A coffee bean dispensing device and related devices

Abstract

Disclosed is a coffee bean dispensing device (900), a coffee bean grinder device (700) and an espresso machine (800). The coffee bean dispensing device (900) comprises: a housing (30); a hopper (20), releasably coupled to the housing (30) via a collar (5), wherein the collar (5) has disposed therewith a plurality of conductors (12-18), wherein an electrical field is generated across the collar (5) by the plurality of conductors (12-18) and an electrical power source; and a capacitance sensor (100), in electrical communication with the plurality of conductors (12-18), configured to generate an output signal indicative of capacitance across the plurality conductors (12-18); and a controller (110), in electrical communication with the capacitance sensor (12-18), configured to determine, based on the output signal from the capacitance sensor (12-18), whether the hopper (20) is empty. The coffee bean grinder device (700) comprises the coffee bean dispensing device (900) and a grinder mechanism (260) controllable by the controller (110), wherein the coffee beans dispensed by the coffee bean dispensing device (900) are received by the grinder mechanism (260) for grinding. The espresso machine (800) comprises the coffee bean grinder device (700).

Description

A COFFEE BEAN DISPENSING DEVICE AND RELATED DEVICESRelated Application

[0001] The current application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024900256, filed 5 February 2024, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in entirety.Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a coffee bean dispensing device, a coffee bean grinder device, and an espresso machine.Background

[0003] Automatic detection of whether coffee beans are contained in a hopper for a coffee bean dispensing device, a coffee bean grinder, or an espresso machine with an integrated grinding mechanism can be difficult. Attempts have been made to utilise light sensors to sense light emitted from a light source through the hopper, wherein the amount of sensed light is indicative of the emptiness of the hopper and thus whether coffee beans are contained in the hopper. However, dust from the coffee beans as well as the grinding of the coffee beans (in the case of a grinder) can accumulate on the inside surface of the hopper walls, thereby resulting in an incorrect sensed detection.Summary

[0004] There is therefore a need to substantially ameliorate one or more of the above-mentioned problems or provide a useful alternative.

[0005] In a first aspect there is provided a coffee bean dispensing device, comprising: a housing; a hopper, releasably coupled to the housing via a collar, wherein the collar has disposed therewith a plurality of conductors, wherein an electrical field is generated across the collar by the plurality of conductors and an electrical power source; a capacitance sensor, in electrical communication with the plurality of conductors, configured to generate an output signal indicative of the capacitance across the plurality conductors; and a controller, in electricalcommunication with the capacitance sensor, configured to determine, based on the output signal from the capacitance sensor, whether the hopper is empty.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the coffee bean dispensing device including a door movable between an open and closed position to control dispensal the coffee beans.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, movement of the door is controllable via actuation of a dispensing button.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the coffee bean dispensing device includes a funnel to guide dispensal of the coffee beans.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the capacitance sensor is configured to generate an oscillating output signal, wherein the frequency of the oscillating output signal is indicative of the capacitance, wherein the controller is configured to: receive the oscillating output signal from the capacitance sensor; determine the frequency of the oscillating output signal; and determine, based on the frequency of the oscillating output signal, whether the hopper is empty.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to determine, based on the frequency, if the hopper is empty by performing a comparison of the frequency to one or more thresholds stored in a memory associated with the controller, wherein determining if the hopper is empty is determined based on the comparison.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the capacitance sensor includes a timer circuit.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the timer circuit includes a 555-timer integrated chip configured to operate in astable operating mode.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, each conductor has a substantially semiannulus profile.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of conductors includes a pair of conductors, including a first conductor electrically insulated from a second conductor.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of conductors includes a further pair of conductors, including a third conductor electrically insulated from a fourth conductor, located proximal to an outlet of the collar, wherein the first and second conductors are located proximal to an inlet of the collar.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the collar has a longitudinal axis, wherein first and second conductors are aligned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the third and fourth conductors are aligned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first and third conductors are located adjacent to each other relative to the second and fourth conductors, and wherein the second and fourth conductors are located adjacent to each other relative to the first and third conductors.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, in response to determining that the hopper is empty, the controller is configured to generate an output by one or more output devices in electrical communication with the controller.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the conductors are copper.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of conductors comprises: conductive tape secured to the collar; or conductive plates embedded within the collar.

