Apparatus and method for preparing a customized product

Abstract

A method of providing a customized product comprises receiving an indication corresponding to a predetermined flavor of the product, obtaining a schedule comprising a first profile for a pressure, a temperature and / or a flowrate of a fluid over a predetermined period of time, the schedule being associated with the predetermined flavor, and providing the fluid according to the schedule to obtain the customized product. An apparatus for preparing a customized product comprises separate hot and cold fluid circuits configured to be controlled independently to modulate the temperature, pressure and flow rate of a fluid provided to a brewing material. An apparatus for providing a customized product comprises a heating chamber with two inlets fluidly connected to independently controlled fluid supplies and a heating element. The parameters of the fluid provided to a brewing material are efficiently controlled and rapidly modulated.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTTECHNICAE FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the preparation of customized products, and more particularly to preparing customized beverages and to methods of preparation thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] Current consumer trends favour customisation to individual users’ tastes and preferences. For example, in beverage making, customization generally involves adding flavoring agents, additives, or syrups.

[0003] Consumers can customize a beverage, for example, by using one or more flavor additives after having carbonated water using commonly available carbonators such as SodaStrcam ™. Other customization options include, for example, flavor and extras combinations in a consumer’s coffee drink, such as added syrups.

[0004] US Patent 9,820,605 presents an apparatus for brewing coffee that adapts the dispensing pressure of water to the coffee grain size. US publication 2021 / 0186258 describes an apparatus that cools hot water to a desired, pre-set value prior to brewing coffee. Chinese publication CN 116919168 describes a user’s ability to adjust coffee brewing parameters within specific ranges to a target extraction temperature.

[0005] Currently available customization techniques require extensive inventory for the necessary flavor additives, and consumers’ ability to access their preferred customized beverage may thus be limited, for example in case of a supply disruption. Additionally, current customization techniques depend on the characteristics of the coffee blend, such as the grind size, and accordingly user’s ability to customize their drink to their own preferences is limited.

[0006] There is accordingly a need for improved customization techniques. There is also a need for better apparatuses for customizing products such as beverages.SUMMARY

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there are disclosed apparatuses and methods for customizing a beverage such as a coffee beverage influencing the beverage’s flavor through modulating operating parameters including but not limited to at least one of temperature, pressure and flowrate during infusion or brewing.

[0008] According to a broad aspect, there is disclosed a method of providing a customized product. The method comprises receiving an indication corresponding to a predetermined flavor of the product, obtaining a schedule comprising a first profile for a temperature and at least one of a pressure and a flowrate of a fluid over a predetermined period of time, the schedule being associated with the predetermined flavor, and providing the fluid according to the schedule to obtain the customized product.

[0009] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the obtaining comprises retrieving the schedule from a database.

[0010] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the obtaining comprises receiving the schedule through an interface comprising means for receiving input from a user.

[0011] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the predetermined flavor is associated with a user.

[0012] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving, from a plurality of users, a plurality of second indications corresponding to a perceived flavor of the obtained customized product, storing the plurality of indications in the database, generating a second profile for at least one of the temperature, the pressure and the flowrate in response to the plurality of indications, and substituting the second profile for the corresponding first profile in the schedule.

[0013] According to a broad aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus for brewing a beverage comprising a water inlet, at least one pump fluidly connected to the water inlet, a hot water circuit fluidly connected to the at least one pump, the apparatus comprising: at least one heater, at least one first pressure sensor, at least one first flow sensor, and at least one first valve; a cold water circuit fluidly connected to the at least one pump, comprisingat least one second flow sensor, at least one second pressure sensor, and at least one second valve; a brewing portion; and a mixing manifold downstream of the first and second valves having at least two inlets fluidly connected to the hot water circuit and the cold water circuit, and at least one outlet fluidly connected to the brewing portion, the brewing portion being configured to receive a brewing material and to provide water thereto and comprising a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the water provided from the outlet of the mixing manifold and a heating element for heating the water provided from the outlet of the mixing manifold prior to contacting the brewing material.

[0014] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the brewing material is coffee.

[0015] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the apparatus comprises two pumps, each one of the cold water circuit and the hot water circuit comprising a pump for independently pumping fluid therethrough.

[0016] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one input means for receiving at least one input from a user and at least one controller, the controller being operatively connected to the pressure sensors, the flow sensors and the temperature sensor and configured to receive sensor data therefrom, the controller being operatively connected to the input means, the heater, the pump, the valves and the heating element, and the controller being configured to modify at least one operating parameter of at least one of the heater, the pump, the valves and the heating element in response to the sensor data and the input from the user.

[0017] According to a broad aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus for brewing a beverage. The apparatus comprises a heating chamber configured to heat a fluid, having a main inlet, a secondary inlet, and at least one outlet, the main inlet being situated proximate to a first longitudinal end of the heating chamber and being in fluid communication with a first fluid supply, the outlet being situated proximate to a second longitudinal end of the heating chamber, the second longitudinal end being opposite the first longitudinal end, the secondary inlet being situated at a position between the main inlet and the outlet in a longitudinal direction and being in fluid communication with a second fluid supply, the first fluid supply and the second fluid supply being configured to be controlled independently; a heating element received in the heating chamber and configured to definea space between an internal wall of the heating chamber and a corresponding face of the heating element for permitting a flow of the fluid therethrough; and a brewing portion fluidly connected to the outlet and configured to receive the fluid from the outlet, receive a brewing material therein, and contact the fluid with the brewing material to obtain a customized beverage.

[0018] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the heating element is configured to occupy at least 40% of a volume of the heating chamber. In embodiments, the heating element is configured to occupy between 50% and 95% of the volume of the heating chamber.

[0019] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the heating element is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis.

[0020] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the heating element defines at least one recess extending on the face of the heating element. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the recess is spiral.

[0021] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the heating element comprises at least one protrusion. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the protrusion extends spirally along at least a portion of the face of the heating element.

[0022] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the secondary inlet is situated at a longitudinal distance from the main inlet corresponding to between 50% and 95% of the distance between the main inlet and the outlet.

[0023] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the secondary inlet is situated at a longitudinal distance from the main inlet corresponding to between 65% and 80% of the distance between the main inlet and the outlet.

[0024] According to a broad aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus for brewing a beverage. The apparatus comprises a pump configured to provide water to the apparatus, a flow-through heater in fluid communication with the pump and configured to heat a fluid flowing continuously therethrough, a first controllable valve downstream of the flow- through heater and in fluid communication therewith, a second controllable valve downstream of the pump and in fluid communication therewith, a mixer downstream of thefirst and second controllable valves and in fluid communication therewith, configured to combine a flow of water through the first controllable valve and another flow of water from the second controllable valve, a brewing portion configured to receive a combined water flow from the mixer and to contact the combined water flow with a brewing material to obtain the beverage, the brewing portion further comprising a high-power heater configured to contact the combined water flow prior to the combined water flow contacting the brewing material.

