Real time monitoring of beverage filter water level using temperature

Abstract

A beverage filtering device includes a liquid-permeable filter body having an interior. The body has first and second opposing side portions. One or more fasteners are coupled to at least one of the first and second opposing side portions. One or more temperature sensors are coupled to the body and thermally coupled to the interior.

Description

REAL TIME MONITORING OF BEVERAGE FILTER WATER LEVEL USING TEMPERATUREPRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 560,130 filed I March 2024 and is related to International Application No. PCT / US22 / 36588, filed 08 July 2022, International Application No. PCT / US23 / 26822, filed 30 June 2023, US Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63 / 219,569, filed 08 July 2021, 63 / 424,097, filed 09 November 2022, 63 / 454,029, filed 22 March 2023, and 63 / 621,105, filed 15 January 2024. The disclosures of each of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated , in their entireties, by this reference as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] Single serving, pour-over coffee filters were introduced in the 1990s in Japan, and the popularity of such filters is rapidly expanding. In 2011, 1.4 billion units were sold in countries all over the world. There have been some attempts to build systems that accurately mimic the manual pour-over method, but one of the major challenges in doing this is knowing the water level in the coffee filter at any given time. In the manual pour-over method, water is added to the coffee in the filter until the filter is full or almost full, the water is then allowed to flow through the filter (thus gradually lowering the water level in the filter), and then more water is added. These steps are repeated until the desired amount of coffee is made.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings, hi the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a beverage filter and temperaturesensing probe according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a beverage brewing system according to an embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the filter illustrated in Fig. 1;

[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the system and filter illustrated in Fig. 2; and

[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a drip coffee style basket and temperature-sensing probe combination configured to receive a beverage filter according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0008] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] This application is intended to describe one or more embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the use of absolute terms, such as "‘must,” “will,” and the like, as well as specific quanti ties, is to be construed as being applicable to one or more of such embodiments, but not necessarily to all such embodiments. As such, embodiments of theinvention may omit, or include a modification of, one or more features or functionalities described in the context of such absolute terms . In addition, the headings in this application are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of the present invention. This description provides examples, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements.

[0010] Thus, various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, it should be appreciated that the methods may be performed in an order different than that described, and that various steps may be added, omitted or combined. Also, aspects and elements described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. It should also be appreciated that the following systems, methods, and devices may individually or collectively be components of a larger system, wherein other procedures may take precedence over or otherwise modify their application.

[0011] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

[0012] In a filter design according to an embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, a pour-over water-permeable beverage filter 5 includes fasteners such as hangers 10 that are intended to be used with one or more beverage (e.g., coffee, tea, etc.) makers (and filter holders), for example those disclosed in one or more of the patent applications referenced in paragraph

[0001] above, and not hang on the edge of a cup. Such an embodiment further includes an interior portion 15that may be filled with, for example, coffee grounds. The hangers 10 may also act as cantilever springs to hold the top of the filter 5 open in the shape of a rectangle at the top.

[0013] Disclosed herein is a novel structure and method for monitoring the water level in the filter 5 using feedback from one, or multiple, temperature-sensing probes 20 (preferably a thermistor). While the temperature-sensing probe(s) 20 of a preferred embodiment would be a thermistor, alternate embodiments can include any temperature-sensing probes that can sense the temperature of fluid within interior portion 15, such as, for example thermocouples and infrared sensors. If just one thermistor 20 is used, it can be placed near the top of the filter 5. Alternate probe positioning could be used to provide similar feedback. Continuous or periodic monitoring of the thermistor 20 (temperature) can be used to determine the water level in the filter 5. This temperature reading can be provided to, for example, an analog or digital computing circuit 25 a part of a coffee maker or other structure / system 22 configured to cooperate with sensor 20. This enables automated water dispensing in a coffee maker as the amount of ground coffee, the grind coarseness, and coffee freshness all play a role on how quickly water will pass through filter 5. The temperature feedback can be used by a sy stem having such a computing circuit 25 to, for example, automate the water dispensing in an automated coffee brewing solution, to provide triggers (e.g., visual / audio) for water dispensing (or cessation) to those performing manual pour-overs, to sense the presence / absence of a filter, as well as provide a safety' mechanism for any drip or pour-over coffee maker to prevent water overflow outside the filter.

[0014] As alluded to above, multiple temperature probes 20 can be used to increase accuracy. Probe locations can be varied to provide additional information, including the measurement of full and drained filter levels and filter presence.

[0015] Fig. 2 illustrates a partial top view of a beverage brewing system 22 according to an embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the filter 5 illustrated in Fig. 1 . Fig. 3 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the system 22 and filter 5 illustrated in Fig. 2. As can be seen in Fig. 2, system 22 includes an arm 21 to which are affixed anchoring elements 24. Filter 5 can be attached to ami 21 by coupling the hangers 10 with the anchoring elements 24 such that filter is suspended above, for example, a coffee mug or teacup (not shown) and underneath a hot water spigot 23 as best shown in Fig. 3. In an embodiment, and as discussedin one or of the applications referenced above, arm 21 can move in a horizontal swirling motion to enhance the beverage brewing process. In an embodiment, when filter 5 is so situated on arm 21 , thermistor 20 can be mated with one or more ports 26 disposed on the arm enabling thermistor to provide temperature readings to circuitry 25 associated with system 22.

[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a drip coffee style basket and temperature-sensing probe combination 40 configured to receive a water-permeable beverage filter 42 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, combination 40 includes a filter basket 41 and a thermistor 43 configured to be in contact with the beverage filter 42 seated in the basket. Combination 40 further includes a drip spout 44 to facilitate enhanced beverage drainage from filter 42.

[0017] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A beverage filtering device, comprising: a liquid-permeable filter body having an interior, the body having first and second opposing side portions; one or more fasteners coupled to at least one of the first and second opposing side portions: and one or more temperature sensors coupled to the body and thermally coupled to the interior.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more temperature sensors comprise a thermistor.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more temperature sensors comprise an infrared sensor.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the body has an opening configured to allow liquid into the interior, the opening being rectangular.

5. A beverage brewing system, comprising: a liquid dispensing device comprising a spigot, a support arm and temperature sensing circuitry', the support arm including one or more anchoring elements and one or more ports coupled to the circuitry; a liquid-permeable filter body having an interior, the body having first and second opposing side portions; one or more fasteners coupled to at least one of the first and second opposing side portions and configured to be further coupled to the anchoring elements positioning the body below the spigot; and one or more temperature sensors coupled to the body and thermally coupled to the interior, the one or more temperature sensors being configured to be electrically coupled to the circuitry' via the one or more ports.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the one or more temperature sensors comprise a thermistor.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the one or more temperature sensors comprise an infrared sensor.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the body has an opening configured to allow liquid into the interior, the opening being rectangular.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the support arm is configured to move in a horizontal swirling motion.

10. A beverage filtering device, comprising: a filter basket having an interior and configured to receive a liquid-permeable filter body; and one or more temperature sensors coupled to the basket and thermally coupled to the interior.

11. The filtering device of claim 10, further comprising a drip spout fluidly coupled to the interior.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the one or more temperature sensors comprise a thermistor.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the one or more temperature sensors comprise an infrared sensor.

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