[0021] In a second aspect there is provided a coffee bean grinder device, comprising: the coffee bean dispensing device of the first aspect; and a grinder mechanism controllable by the controller, wherein the coffee beans dispensed by the coffee bean dispensing device are received by the grinder mechanism for grinding.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to determine, based on the capacitance across the plurality of conductors, whether the hopper is uncoupled from the collar, wherein the controller prevents actuation of the grinder mechanism based on the hopper being uncoupled.

[0023] In a third aspect there is provided an espresso machine including the coffee bean grinder device.

[0024] Other aspects and embodiments will be appreciated throughout the description herein.Brief Description of the Figures

[0025] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures.

[0026] Figure 1 A is a schematic view of an example of a collar for a coffee bean dispensing device or grinder device.

[0027] Figure 1 B is a functional block diagram of an example sensing system for a coffee bean dispensing device or grinder device.

[0028] Figure 2 is an electrical schematic and functional block diagram of an example of a capacitance meter coupled to a controller of the coffee bean dispensing device or grinder device.

[0029] Figure 3 is a flowchart representing an example of a method for determining a fill state of the hopper of the coffee bean dispensing device or grinder device.

[0030] Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of power spectral density versus frequency for a first electrical configuration of the conductors of the collar of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 5 is a graph showing an example of power spectral density versus frequency for a second electrical configuration of the conductors of the collar of Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of power spectral density versus frequency for a third electrical configuration of the conductors of the collar of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 7 is an isometric view of an example of a coffee bean grinder device.

[0034] Figure 8 is an isometric view of an example of an espresso machine.

[0035] Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of an example of a coffee bean dispensing device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1 A there is shown an example of a collar 5 of a coffee bean dispenser 900 (see Figure 9) or coffee bean grinder 700 (see Figure 7). The collar 5 is configured to couple a hopper 20 to a housing 30 of the grinder (see Figure 7). The collar includes a shute 7 extending between an inlet 9, to receive coffee beans fed from the hopper 20, and an outlet 10. In the instance where the collar 5 is for a coffee bean grinder, the outlet feeds the coffee beans to a grinder mechanism 260 including one or more burrs. However, in the instance where the collar is for a coffee bean dispenser, the outlet 10 can feed into a separate container, such as a cup or the like. As shown in Figure 1, the shute 7 has disposed therewith a plurality of conductors 12-18. An electrical field is generated across the collar 5, forexample the shute 7, by the plurality of conductors and an electrical power source Vcc.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 B there is shown a functional block diagram of state detector for a hopper 20 of a grinder 700 or a dispenser 900. In particular, a capacitance sensor 100 (also referred to as a capacitive sensor) is electrically coupled to the conductors 12-18 and is configured to sense a capacitance thereacross. The capacitance sensor 100 is electrically coupled to a controller 110. An output signal from the capacitance sensor 100 is output to the controller 110. The controller 110 is configured to determine, based on the capacitance across the plurality of conductors 12-18, whether the hopper 20 is empty.

[0039] When the hopper 20 contains coffee beans, the permittivity of the coffee beans located between the conductors 12-18 generates a different capacitance compared to the permittivity of air located between the conductors 12-18 when the hopper is empty. Based on this principle, the capacitance of the conductors 12-18 of the collar 5 which supports and couples the hopper 20 provides a useful indication of whether the hopper 20 contains coffee beans or whether the hopper 20 is empty.

[0040] Each conductor 12-18 has a substantially semi-annulus profile, such as a ring or arc profile. In one form, the collar 5 can include a first conductor 12 and second conductor 14 forming a single conductor pair. The first and second conductors 12, 14 are electrically insulated from each other, thereby forming a capacitor. The first and second conductors 12, 14 are aligned orthogonally relative to a longitudinal axis of the collar 5.

[0041] However, in other embodiments, as shown in Figure 1A, the plurality of conductors can include a further pair of conductors, including a third conductor 16 electrically insulated from a fourth conductor 18. In this arrangement, the first and second conductors 12, 14 are located proximal to the inlet 9 of the shute 7 and the third and fourth conductors 16, 18 are located proximal to the outlet 10 of the shute 7. In this configuration, the shute 7 has a longitudinal axis, wherein first and second conductors 12, 14 are aligned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, andthe third and fourth conductors 16, 18 are aligned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The first and third conductors 12, 16 are located adjacent to each other relative to the second and fourth conductors 14, 18, and wherein the second and fourth conductors 14, 18 are located adjacent to each other relative to the first and third conductors 12, 16.