[0025] In accordance with one or more embodiments, at least one of the first and second controllable valves is a solenoid valve. In embodiments, the solenoid valve is a proportional valve. In embodiments, the solenoid valve is a three-way solenoid valve. In embodiments, the three-way solenoid valve is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough to depressurize at least a portion of the apparatus.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for preparing a customized product according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 is an apparatus for preparing a customized product having a single pump according to an embodiment

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a device for implementing at least some of the methods of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a system for implementing at least some of the methods of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method of preparing a customized product according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figures 6A to 61 are exemplary temperature, pressure and flowrate profiles for predetermined flavors.

[0032] Figure 7 is a cross-section of an apparatus for preparing a customized product according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 shows perspective views of an apparatus for preparing a customized product according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figures 9A, 9B, and 10A to 10D show right side, left side, rear, front, top and bottom views, respectively, of the apparatus of Figure 8.

[0035] Figure 11 shows top, bottom and cross-section views of selected components of the apparatus of Figure 8.

[0036] Figure 12 shows a heating and mixing element for an apparatus for preparing a customized beverage according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 13 shows fluid circuits for an apparatus for preparing a customized product according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 14 shows fluid circuits for a boilerless apparatus for preparing a customized product according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figures 15Ato 15F show perspective, cross-section and side views of a brewing portion of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2.

[0040] Figure 16 shows an exemplary apparatus for brewing a beverage according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 17 shows an exemplary flow-through heater of the apparatus of Figure 16.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In the context of the present specification, a “server” is a computer program that is running on appropriate hardware and can receive requests (e.g., from electronic devices) over a network (e.g., a communication network), and conducting those requests, or causing those requests to be carried out. The hardware may be one physical computer or one physical computer system, but neither is required to be the case with respect to the present technology. In the present context, the use of the expression a “server” is not intended to mean that every task (e.g., received instructions or requests) or any particular task will have been received, carried out, or caused to be carried out, by the same server(i.e the same software and / or hardware); it is intended to mean that any number of software elements or hardware devices may be involved in receiving / sending, carrying out or causing to be carried out any task or request, or the consequences of any task or request; and all of this software and hardware may be one server or multiple servers, both of which are included within the expressions “at least one server” and “a server”.

[0043] In the context of the present specification, “electronic device” is any computing apparatus or computer hardware that can run software appropriate to the relevant task at hand. Thus, some (non-limiting) examples of electronic devices include general purpose personal computers (desktops, laptops, netbooks, etc.), mobile computing devices, smartphones, and tablets, and network equipment such as routers, switches, and gateways. It should be noted that an electronic device in the present context is not precluded from acting as a server to other electronic devices. The use of the expression “an electronic device” does not preclude multiple electronic devices being used in receiving / sending, carrying out or causing to be carried out any task or request, or the consequences of any task or request, or steps of any method described herein. In the context of the present specification, a “client device” refers to any of a range of end-user client electronic devices, associated with a user, such as personal computers, tablets, smartphones, and the like.

[0044] In the context of the present specification, the expression "computer readable storage medium" (also referred to as "storage medium” and “storage”) is intended to include non-transitory media of any nature and kind whatsoever, including without limitation RAM, ROM, disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, floppy disks, hard drivers, etc.), USB keys, solid-state drives, tape drives, etc. A plurality of components may be combined to form the computer information storage media, including two or more media components of a same type and / or two or more media components of diverse types.

[0045] In the context of the present specification, a "database" is any structured collection of data, irrespective of its particular structure, the database management software, or the computer hardware on which the data is stored, implemented or otherwise rendered available for use. A database may reside on the same hardware as the process that stores or makes use of the information stored in the database or it may reside on separate hardware, such as a dedicated server or plurality of servers.

[0046] In the context of the present specification, the expression “information” includes information of any nature or kind whatsoever capable of being stored in a database . Thus information includes, but is not limited to audiovisual works (images, movies, sound records, presentations etc.), data (location data, numerical data, etc.), text (opinions, comments, questions, messages, etc.), documents, spreadsheets, lists of words, etc.

[0047] In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, an “indication” of an information element may be the information element itself or a pointer, reference, link, or other indirect mechanism enabling the recipient of the indication to locate a network, memory, database, or other computer-readable medium location from which the information element may be retrieved. For example, an indication of a document could include the document itself (i.e., its contents), or it could be a unique document descriptor identifying a file with respect to a particular file system, or some other means of directing the recipient of the indication to a network location, memory address, database table, or other location where the file may be accessed. As one skilled in the art would recognize, the degree of precision required in such an indication depends on the extent of any prior understanding about the interpretation to be given to information being exchanged as between the sender and the recipient of the indication. For example, if it is understood prior to a communication between a sender and a recipient that an indication of an information element will take the form of a database key for an entry in a particular table of a predetermined database containing the information element, then the sending of the database key is all that is required to effectively convey the information element to the recipient, even though the information element itself was not transmitted as between the sender and the recipient of the indication.

[0048] In the context of the present specification, the expression “communication network” is intended to include a telecommunications network such as a computer network, the Internet, a telephone network, a Telex network, a TCP / IP data network (e.g., a WAN network, a LAN network, etc.), and the like. The term “communication network” includes a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared and other wireless media, as well as combinations of any of the above.

[0049] In the context of the present specification, the words “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for distinction between the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between those nouns. Thus, for example, it should be understood that, the use of the terms “server” and “third server” is not intended to imply any particular order, type, chronology, hierarchy or ranking (for example) of / between the server, nor is their use (by itself) intended imply that any “second server” must necessarily exist in any given situation. Further, as discussed herein in other contexts, reference to a “first” element and a “second” element does not preclude the two elements from being the same actual real-world element. Thus, for example, in some instances, a “first” server and a “second” server may be the same software and / or hardware, in other cases they may be different software and / or hardware.

[0050] The examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present technology and not to limit its scope to such specifically recited examples and conditions. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art may devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, nonetheless embody the principles of the present technology and are included within its spirit and scope.

[0051] Furthermore, as an aid to understanding, the following description may describe relatively simplified implementations of the present technology. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various implementations of the present technology may be of a greater complexity.

[0052] In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to the present technology may also be set forth. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and a person skilled in the art may make other modifications while nonetheless remaining within the scope of the present technology. Further, where no examples of modifications have been set forth, it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and / or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the present technology.

[0053] Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and implementations of the present technology, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof, whether they are currently known or developed in the future. Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the present technology. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flowcharts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo-code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer-readable media and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

[0054] The functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including any functional block labeled as a "processor" or a “graphics processing unit,” may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. In one or more non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be a general purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a processor dedicated to a specific purpose, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU). Moreover, explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and / or custom, may also be included.

[0055] Software modules, or simply modules which are implied to be software, may be represented herein as any combination of flowchart elements or other elements indicating performance of process steps and / or textual description. Such modules may be executed by hardware that is expressly or implicitly shown.

[0056] Non-limiting examples to illustrate various implementations of aspects of the present technology are presented herein.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1, according to the present disclosure, an apparatus for preparing a customized product 100 comprises a water inlet 101, a main housing 102 and a brewing or infusion portion 103. It is understood that the brewing or infusion portion 103 may be inside the housing 102, integral to the housing 102, or provided as a separate element to be secured thereto, for example as part of a kit. In a non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of infusion portions may be provided for attachment to the same apparatus 100, for example being adapted for coffee brewing, tea infusion, herbal (e.g. floral) infusion, and other beverage preparations. The characteristics of the brewing or infusion portion may be adapted to the kind of material being brewed or infused, for example by having different pore or mesh sizes.

