having an aperture for receiving the coffee beans.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the system comprises a lower casing connected to the upper casing, the lower casing includes a central portion with the track formed thereon.

9. The system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the track is located on the rotatable member.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the lower casing includes at least one aperture configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

11. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable member includes a central aperture configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

12. The system of any claim 11, wherein the central aperture includes a projection that extends upwardly from the central aperture.

13. A system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising: an upper casing with an aperture for receiving the coffee beans; a lower casing with a track having a groove or a projection; and a rotatable member located adjacent the upper casing and lower casing, the rotatable member comprising at least one arm that moves the coffee beans along the track as the rotatable member rotates.

14. A system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising: an upper casing comprising: an aperture for receiving the coffee beans; and at least one arm; a rotatable member located adjacent the upper casing, the rotatable member comprising a track having a groove or a projection, wherein the at least one arm moves the coffee beans along the track as the rotatable member rotates.

15. A method of dosing coffee beans, the method comprising: actuating a rotatable member, wherein rotation of the rotatable member is configured to move the coffee beans along a track having a groove or projection; and dispensing the coffee beans at an end of the track.

16. The method of claim 15, the method further comprising: controlling an amount of the coffee beans being dispensed by controlling the rotation of the rotatable member.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, the method further comprising: controlling a rate of dispensing of the coffee beans by controlling a speed of rotation of the rotatable member.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, the method further comprising: moving the coffee beans laterally along the track.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein moving the coffee beans laterally along the track includes moving the coffee beans radially outwards or radially inwards.

20. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein dispensing the coffee beans includes moving the coffee beans beyond an end of the track and through an aperture.

21. A system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising: a receptacle comprising an interior volume for receiving the coffee beans; and an auger configured to move the coffee beans from the interior volume of the receptacle towards an outlet of the system.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein a casing extends through a wall of the receptacle, the auger being located in the casing.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein a distal end of the auger includes a projection that extends outwardly from an opening of casing.

24. The system of claim 22 or 23, wherein a helical fin of the auger is entirely located in the casing.

25. The system of any one of claims 22-24, wherein the receptacle includes an inclined portion on each side of the casing, the inclined portions extending from a side wall of the receptacle and into the interior volume of the receptacle.

26. The system of any one of claims 21-24, wherein the outlet is located adjacent a proximal end of the auger.

27. A method of dosing coffee beans, the method comprising: receiving the coffee beans in a receptacle having an interior volume; andactuating an auger to move the coffee beans from the interior volume of the receptacle towards an outlet; and dispensing the coffee beans from the outlet.

28. The method of claim 27, the method further comprising: controlling an amount of the coffee beans being dispensed by controlling the rotation of the auger.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, the method further comprising: controlling a rate of dispensing of the coffee beans by controlling a speed of rotation of the auger.

30. The method of any one of claims 27-29, wherein actuating the auger to move the coffee beans includes moving the coffee beans along a helical fin of the auger.

31. A system for weighing coffee beans, the system comprising: a receptacle for receiving the coffee beans, the receptable having a closeable opening; a sensor for weighing the coffee beans in the receptacle, the sensor being operatively connected to the receptacle; a drive mechanism to open and close the opening of the receptacle, wherein the drive mechanism is mechanically isolated from the receptacle when the opening is closed.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the system comprises a support member for supporting the receptacle.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the support member is cantilevered and connected to the frame at a proximal end thereof.

34. The system of claim 32 or 33, wherein the sensor is located on the support member.

35. The system of any one of claims 31-34, wherein the receptacle comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being engaged with each other and configured to pivot relative to each other.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the opening is formed between bottom walls of the first and second portions when the first and second portions pivot relative to each other.

37. The system of any one of claims 31-36, wherein the opening is configured to allow coffee beans to move therethrough.

38. The system of any one of claims 31-37, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a change in weight of the receptacle.

39. The system of any one of claims 31-38, wherein the sensor is a load cell or force sensor.

40. The system of any one of claims 32-38, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a motor that actuates an actuating member operatively connected to the motor.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein, when the opening of the receptacle is closed, the actuating member does not engage with the receptacle and / or the support member.

42. The system of any one of claims 31-34, wherein the opening is a floor of the receptacle.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the floor includes a plurality of blades.

44. The system of claim 42 or 43, wherein the floor is a door that is configured to move to open or close the opening of the receptacle.

45. The system of claim 43, wherein the opening can be opened by movement of the blades.

46. The system of any one of claims 31-34, wherein the support member includes a pair of arms spaced from each other, and a projection located between the arms, the projection being configured to engage with the sensor.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein deflection of the support member causes the projection to exert a force on the sensor.

48. The system of claim 46 or 47, wherein the receptacle is connected to distal ends of the arms.

49. The system of any one of claims 31-34, wherein the system includes at least two support members to support the receptacle.

50. A method of weighing coffee beans, the method comprising: determining, by a sensor, weight of the coffee beans in a receptacle, the sensor being operatively connected to the receptacle; opening, by actuating a drive mechanism, an opening of the receptacle to move the coffee beans through the opening, wherein the drive mechanism is mechanically isolated from the receptacle when the opening is closed.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the sensor transmits the determined weight to a control system connected to the sensor.

52. The method of claim 50 or 51, wherein the drive mechanism is actuated when the weight of the coffee beans has been determined.

53. A system for dosing coffee beans, the system comprising: a hopper with at least one arm located on a lower surface thereof; a rotatable member located adjacent the hopper, the rotatable member comprising a track having a groove or a projection, wherein the at least one arm moves the coffee beans along the track as the rotatable member rotates.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the system includes a lower casing located adjacent the rotatable member and connected to the hopper.

55. The system of claim 53 or 54, wherein the rotatable member includes an annular inclined surface extending along an outer edge of the rotatable member.

56. The system of any one of claims 53-55, wherein the track includes a floor that is inclined relative to a plane in which the rotatable member is substantially located.

57. The system of claim 54, wherein the system includes a locking member located below the lower casing.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein the locking member includes a central cylindrical portion and an upper end of the central cylindrical portion of the locking member engages with the hopper.

Images