[0042] The conductors 12-18 are preferably made of copper. However, it will be appreciated that other electrically conductive materials can be utilised, such as aluminium, graphite, or iron. In certain embodiments, the plurality of conductors 12- 18 comprise conductive tape secured to the collar 5, such as the shute 7. However, in other forms, the conductors 12-18 can be provided as conductive plates which are embedded within the collar, such as the shute 7.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown an electrical and functional block diagram of a detection system 200 for detecting whether the hopper 20 of the grinder 700 is empty. In particular, the detection system 200 includes a capacitance sensor 100 electrically connected to a controller 110.

[0044] The capacitance sensor 110 includes an integrated chip 102 which generates an oscillating wave in the form of a square wave, wherein the frequency of the oscillating wave is dependent upon the capacitance of the conductors 12-18. The integrated chip 102 can be provided in the form of a timer integrated chip, such as a 555-timer integrated chip which is configured to operate in an astable operating mode.

[0045] The 555-timer integrated chip includes 8 pins. Pin P1 is the ground pin. Pin P2 is the trigger. Pin P3 is the output pin. Pin P4 is the reset pin. Pin P5 is the control voltage pin. Pin P6 Is the threshold pin. Pin P7 is the discharge pin. Pin P8 is the power supply (Vcc) pin. The conductors 12-18 are connected between the input signal pin P6 of the timer integrated chip and ground. Whilst the voltage sensed at pin P6 (the voltage created by the voltage divider) is less than the 2 / 3 of the power supply voltage Vcc, a low signal is emitted at pin P3 of the timer integrated circuit whilst voltage increases across the conductors 12-18. Once the voltage across thecapacitor is greater than 2 / 3 of power supply voltage Vcc, a high signal is output at pin P3, and the capacitor begins to discharge. Once the capacitor discharges to a point where the voltage across the conductors 12-18 is less than 1 / 3 of the power supply voltage, the output at pin P3 switches back to low again, allowing the capacitor to recharge and repeat the cycle, thereby generating a square wave. In the specific application for the current aspect, the frequency of the output square wave is indicative of the value of the capacitance of the capacitor.

[0046] The controller 110 includes a processor 210, a memory 220 and an input / output (i / o) interface 230 coupled together via a bus 240. The output signal from the capacitance sensor 100 is received via the i / o interface 230. One or more output devices 250 can be coupled to the controller 110 via the i / o interface 230. For example, the output device(s) 250 can take the form of a visual display device, a light, or a speaker. The controller 110 can generate an output signal to control actuation of the one or more output devices 250 in response to detecting that the hopper 20 is empty of coffee beans. The memory 220 has stored therein executable instructions which configure the processor 210 to perform a method 300 as discussed below. In embodiments where the device is a grinder 700, the controller 110 is also in electrical communication with the drive unit of the grinder mechanism 260 of the grinder 700 via the i / o interface 230. As discussed below, in response to determining that the hopper 20 is uncoupled, the controller 110 can generate a deactivation signal to deactivate actuation of the grinder drive assembly. The controller 110 can also be in electrical communication with one or more input devices 270 via the i / o interface 230.

[0047] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a flowchart representing a method 300 performed by the controller 110 to determine whether the hopper 20 of the grinder 700 of dispenser 900 is empty of coffee beans.

[0048] In particular, at step 310, the method 300 includes the controller 110 receiving the oscillating output signal from the capacitance sensor 100.

[0049] At step 320, the method 300 includes the controller 110 determining the frequency of the oscillating output signal. The controller 110 can calculate the duty cycle and then calculate the frequency of the square wave.

[0050] At step 330, the method 300 includes the controller 110 determining, based on the frequency of the oscillating output signal, whether the hopper 20 is empty by performing a comparison of the determined frequency to one or more thresholds, such as ranges, stored in the memory 220. In particular, the thresholds can be stored in a lookup table 225 which is stored in memory 220. In response to determining that the hopper 20 is empty, the method 300 proceeds to step 340. Otherwise, the method 300 proceeds to step 360.

[0051] At step 340, in response to detecting that the hopper 20 is empty, the method 300 includes the controller 110 controlling at least one of the one or more output devices 250 connected to the i / o interface 230. For example, a warning message or visual notification may be presented via a visual display. In an additional or alternate form, a particular noise may be emitted by a speaker to indicate that the hopper 20 is empty. The method 300 then ends.