[0058] The brewing or infusion portion 103 has an outlet 104 configured to deliver the infused beverage to a vessel or receptacle 105, such as a user’s cup or mug. It is understood that the cup or mug may be any acceptable vessel, such as a paper cup, a coffee mug, a reusable mug a travel mug, and / or others.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a hot water circuit 110 and a cold water circuit 120. The water inlet 101 is common to both the hot water circuit 110 and the cold water circuit 120 and is fluidly connected to both circuits 110 and 120. A pressure meter 106 is situated upstream of a division of the fluid flow from the inlet to each one of the circuits 110 and 120.

[0060] The hot water circuit comprises a pump 111, a flow meter 112, a heater or boiler 113, pressure meters 114 and 116 and a controllable valve 115. It is understood that the components of the hot water circuit 110 are in fluid communication as will be apparent to a skilled person, for causing water to flow through the hot water circuit 110.

[0061] It is understood that the controllable valve 115 may be at least partially opened while the pump 111 is idle or starting. Water supply, such a municipal water supply, is generally provided at a predetermined pressure level. At least some pressure above atmospheric pressure can thus be present in the hot water circuit 110 by virtue of the fluid connection of the hot water circuit 110 to the water inlet 101. Controlled opening of the valve 115 can, accordingly, provide hot water from the hot water circuit 110 at a pressure up to the inlet pressure while the pump 115 is idle or starting.

[0062] The pump 111 is fluidly connected to the water inlet 101 and is configured to draw water from the inlet and into the hot water circuit 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 111 is configured to urge water to the heater 113. A flow meter or sensor 112 is configured to measure the flowrate of water to the heater 113. The heater 113 is configured to heat the water to a predetermined temperature, for example a temperature between 50 °C and 120 °C, between 60 °C and 100 °C, between 80 °C and 100 °C. It is understood that the predetermined temperature for the heater 113 may be varied. For example, a user of the apparatus 100 such as a coffee store operator may set the temperature of the heater 113 close to or slightly above a brewing temperature for coffee during the morning hours, and to a temperature close to the brewing temperature of decaffeinated or herbal beverages later in the day. The heater 113 comprises appropriate heating elements suitable for heating a volume of water corresponding to one or more customer orders in an acceptable time, for example heating a volume corresponding to at least one customer’s order in 30 seconds or less. In one or more embodiments, the heater 113 comprises one or more heating elements configured to deliver between 1000W and 3000W, for example a 2000W heating element.

[0063] Heated water flows out of the heater 113 and its pressure is measured by the pressure sensor 114. The controllable valve 115 is configured to open in a controlled manner, allowing the heated water to flow through the controllable valve 115, having its pressure measured or sensed downstream of the valve 115 by the pressure sensor 116. The controllable valve 115 may be a solenoid valve, or another type of valve suitable for providing variable flow rates therethrough. It will be appreciated that solenoid valves used in the present disclosure may comprise standard solenoid valves, for example valves configured to displace a piston or other means for blocking and / or regulating the flow of a fluid, or proportional solenoid valves, for example valves configured to modulate the size and / or diameter of a portion of a conduit. Other valve configurations may be used without departing from the principles disclosed herein.

[0064] The cold water circuit 120 is similar to the hot water circuit 110, with the necessary adaptations. A pump 121 draws water from the inlet 101 into the cold water circuit 120, and is configured to urge fluid towards the controllable valve 124. The cold water circuit 120 further comprises flowrate sensor 122 and pressure sensor 123 upstream of the valve 124, and a pressure sensor 125 downstream of the controllable valve 124. The controllable valve 124 is configured to open in a controlled manner to release cold waterdownstream. It is understood that the valve 124 may be at least partially opened to provide cold water from the cold water circuit 120 at a pressure up to the inlet pressure while the pump 121 is idle or starting.

[0065] A mixing manifold 130 is configured to receive hot water from the hot water circuit 110 and the cold water circuit 120 and to provide a stream of mixed water to the brewing portion 103. It is understood that the mixing manifold 130 may receive just hot water from the hot water circuit 110, for example for preparations where a higher brewing temperature is needed and a predetermined brewing pressure can be provided through the hot water circuit 110 only. In other embodiments, the mixing manifold 130 may receive predetermined quantities of hot water from the hot water circuit 110 and cold water from the cold water circuit 120 for achieving a predetermined flowrate, temperature and pressure at the outlet of the mixing manifold 130 (not shown).

[0066] The brewing portion 103 is configured to receive a stream of water from the mixing manifold 130 at a predetermined temperature, pressure and / or flowrate. The brewing portion 103 comprises a high-power controllable heating element 131 and temperature sensing means, such as a thermocouple 132, as well as means for receiving and retaining a material to be brewed or with which the water is to be infused (not shown). The material may be one or more of coffee, tea, herbs, chicory, orzo, yerba mate, cascara, matcha, barley coffee, floral preparations, and other materials suitable for brewing or infusing in water or other fluids. The high-power controllable heating element may be configured to provide between 200 and 2000 W of power, for example 500W.

[0067] The high-power controllable heating element 131 is configured to substantially palliate heat losses due to factors such as, but not limited to mixing, depressurization and conduction by the apparatus 100. The high-power controllable heating element 131 may be configured to maintain a predetermined temperature in the brewing portion 103 before, during and / or after use. For example, the element 131 may be configured to maintain the brewing portion at a temperature substantially corresponding to a minimum brewing temperature for brewing materials that the apparatus 100 is configured to receive. By maintaining a predetermined temperature in the brewing portion 131 and by adjusting the temperature of the water received from the mixing manifold 130, the high-power heating element 131 allows easier control of the brewing conditions in the brewing portion 103.

[0068] The infused product, such as an infused or brewed beverage 133 is then provided to the vessel 105 through an outlet 104.

[0069] In an exemplary use, the apparatus 100 is configured to brew a customized coffee. A coffee puck (not shown) is placed in the brewing portion 103 and predetermined brewing parameters are set for the apparatus 100. If this is the first use of the day for the apparatus 100, the pump 111 draws water from the inlet 101 to fill the heater 113. In one or more embodiments, water is provided to the inlet 101 , for example by a municipal water system, at a predetermined pressure, for example at 4 bar. Accordingly, the heater 113 may be filled using solely the municipal water pressure without activating the pump 111.

[0070] The heater 113 heats the water to a predetermined temperature, for example to 100 °C. The controllable valves 115 and 124 are opened to provide streams of hot and cold water to the mixing manifold 130 such that water having a pressure suitable for brewing the coffee from the coffee puck is provided at the outlet of the mixing manifold 130. It is understood that the temperature of the hot water and of the cold water provided by the hot water circuit 110 and the cold water circuit 120 may differ from the measured temperatures and pressures upstream of the controllable valves 115 and 124, due, among others, to heat loss during depressurization and heat dissipation in the conduits and the manifold.

[0071] Prior to the stream of water from the manifold 130 contacting the coffee puck for brewing the coffee, the temperature of the water provided by the manifold 130 is measured by the thermocouple 132 and, as needed, raised by activating the high-power heating element 131. Accordingly, the coffee puck provided in the brewing portion 103 contacts water at a predetermined temperature and pressure, for example at an optimal temperature and pressure for brewing the type of coffee or the coffee blend comprised in the puck.

[0072] The elements of the apparatus 100 may be functionally connected to one or more controllers (not shown in Figure 1) and may be operable by the controllers to modulate operating parameters of the apparatus 100 with little to no human intervention. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured to receive input corresponding to a flavor profile or to predetermined brewing parameters and to modulate the operation of the pumps 111, 121, the heater 113, the valves 115, 124 and the high-power heating element 132 according to the parameters. For example, the apparatus 100 may be configured to decrease water flow through the cold water circuit 120 or the hot water circuit 110, or to partially close one or more of the valves 115, 124 to reduce the pressure downstream of the valves and on the puck. Conversely, the flow provided by the pumps 111, 121 may be increased to increase the pressure of the water provided to the puck. The valves 115, 124 may be opened further to increase the downstream pressure.

[0073] It will be appreciated that the flow meters shown in Figure 1 are optional, as a flow rate may be determined according to any one or more of the operating parameters for the pumps 111, 131, the valves 115, 124 and from readings of the pressure sensors 106, 114, 115, 123 and 125.

[0074] The apparatus 100 may comprise additional elements suitable for directing and controlling the flow of a fluid therethrough, including but not limited to one-way valves, clapet valves, pressure relief means and / or drains to remove excess or unused fluid from the hot water circuit and / or the cold water circuit. Such components and their arrangement within the apparatus 100 will be apparent to a skilled person.

[0075] The predetermined brewing parameters may be provided as a brewing profile over time. For example, a brewing profile may comprise a first time interval having water provided to the puck at a first temperature, a first pressure, and / or a first flowrate, and a second time interval at a second temperature, the first pressure and / or a second flowrate. The profile may accordingly comprise a plurality of temperatures, a plurality of pressures, and / or a plurality of flowrates, or combinations of these over a predetermined brewing time. These embodiments and methods will become apparent below.

[0076] Referring now to Figure 2, an apparatus 200 similar to the apparatus 100 for brewing a customized beverage comprises a pump 107 providing water from the inlet 101 to both the hot water circuit 110 and the cold water circuit 120. Accordingly, in the apparatus 200, the flowrate and pressure of water downstream of the valves 115, 124 is controlled by synergistically controlling the flow of water through the pump 107 and the degree of opening of the valves 115, 124. It is understood that the valves 115, 124 may be controlled to at least partially open while the pump 107 is idle or starting, to provide hot water and cold water respectively at a pressure up to the inlet pressure.

[0077] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown an electronic device 300 suitable for use with one or more implementations of the present technology, the electronic device 300 comprising various hardware components including one or more single or multi-core processors collectively represented by processor 310, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 311, a solid-state drive 320, a random access memory 330, a display interface 340, and an input / output interface 350.

[0078] Communication between the various components of the electronic device 300 may be enabled by one or more internal and / or external buses 360 (e.g. a PCI bus, universal serial bus, IEEE 1394 “Firewire” bus, SCSI bus, Serial-ATA bus, etc.), to which the various hardware components are electronically coupled.

[0079] The input / output interface 350 may be coupled to a touchscreen 390 and / or to the one or more internal and / or external buses 360. The touchscreen 390 may be part of the display. In one or more embodiments, the touchscreen 390 is the display. The touchscreen 390 may equally be referred to as a screen 390. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the touchscreen 390 comprises touch hardware 394 (e.g., pressure-sensitive cells embedded in a layer of a display allowing detection of a physical interaction between a user and the display) and a touch input / output controller 392 allowing communication with the display interface 340 and / or the one or more internal and / or external buses 360. In one or more embodiments, the input / output interface 350 may be connected to a keyboard (not shown), a mouse (not shown) or a trackpad (not shown) allowing the user to interact with the electronic device 300 in addition or in replacement of the touchscreen 390.

[0080] According to one or more implementations of the present technology, the solid- state drive 320 stores program instructions suitable for being loaded into the random-access memory 330 and executed by the processor 310 and / or the GPU 311. For example, the program instructions may be part of a library or an application.

[0081] The electronic device 300 may be implemented as a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant or any device that may be configured to implement the present technology, as it may be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0082] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a schematic diagram of a system 400, the system 400 being suitable for implementing one or more non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. It is to be expressly understood that the system 400 as shown is merely an illustrative implementation of the present technology. Thus, the description thereof that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to the system 400 may also be set forth. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and, as a person skilled in the art would understand, other modifications are likely possible. Further, where this has not been done (i.e., where no examples of modifications have been set forth), it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and / or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the present technology. As a person skilled in the art would understand, this is likely not the case. In addition, it is to be understood that the system 400 may provide in certain instances simple implementations of the present technology, and that where such is the case they have been presented in this manner as an aid to understanding. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various implementations of the present technology may be of a greater complexity.

[0083] The system 400 comprises, among others, an apparatus for preparing a customized product 401, a server 402, a client device 403, and a database 404 communicatively connected over a communications network 405.

[0084] The apparatus 401 may be an apparatus 100 or 200 as shown and described in Figures 1 and 2, however it is understood than any apparatus for providing a customized product may be part of the system 400.

[0085] The server 402 is configured for at least one of, among others: receiving an indication corresponding to a predetermined flavor of a product, for example a coffee beverage; obtaining a schedule comprising a first profile for a pressure, a temperature and / or a flowrate of a fluid over a predetermined period of time; andcausing an apparatus to provide the fluid according to the schedule to obtain the product.

[0086] It will be appreciated that the server 402 can be implemented as a conventional computer server and may comprise at least some of the features of the electronic device 300 shown in Figure 3. In a non-limiting example of one or more embodiments of the present technology, the server 402 is implemented as a server running an operating system (OS). Needless to say that the server 402 may be implemented in any suitable hardware and / or software and / or firmware or a combination thereof. In the disclosed non-limiting embodiment of present technology, the server 402 is a single server. In one or more alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the functionality of the server 402 may be distributed and may be implemented via multiple servers (not shown).

[0087] The server 402 comprises a communication interface (not shown) configured to communicate with various entities (such as the database 404, for example and other devices potentially coupled to the communication network 405) via the communication network 405. The server 402 further comprises at least one computer processor 406 (e.g., the processor 310 of the electronic device 300) operationally connected with the communication interface and structured and configured to execute various processes to be described herein.

[0088] The system 400 comprises a client device 403. The client device 403 is associated with a user. As such, the client device 403 can sometimes be referred to as a “electronic device”, “end user device” or “client electronic device”. It should be noted that the fact that the client device 403 is associated with the user does not need to suggest or imply any mode of operation, such as a need to log in, a need to be registered, or the like. In some implementations of the present technology, the client device 403 is associated to a user by means of identifying features including, but not limited to, a phone number, an IMEI number, a MAC address and others. In other implementations, the system 400 may be agnostic to the individual client device 403, and a user may interact with the system 400 through any one or more client devices 403 by means of software that the client device 403 is configured to execute, such as an application, a web interface, and others.