[0052] At step 350, the method 300 can optionally include the controller 110 determining, based on the frequency of the oscillating output signal, whether the hopper 20 is uncoupled from the collar 5 by performing a comparison of the frequency of the oscillating signal to one or more thresholds, such as ranges, stored in the memory 220. In particular, the thresholds can be stored in the lookup table 225 which is stored in memory 220.

[0053] At step 360, in response to the hopper 20 being uncoupled, the method 300 includes the controller 110 controlling at least one of the one or more output devices 250 connected to the i / o interface 230. For example, a warning message or visual notification may be presented via a visual display to indicate that the hopper 20 is uncoupled. In an additional or alternate form, a particular noise may be emitted by a speaker to indicate that the hopper 20 is uncoupled from the collar 5.

[0054] At step 370, in the instance the method 300 is performed for a grinder 700, the method 300 deactivates the drive assembly for the grinder mechanism 260. This restricts the grinder 700 being operated whilst the hopper 20 is uncoupled. After step 370, the method 300 ends.

[0055] The method 300 can be performed by the controller 110 in response to receiving user input to begin a grinding process or a dispensing process. For example, the controller 110 can receive a grind input signal from the input device 270 of the grinder 700, or a dispense input signal from the input device 270 of the dispenser 900. In response, the controller 110 performs the method 300. If the method 300 is being performed for a grinder 700, and if the hopper 20 is empty or the hopper 20 is uncoupled, the controller 110 sets a flag in memory 220 noting the current state of the hopper 20 and prevents the grinding process being performed until either the hopper 20 is refilled or the hopper 20 is coupled to the collar 5. Once the hopper 20 is refilled or the hopper 20 is coupled to the collar 5, the flag is reset noting the new state of the hopper 20.

[0056] Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6 there is discussed various electrical configurations of the conductors of the collar 5 which have various frequency thresholds for determining when there is presence or absence of coffee beans in the hopper 20. In each of these configurations, the lid of the hopper 20 is connected to ground.

[0057] Referring to Figure 4 there is shown a graph of an example of power spectral density versus frequency representing the output signal received by the controller 110 for a first electrical configuration of the conductors 12-18 of the collar 5 exemplified in Figure 1. The graph was generated based on frequency data collected from a plurality of trials with various amounts of beans contained in the hopper 20, wherein a histogram was created based on the collected frequency data which was then evaluated and normalised to estimate the power spectral density as shown in Figure 4. In the first electrical configuration, the first conductor 12 was left floating (i.e. unconnected to either ground or the input power supply), the third conductor 16 was connected to the input power supply (Vcc) and the second and fourthconductors 14, 18 were connected to ground. As can be seen in the graph of Figure 5, the power spectral density is separated into a first band (when beans are present in the hopper) between 63KHz to 64kHz, a second band between 64kHz and 65kHz (when there are not beans in the hopper), and a third band between 69.5khz to 70khz (when the hopper is uncoupled from the collar). In this instance, the controller 110 can have stored in memory 220 a threshold frequency of 63.5kHz, wherein an output frequency greater than 63.5kHz, but lower than 69kHz, is indicative of the hopper 20 being empty. In addition, a second threshold of 69kHz can be stored in memory 220 indicative of the threshold frequency when the hopper 20 is uncoupled from the collar 5. The thresholds can be used to form ranges for determining the state (e.g., not empty, empty, uncoupled).

[0058] Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a graph of power spectral density versus frequency representing the output signal received by the controller 110 for a second electrical configuration of the conductors 12-18 of the collar 5 exemplified in Figure 1. The graph was generated based on frequency data collected from a plurality of trials with various amounts of beans contained in the hopper 20, wherein a histogram was created based on the collected frequency data which was then evaluated and normalised to estimate the power spectral density as shown in Figure 5. In the second electrical configuration, the first and third conductors 12, 16 are connected to the input power supply (Vcc) and the second and fourth conductors 14, 18 are connected to ground. As can be seen in the graph of Figure 5, the power spectral density is separated into a first band (when beans are present in the hopper) between 40kHz to 41kHz, a second band between 41kHz and 41.5kHz (when there are not beans in the hopper 20), and a third band between 43.5khz to 44.5khz (when the hopper 20 is uncoupled from the collar 5). In this instance, the controller 110 can have stored in memory 220 a threshold frequency of 41kHz, wherein an output frequency greater than 41kHz, but lower than 43.5kHz, is indicative of the hopper 20 being empty. In addition, a second threshold of 43.5khz can be stored in memory 220 indicative of the threshold frequency when the hopper 20 is uncoupled from the collar 5. The thresholds can be used to form ranges for determining the state (e.g., not empty, empty, uncoupled).

[0059] Referring to Figure 6 there is shown a graph of an example of power spectral density versus frequency representing the output signal received by the controller 110 for a third electrical configuration of the conductors 12-18 of the collar 5 exemplified in Figure 1. The graph was generated based on frequency data collected from a plurality of trials with various amounts of beans contained in the hopper 20, wherein a histogram was created based on the collected frequency data which was then evaluated and normalised to estimate the power spectral density as shown in Figure 6. In the third electrical configuration, the third conductor 16 was connected to the input power supply (Vcc) and the first, second and fourth conductors 12, 14, 18 were connected to ground. As can be seen in the graph of Figure 6, the power spectral density is separated into a first band (when beans are present in the hopper 20) between 56.5 kHz to 57 kHz, a second band between 57kHz and 57.5kHz (when there are not beans in the hopper 20), and a third band between 62.5khz to 63khz (when the hopper 20 is uncoupled from the collar 5). In this instance, the controller 110 can have stored in memory 220 a threshold frequency of 57kHz, wherein an output frequency greater than 57kHz, but lower than 62kHz, is indicative of the hopper 20 being empty. In addition, a second threshold of 62kHz can be stored in memory 220 indicative of the threshold frequency when the hopper 20 is uncoupled from the collar. The thresholds can be used to form ranges for determining the state (e.g., not empty, empty, uncoupled).

[0060] Referring to Figure 7 there is shown a perspective view of an example of the coffee bean grinder device 700 (herein a coffee bean grinder 700). The coffee bean grinder 700 is an electrical, motorised coffee grinder which comprises a housing 30 which houses the grinder mechanism 260. It will be appreciated that effectively, the grinder 700 is a dispenser feeding to a grinder mechanism. The base is releasably coupled to the hopper 20 via the collar 5. The base 30 has a recess or discharge area 712 into which ground coffee is dispensed. The discharge area 712 can accommodate containers such as a portafilter, filter or storage canister. The base 30 has a head 713 located above the recess 712. A front panel or surface 714 of the head 713 features various user controls including (as will be further explained) a discharge amount adjustment rotating knob 715, a push button or one or more other user controls for choosing discreet preset discharge amounts 716, a start / cancel button 717 and a grind size selector dial 718. The grind size selector dialmechanically controls the vertical movement of the upper burr of the grinder 10. The spacing between the upper burr and the lower burr determines the grind size. The dial 718 also controls the appearance of the display 720 by causing one of a number of arrow icons to appear in the appropriate position under a grind size index line. The preset amount button 716 allows the user to choose an amount of coffee grinds to discharge. Depressing this button causes a numeric display portion to change in discrete increments. Each displayed numeric value represents a grinding time for each grind type. Parameters such as grinding time and grinding type are related to the discharge amount in accordance with a look up table stored in the memory 220. A rear surface of the recess 712 also has an external button 719 coupled to an electrical switch that is activated with the presence of a portafilter. The front panel 714 also features an electronic display 720. Further details in relation to the coffee bean grinding apparatus are disclosed in PCT / AU2011 / 000274, the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, an espresso machine 800 (also known as an espresso coffee making machine) may incorporate an integral coffee grinder 700 with hopper 20. In one form, the espresso machine 800 can include a tamping augur 802 for filling a portafilter 804 engaged with a fill head 806. The fill head 806 receives ground coffee from the grinder 700 and discharges it into the portafilter 804. The fill head 806 also contains and orients the rotating tamping augur 806. The operation of both the grinder 700 and augur 802 can be controlled simply by manipulating the portafilter 804 that is in engagement with the fill head 806. Further details regarding the espresso coffee making machine are disclosed by PCT / AU2014 / 000378 and PCT / AU2014 / 000378, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, there is an example of a coffee bean dispensing device 900. The coffee bean dispensing device 900 includes a housing 30, such as a frame, a hopper 20 for receiving coffee beans which is removably attached to the housing 30, and a controller 110 (not shown in Figure 9; see Figure 2). The hopper 20 includes the plurality of conductors 12 - 18 located within or on a wall structure of the hopper 20 proximate to an outlet thereof. The conductors 12 - 18 are in electrical communication with the capacitance sensor 100, as previously discussed. At thebottom of the hopper 20 is a funnel 910 which conveniently guides the coffee beans toward the outlet. In one or more embodiments, a receiving vessel 1000, such as a cup, can be placed underneath the outlet. The funnel 910 is for convenience only and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the device 900 can operate without the funnel 910. A door 920 located at the top of the funnel 910 is configured to move between an open position and a closed position to control dispensal of the coffee beans. In one form, the door 920 is actuated by a drive device (not shown) electrically controlled by the controller 110 in response to a user pressing a user interface device, such as a button 270, wherein movement of the door 920 from the closed position to the open position results in the dispensal of the coffee beans, and the movement of the door 920 from the open position to the closed position results in stopping the dispensal of the coffee beans. However, it will be appreciated that the user interface device may alternatively be operatively coupled to a mechanical linkage where the door is movable via user actuation of the user interface device which in turn operatively moves the mechanical linkage which in turn moves the door 920.