[0089] The client device 403 comprises one or more components of the electronic device 300 such as one or more single or multi -core processors collectively represented by processor 310, the graphics processing unit (GPU) 311, the solid-state drive 320, the random access memory 330, the display interface 340, and the input / output interface 1350.

[0090] It will be appreciated that while only one client device 403 is depicted, there may be a plurality of client devices with associated users without departing from the scope of the present technology. In some implementations, a client device does not need to provide or alter data already stored in elements of the system 400, and at least a portion of said data may be provided to the general public, for example to a customer having bought or considering a product comprising one or more commodities for which a traceability report is available, and the client device 403 accordingly does not need to be associated with a user.

[0091] The client device 403 may communicate with other components of the system 400 through a communications network 405. In some embodiments, the client device 403 may communicate directly with the apparatus 401 without requiring a communications network. For example, the client device 403 may communicate with the apparatus 401 using NFC technology.

[0092] A database 404 is communicatively coupled to the server 402 and the client device 403 via the communications network 405 but, in one or more alternative implementations, the database 404 may be communicatively coupled to the server 402 without departing from the teachings of the present technology. Although the database 404 is illustrated schematically herein as a single entity, it will be appreciated that the database 404 may be configured in a distributed manner, for example, the database 404 may have different components, each component being configured for a particular kind of retrieval therefrom or storage therein.

[0093] The database 404 may be a structured collection of data, irrespective of its particular structure or the computer hardware on which data is stored, implemented or otherwise rendered available for use. The database 404 may reside on the same hardware as a process that stores or makes use of the information stored in the database 404 or it may reside on separate hardware, such as on the server 402. The database 404 may receive datafrom the server 402 for storage thereof and may provide stored data to the server 402 for use thereof.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the database 404 may store fde formats such as Excel, Word, and others.

[0095] In one or more embodiments of the present technology, the communications network 405 is the Internet. In one or more alternative non-limiting embodiments, the communication network 205 may be implemented as any suitable local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), a private communication network or the like. It will be appreciated that implementations for the communication network 405 are for illustration purposes only. How a communication link between the client device 403, the server 402, the database 404, and / or another electronic device (not shown) and the communications network 405 is implemented will depend inter alia on how each electronic device is implemented.

[0096] The communication network 405 may be used in order to transmit data packets amongst the client device 403, the server 402, and the database 404. For example, the communication network 405 may be used to transmit requests from the server 402 to the database 404. In another example, the communication network 405 may be used to transmit from the client device 403 to the server 402.

[0097] Referring now to Figure 5, a method 500 for preparing a customized product is disclosed.

[0098] According to processing step 501, the method comprises receiving an indication corresponding to a predetermined flavor of the product.

[0099] According to processing step 502, a schedule is obtained. The schedule comprises a first profile for a pressure, a temperature and / or a flowrate of a fluid over a predetermined period of time.

[0100] According to processing step 503, the fluid is provided according to the schedule.

[0101] The schedule in the method 500 is associated with the predetermined flavor to which the indication received at processing step 501 is associated.

[0102] The predetermined flavors and the schedules associated thereto may be stored in a memory and retrieved from the memory in response to the indication. The memory may be operatively connected to the apparatus, for example as a memory card. In other embodiments, the schedule may be stored externally, for example on a customer’s fob, RF card, NFC-enabled device, Bluetooth-enabled device, or a device with internet connectivity, or any other device suitable for being portable by a user and for providing data, such as an indication or a schedule, to an apparatus implementing the method 500. In a non-limiting embodiment, a customer may have an application or other software installed on their smartphone for storing, editing, creating and / or providing indications corresponding to a predetermined flavor to the apparatus implementing the method 500, such as the apparatus 100 or 200. In some embodiments, predetermined schedules, flavors, user preferences and user profiles may be stored on one or more servers, and a user may cause the indication to be provided to the apparatus comprising an instruction for the apparatus or one or more of its components to retrieve a corresponding schedule from the server.

[0103] The customer selects a predetermined flavor for a beverage, such as a coffee having notes of caramel. An indication corresponding to the desired flavor of the drink is transmitted from the customer’s phone to the apparatus. In other embodiments, the customer may provide the indication to the apparatus through input means such as a touchscreen. In some embodiments, the indication and the schedule may be stored on a customer’s device, such as a fob, and provided to an apparatus for preparing the customized product, for example when the apparatus is not configured to connect to a communications network for retrieving the schedule and does not comprise a memory or a database.

[0104] A processor is functionally connected to the input means of the apparatus and, in response to the indication being received from the customer’s phone, retrieves a schedule comprising temperature and pressure profiles over time corresponding to the flavor chosen by the customer. For the purpose of illustration only, a schedule associated to notes of caramel may comprise a first infusion time at a first water pressure, and a second infusion time at a higher water pressure, while the temperature of the water and the flowrate aremaintained constant. The schedule may be retrieved from a database functionally connected to the processor. It is understood that the database may be comprised in a non-transient memory, such as a memory card in the apparatus or functionally connected to it, or as a cloud-based database that may be queried by any acceptable communication means. Other configurations are possible and it is understood that the method 500 is agnostic to the location of the database or to the means of connection of the database to the processor.

[0105] The processor causes the components of the apparatus implementing the method 500 to provide water or another fluid (e.g. milk) according to the retrieved schedule. Accordingly, the processor causes the pumps and valves of the apparatus to provide water or the fluid at the required temperature according to the schedule. For example, the processor may cause the controllable valve to open to a certain degree while increasing the flowrate through the pump, in either one or both the hot water and cold water circuits, thereby increasing the flowrate and pressure of the provided water stream. At the same time, the processor causes the high-power heating element to adjust the temperature of the provided water to correspond to the temperature provided in the schedule, in response to a temperature reading provided by the thermocouple. Accordingly, a water heater in the apparatus’ hot water circuit and the high-power heating element in the brewing or infusing portion of the apparatus work in synergy to provide water at the predetermined temperature to obtain the customized product, for example a customized coffee.

[0106] During the implementation of the method 500 according to the retrieved schedule, the temperature of the water may need to be raised or lowered. Lowering the water temperature can be accomplished by any one or more of increasing the cold water flowrate, decreasing hot water flowrate and reducing the power provided to the high-power heating element. Maintaining or increasing the temperature of the provided water is affected by one or more factors including the capacity of the heater in the hot-water circuit to continuously heat the cool water provided from a water inlet, the cool water replacing previously heated water that has been provided downstream. For example, when a schedule requires the provision of water at a steady pressure but at a higher temperature, or at both higher pressure and higher temperature, the high-power heating element allows for punctual adjustment of the water temperature while reducing the need for significant changes in the flow of either cold or hot water.

[0107] The schedule may be adaptive to account for variables due to factors such as, but not limited to, characteristics of the equipment implementing the method 500 and characteristics of the material that the fluid is provided to. For example, the method 500 may comprise receiving feedback from one or more components of the apparatus implementing the method 500 and adapting one or more parameters to maintain substantial compliance with the schedule. In one or more embodiments, feedback indications may be collected from one or more components between 50 and 5000 times per second, for example 2000 times per second. For example, an apparatus may experience pipe clogging, fouling or calcification due to water hardness. The material for infusing the product, for example a coffee puck, may vary slightly from one customer to the next in characteristics such as, but not limited to, humidity and compaction rate. Flowrates, pressures and / or temperatures may thus be adapted at appropriate stages as fluid transits through the apparatus implementing the method 500 to ensure that fluid is provided to the brewing material according to the schedule to maintain parameters such as flowrate, pressure, temperature, valve opening and / or fluid contact time with the brewing material. Accordingly, a customer’s experience with the finished customized product can be substantially more consistent across different apparatuses and / or different establishments.

[0108] The method 500 may further comprise feedback and learning steps. For example, the customer having requested the coffee with notes of caramel may provide, using the same application or software, an indication corresponding to a level of satisfaction with the provided beverage, and / or to defects or shortcomings of the beverage. For example, one or more feedback indications may be provided by one or more users corresponding to wateriness, taste intensity, off-tastes, and other suitable feedback elements. Feedback indications from the one or more users may be stored in a database

[0109] The feedback indications received from the customer may be provided to a machine-learning algorithm (MLA) configured to create, edit, adapt and / or adjust the schedules associated with flavors and / or with users. For example, the MLA may be configured, in response to a plurality of feedback indications corresponding to wateriness, to adjust the flowrate of hot water, of cold water, or both in a schedule associated with the taste profile of coffee with notes of caramel, thereby reducing the overall water content of the beverage or providing a slower infusion. The adjusted schedule would then be retrievedby one or more apparatuses implementing the method 500 when an indication corresponding to the flavor associated with the schedule is received thereat.

[0110] In some embodiments, a taste profile may be further associated to a user, thereby differentiating among different users requesting the same flavor profile. For example, a first user may provide an indication corresponding to the flavor profile of coffee with notes of caramel. The beverage produced according to the schedule associated with the flavor profile results in the user providing an indication of wateriness. In response to the indication, the schedule is adjusted to yield an adjusted schedule to reduce wateriness in the produced beverage. Optionally, the adjusted schedule replaces the original schedule in the database. Optionally, the adjustment is carried out using an MLA configured to process a plurality of feedback indications to identify generalized customer needs and feedback while isolating or reducing the effect of outlier indications.[oni] In some embodiments, an MLA may adjust one or more schedules according to one or more users’ actions not corresponding to feedback respecting a prepared customized products. For example, an MLA may receive a plurality of indications corresponding to a plurality of orders by a user. The MLA may be configured to extrapolate or deduce a user' s preference from the plurality of indications corresponding to the plurality of orders, for example by adjusting the schedules associated with the user accordingly. For example, in response to the user ordering a customized beverage having a longer infusion time than provided in a predetermined schedule, the MLA may adjust the predetermined schedule to increase the infusion time. The MLA may be configured to cause an indication, such as but not limited to a push notification, to be provided to the user to notify them of the change.

[0112] In other embodiments, the adjusted schedule is stored in the database and associated to the first user having provided the indication corresponding to wateriness. Accordingly, a second user receives a customized beverage according to the original schedule, unless the second user had provided indications causing a corresponding second adjusted schedule to be generated and associated to the second user. In future, upon receiving an indication from the first user corresponding to the same flavor profile, the method 500 would comprise retrieving the adjusted schedule for the chosen flavor profile associated to the first user. It is understood that schedules customized for one or more usersand adaptation of a schedule associated with a flavor profde may be combined. For example, a plurality of schedules for the same flavor profde, each associated with a different user, may be stored in the database. At the same time, an MLA may analyze and process the feedback indications and the customized schedules to effect one or more changes to an original schedule associated with the flavor profde. For example, the MLA may be configured to effect a change in the original schedule in response to a plurality of indications corresponding to the same feedback, such as wateriness, coarseness, intensity, off-tastes, acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and / or aromas or taste notes including, but not limited to floral, herbal, nuts, berry, citrus, vanilla, and others. The MLA may be configured to effect such a change in response to the number of feedback indications exceeding a predetermined threshold, such as an absolute number, or a percentage of products dispensed using the schedule.

[0113] It is understood that the step of determining whether a particular user has a customized schedule associated with them may be done at the level of any device within the system implementing the method 500. For example, the indication corresponding to a flavor profile provided at 501 may comprise data indicating that a customized schedule is available. Alternatively, the indication may comprise user identification data and the step of retrieving a schedule from the database (502) may further comprise providing the user identification data and determining, in response to the user identification data, if a customized schedule is available.

[0114] Referring now to Figure 6, Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show profiles for temperature, pressure and flowrate, respectively, over a time of 40s, corresponding to a butterscotch flavor note for coffee . It is to be noted that the coffee to which fluid is provided according to the profiles, or schedules, shown in Figures 6A to 6C does not comprise butterscotch flavorings or similar flavoring agents.

[0115] Figures 6D to 6F show profiles for temperature, pressure and flowrate, respectively, over a time of 40s, corresponding to a black chocolate flavor note. The profiles shown in Figures 6G to 61 correspond to the temperature, pressure and flowrate for obtaining an orange flavor note.

[0116] In Figures 6A to 61, the temperature scale ranges from 93 degrees C to 97 degrees C and the pressure scale ranges from 0 to 10 bar. In Figures 6C and 6F, the flowrate scale ranges between 1 and 4.4 1 / min. In Figure 61, the flowrate scale ranges from 0.5 to 4 1 / min.

[0117] Referring now to Figure 7, in an embodiment, an apparatus 700 for preparing a customized product comprises a body 701, comprising a rapid heating chamber 710 and a brewing portion (not shown). The rapid heating chamber 710 is configured to receive a fluid, such as water, from an inlet 711 in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) and to cause the fluid to contact a heating element 712. The heating element 712 may be configured to provide between 800 W and 2500 W of power, for example 1400 W. The rapid heating chamber 710 may have a fluid capacity corresponding to between 1 and 10 orders of a customized product, for example between 1 and 10 cups of coffee. In one or more embodiments, the rapid heating chamber has a capacity substantially corresponding to 1 cup of coffee. In one or more embodiments, the rapid heating chamber is configured to receive, heat and discharge a fluid continuously. It is understood that, where the rapid heating chamber is configured for continuous or semi-continuous operation, the rapid heating chamber’s total fluid capacity may be substantially less than 1 order of a customized product. In such embodiments, the apparatus 700 may achieve and / or maintain a total fluid flow rate through the rapid heating chamber to deliver one or more orders of a customized product in a predetermined time, for example about 30 seconds for an espresso, about 45 seconds for a lungo, about one minute for an americano coffee.

[0118] A secondary inlet 713 in fluid communication with a fluid supply (not shown) is configured to provide additional fluid to the rapid heating chamber in addition to the fluid provided by the main inlet 711. The rapid heating chamber 710 comprises an outlet 714 in fluid communication with the brewing portion. The brewing portion may be similar to the brewing portion 103 described above and is configured to provide fluid from the outlet 714 to a brewing material (not shown) received within the brewing portion, and to provide a brewed fluid to a receptacle such as a cup (not shown). The brewing portion comprises a high-power heating element for adjusting the temperature of the fluid provided from the outlet 714, similarly to the high-power heating element 131 described above.