[0063] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0064] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of thepresent invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above-described invention.

[0065] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely but may well include other elements not listed.

[0066] It should be appreciated that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other, unless otherwise specified.

[0067] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0068] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0069] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

Claims1. A coffee bean dispensing device, comprising: a housing; a hopper, releasably coupled to the housing via a collar, wherein the collar has disposed therewith a plurality of conductors, wherein an electrical field is generated across the collar by the plurality of conductors and an electrical power source; a capacitance sensor, in electrical communication with the plurality of conductors, configured to generate an output signal indicative of the capacitance across the plurality conductors; and a controller, in electrical communication with the capacitance sensor, configured to determine, based on the output signal from the capacitance sensor, whether the hopper is empty.

2. The coffee bean dispensing device of claim 1, further including a door movable between an open and closed position to control dispensal the coffee beans.

3. The coffee bean dispensing device of claim 2, wherein movement of the door is controllable via actuation of a dispensing button.

4. The coffee bean dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coffee bean dispensing device includes a funnel to guide dispensal of the coffee beans.

5. The coffee bean dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capacitance sensor is configured to generate an oscillating output signal, wherein the frequency of the oscillating output signal is indicative of the capacitance, wherein the controller is configured to: receive the oscillating output signal from the capacitance sensor; determine the frequency of the oscillating output signal; and determine, based on the frequency of the oscillating output signal, whether the hopper is empty.

6. The coffee bean dispensing device of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to determine, based on the frequency, if the hopper is empty by performing a comparison of the frequency to one or more thresholds stored in a memory associated with the controller, wherein determining if the hopper is empty is determined based on the comparison.

7. The coffee bean dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the capacitance sensor includes a timer circuit.

8. The coffee bean dispensing device of claim 7, wherein the timer circuit includes a 555-timer integrated chip configured to operate in astable operating mode.

9. The coffee bean dispensing device of claims 1 to 8, wherein each conductor has a substantially semi-annulus profile.

10. The coffee bean dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of conductors includes a pair of conductors, including a first conductor electrically insulated from a second conductor.

11. The coffee bean dispensing device of claim any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of conductors includes a further pair of conductors, including a third conductor electrically insulated from a fourth conductor, located proximal to an outlet of the collar, wherein the first and second conductors are located proximal to an inlet of the collar.

12. The coffee bean dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the collar has a longitudinal axis, wherein first and second conductors are aligned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the third and fourth conductors are aligned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

13. The coffee bean dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the first and third conductors are located adjacent to each other relative to the second and fourthconductors, and wherein the second and fourth conductors are located adjacent to each other relative to the first and third conductors.

14. The coffee bean dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein in response to determining that the hopper is empty, the controller is configured to generate an output by one or more output devices in electrical communication with the controller.

15. The coffee bean dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the conductors are copper.

16. The coffee bean dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the plurality of conductors comprises: conductive tape secured to the collar; or conductive plates embedded within the collar.

17. A coffee bean grinder device, comprising: the coffee bean dispensing device of any one of claims 1 to 16; and a grinder mechanism controllable by the controller, wherein the coffee beans dispensed by the coffee bean dispensing device are received by the grinder mechanism for grinding.

18. The coffee bean grinder device of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to determine, based on the capacitance across the plurality of conductors, whether the hopper is uncoupled from the collar, wherein the controller prevents actuation of the grinder mechanism based on the hopper being uncoupled.

19. An espresso machine including the coffee bean grinder device of any one of claims 17 or 18.

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