[0119] The rapid heating chamber 710 generally comprises means for providing at least partially turbulent flow therethrough. For example, the rapid heating chamber 710 may comprise one or more baffles, ridges and / or other structural features to cause at least a portion of the fluid to flow in a direction different than the direction of the outlet. The baffles, ridges and / or other features may be provided on the internal walls of the rapid heating chamber 710, on the heating element 712, or on both.

[0120] The rapid heating chamber 710 may further comprise one or more thermal insulation layers provided on at least a portion of the internal walls, the outside walls, or both. In some embodiments, a heat-stable and food-safe thermal insulating layer is provided on the internal walls of the rapid heating chamber 710 for reducing heat dissipation through the walls of the rapid heating chamber 710. Reducing heat loss through the chamber walls improves the efficiency of the rapid heating chamber 710 and reduces the apparatus’ overall energy consumption. In some embodiments, the insulating layer comprises PTFE. Other food-safe and thermally stable insulating materials may be used without departing from the principles disclosed herein.

[0121] Referring now to Figure 8, in an embodiment, an exemplary apparatus 800 for providing a customized product comprises a cover 801, shown removed in Figure 8B, and defines a rapid heating chamber 810 (outer portion of the rapid heating chamber is shown) in fluid communication with a main inlet 811, a secondary inlet 813 and an outlet (not shown). The secondary inlet 813 is situated between the main inlet 811 and the outlet, for example substantially halfway along a longitudinal direction of the rapid heating chamber 810. Other configurations are possible, for example the secondary inlet 813 may be situated at between 50% and 95% of the distance between the main inlet 811 and the outlet 814, or between 65% and 80% of the distance between the main inlet 811 and the outlet 814. A high-power heating element (not shown) is configured to provide between 800 W and 2500 W of power, for example about 1400 W, to a fluid received in the rapid heating chamber 810. In operation, a fluid, for example water, is provided through the main inlet 811 to the rapid heating chamber 810. The high-power heating element is powered and heats the fluid. Continued provision of the fluid from at least the main inlet 811 causes the fluid to flow in the rapid heating chamber 810 towards the outlet while contacting the heating element.

[0122] Fluid may also be provided through the secondary inlet 813. The temperature of the fluid provided at the main inlet 811 and the secondary inlet 813 may be substantially the same. The rapid heating chamber 810 is configured to allow the fluid provided through the secondary inlet 813 to mix with the fluid present in the rapid heating chamber 810. Accordingly, the temperature of the fluid in the rapid heating chamber 810 and at the outlet 813 may be adjusted by modulating the power provided to the heating element, by adjusting the volume of fluid provided through the secondary inlet 813, or both. For example, in use, the apparatus 800 may be configured to implement a profile comprising, for example, a rapid drop in fluid temperature, or an increase in flowrate coupled with a decrease in temperature. Accordingly, during brewing, additional fluid may be provided through the secondary inlet 813 to cool the fluid having been heated by the heating element, without requiring that the heat stored in the heating element be dissipated prior to the fluid’s temperature decreasing.

[0123] The illustrated embodiment further comprises means for venting the brewing portion (not shown) such as conduit 815. Conduit 815 is connected to a valve (not shown), configured to be controllable, such as a solenoid valve, in fluid communication with a drain. Opening the solenoid valve at least partially releases pressure in the brewing portion, causing air and / or water to flow through the conduit 815 into a drain. It is understood that this feature is optional, and that other arrangements for venting the brewing portion, such as a controllable valve or a burst valve installed proximate to the brewing portion and in fluid communication therewith, are possible.

[0124] Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, the apparatus 800 comprises a brewing portion 820 to which fluid having been heated in the rapid heating chamber 810 is provided. The outlet from the rapid heating chamber 810 is not shown but may be situated substantially centered above the brewing portion 820. The venting conduit 815 is shown best in Figure 9B.

[0125] Referring to Figures 10A to 10D, the apparatus 800 is implemented as a standalone brewing head which may be secured to a surface, such as a table, and fluid and power supplies may be appropriately connected thereto. The apparatus 800 is accordingly aesthetically pleasing and uses considerably less counter space that conventional coffee brewing apparatuses.

[0126] Referring now to Figures 11 A, B and C, details of the apparatus 800 are presented. Figure 11A shows a rapid heating chamber 810, as well as primary inlet 811 and secondary inlet 813. In Figure 1 IB, the outlet 814 of the rapid heating chamber is connected to a fluid distribution assembly 816 for distributing the heating fluid across a brewing material provided in the brewing portion 820 (not shown in Figure 11). In Figure 11C, the rapid heating chamber 810 comprises a heating element 812, configured to occupy a significant portion of the volume of the rapid heating chamber 810. For example, the heating element may occupy between 30% and 95% of the volume of the rapid heating chamber, for example about 40%, or about 50%, about 60%, or about 80% of the rapid heating chamber.

[0127] Referring now to Figure 12, an exemplary heating and mixing element 1200 is presented, for use for example in a rapid heating chamber such as the rapid heating chamber 810 described above. Exemplary positions for a main inlet 1201, a secondary inlet 1202 and an outlet 1203 are shown, however these components do not form part of the heating and mixing element 1200. The element 1200 defines a groove or recess 1204, shown in Figure 12 as a spiral. It is understood that other groove profiles, including for example a plurality of linear grooves, undulating grooves, or other configurations are possible. The element 1200 is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 1205 and heat the fluid provided from the main inlet 1201, the secondary inlet 1202, or both. The groove 1204 imparts additional rotational momentum and / or turbulence to the fluid, which is at least partly maintained as the fluid flows towards the outlet 1203. The rotating movement of the element 1200 and the movement imparted by the groove 1204 drive the fluid in the rapid heating chamber towards the outlet while favoring mixing. When fluid is provided through the secondary inlet 1202, the forces acting on the fluid already present in the chamber favor a rapid mixing with the fluid provided through the secondary inlet 1202, thus favoring a substantially uniform heat distribution in the fluid provided through the outlet 1203 to a brewing portion.

[0128] Referring now to Figure 13, the apparatuses of the present disclosure may be arranged such that large, bulky, noisy or unaesthetic components, or components that otherwise do not improve a customer’s experience are contained or containable in a housing separate from the brewing portion. For example, the separate housing may be integrated into or placed within a piece of furniture, a fixture or a wall, and the components may befluidly connected to a brewing head that the customer sees, such as the brewing head shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10. In Figure 13, the apparatus 1300 comprises one or more inlets 1301 and pumps 1302, which drive water to a hot and a cold circuit, for example hot and cold circuits as described above. After passing through pressure-driven threaded diverting valves 1303 and flowmeter 1304, water in the hot circuit is provided to the boiler 1305. During brewing, valve 1306 and solenoid valve 1308 open at least partially to provide hot water through the three-way flowmeter 1307 and onward to a brewing portion (not shown). In the cold-water circuit, cold water passes through pressure-driven threaded diverting valve 1303 and combined flow and pressure meter 1310. Valve 1306 and solenoid valve 1308 open to provide cold water through three-way flowmeter 1307 and onward to the brewing portion. Each valve 1306 and solenoid valve 1308 can be controlled independently to be closed or opened at least partially to modulate fluid flow therethrough. The components described above are contained within the housing 1350.

[0129] Referring to Figure 14, an exemplary apparatus 1400 for preparing a customized product comprises a fluid inlet 1401 fluidly connected to the remaining components by conduits 1408. Water is pumped by pump 1402 through anti-backup valve 1407 and overflow valve 1403 to at least two water circuits. Each circuit comprises a valve 1405 and a flowmeter 1404. A first circuit is configured to be fluidly connected to a main inlet of a rapid heating chamber such as rapid heating chamber 810. A second circuit is configured to be fluidly connected to a secondary inlet such as the secondary inlet 813 of the rapid heating chamber 810. Each valve 1405 can be controlled independently to be closed or opened at least partially to modulate fluid flow therethrough. The components described above are contained within a housing 1450.

[0130] The housings 1350, 1450, comprising the elements of the apparatuses 1300 and 1400 respectively, and one or more brewing heads or brewing portions such as those depicted in Figures 8 to 11 may be provided as a kit.

[0131] Referring now to Figure 15, details of an exemplary brewing portion 103 of an apparatus 100 and / or 200 are presented. As best shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the mixing manifold 130 defines conduits 1501 and 1502 for allowing hot and cold fluid to flow therethrough towards an outlet 1503 in fluid communication with the brewing portion 103. Situated between the outlet 1503 and a brewing material (not shown), within the brewingportion 103, the high-power heating element 131 ( best shown in Figure 15E) is configured to rapidly heat the fluid provided through the outlet 1503 to a predetermined temperature, thereby substantially or entirely compensating heat losses due to mixing, conduction and fluid transport between a heater, such as heater 113, and the brewing portion 103.

[0132] Referring now to Figure 16, an exemplary apparatus 1600 according to the present disclosure comprises a pump 1601 providing water to a hot circuit and a cold circuit through a check valve 1602. The check valve 1602 may be a solenoid valve. A thermocouple or other temperature sensing means (not shown) configured for sensing the temperature of the water provided by the pump 1601 may be provided upstream or downstream of the pump 1601 or the check valve 1602. It is understood that the means for sensing the temperature of the water prior to heating may be provided at any point prior to a heater or a mixing or combining of a cold and hot water stream. The pump 1601 may be any suitable pump, for example a TCS Micropumps ® MGD1000S or MGD2000S pump.

[0133] The cold circuit comprises a cold flow meter 1603 configured for sensing a flowrate of cold water through the cold circuit, as well as a controllable valve 1606. The controllable valve 1606 may be a proportional valve as described above, and configured for constricting or expanding a conduit through which the water flows in the cold circuit from the cold flow meter 1603 to the mixer 1608. The flow meter 1603 may be a Digmesa® nanobrass 9NB-0100 / 03 A meter, or any other suitable flow meter.

[0134] The hot circuit comprises a hot flow meter 1604 carrying out substantially the same functions as the cold flow meter 1603 for the hot circuit. A flow-through heater 1605 receives cold water and heats the water to a predetermined temperature. A thermocouple, thermistor and / or other means for sensing a temperature of the heated water may be provided in, or downstream from the flow -through heater 1605. In some embodiments, the flow-through heater delivers a constant heating power, for example between 1 and 5 kW, for example between 2 and 2.5 kW. In some embodiments, the flow-through heater is a 2.5 kW heater. In some embodiments, the power provided to the flow-through heater may be modulated, for example in response to a changing cold water temperature or in response to indications corresponding to a lower predetermined temperature for the hot water to be provided at. In some embodiments, the power provided to the flow-through heater 1605 may be modulated in response to the hot water temperature sensed by the thermocouple,thermistor or other sensing means provided downstream in the hot circuit. For example, the power may be increased or decreased in response to a changed sensed hot water temperature. For example, fouling or calcium buildup in the flow-through heater may slow down the water flowrate, causing a higher water residence time in the flow-through heater 1605. Conversely, some fouling or buildup patterns may have little effect on flowrate but reduce the surface area available for heat transfer. The flow-through heater 1605 may be a Ferro-Techniek® FTH2, 2300 W, 240 V heater or another suitable flow-through heater.

[0135] Referring now to Figure 17, the exemplary flow-through heater 1605 comprises a conduit configured to allow fluid flow therethrough, the conduit being in contact with a heating or heated element such as a heated plate. The flow-through heater comprises a first portion, for example a substantially flat plate (not shown), configured to be heated, and a second plate 1701 defining a groove 1702 such that, when the plates are joined together, the groove 1702 forms a conduit for fluid to flow therethrough while contacting the heated plate. Other arrangements are possible. For example, the flow-through heater may comprise a conduit with a jacket, the jacket providing heat to be conducted through the conduit wall to the fluid. The flow-through heater may comprise a conduit, and a heating element, for example a cylindrical, helical or other heating element disposed in the conduit and contacting the fluid flowing therethrough. More broadly, the flow-through heater is configured to deliver heat to a fluid without requiring fluid to be stored while being heated. Accordingly, a fluid is heated to a predetermined temperature within its residence time in the flow-through heater. The flow-through heater’s output temperature can be modulated by changing the power input to the heater and the fluid flow rate, which would increase or decrease its residence time.

[0136] The flow-through heater allows for a constant pressure through the hot circuit and for providing a steady, monitored pressure of hot fluid throughout the apparatus, and pressure monitoring and control up to the point of contact between the fluid and the brewing material in the brewing portion. A flow-through heater may also take any shape appropriate for an apparatus’ intended design, so long as the overall contact area between a heated surface or element and the fluid is appropriate for conducting the required amount of heat.

[0137] Hot water exiting the flow-through heater 1605 is provided to the mixer 1608 through a valve 1607 configured to control the amount of water provided by the hot circuit.In some embodiments, the valve 1607 is a solenoid valve. Other valves configured for controlling the flowrate of a fluid may be used. The mixer 1608 may be a T-pipe, a manifold or another suitable shape for mixing two streams of water. In some embodiments, one or more drain valves (not shown) may be provided between one or both the valves 1606, 1608 and the brewing portion 1609, for depressurizing at least a portion of the apparatus 1600. In some embodiments, the mixer 1608 may comprise a drain valve.

[0138] The valves 1606 and 1607 may differ in one or more of their type, for example solenoid and proportional, controllability and sizes. For example, the valve 1606 may have a smaller aperture than the valve 1607 receiving hot water from the flow-through heater 1605. For example, a generally wider aperture in a proportional valve on a hot circuit compared to a valve in the cold circuit may allow for a stricter control of the hot water pressure and flowrate, as providing the hot and the cold water to the heater will result in a reduced influence and return force by the cold water compared to the hot water.

[0139] In some embodiments, one or more of the valves 1606 and 1607 is a three-way solenoid valve. The three-way solenoid valve may be configured to provide a flow of hot or cold water therethrough as described above, and to further provide an additional outlet thereby reducing the pressure and / or flowrate of the cold or hot water. In such embodiments, the three-way valve also functions as a drain valve for depressurizing one or more of the hot circuit, cold circuit or the apparatus 1600 as a whole. One or more of the valves 1606 and 1607 may be an IQ Tesla ® valve, for example an IQ Tesla ® 0.062-incl proportional series valve, a Gems ® A-series 2 / 32-inch valve, or another suitable solenoid and / or proportional valve.

[0140] While one or more three-way solenoid valves as described above may be configured to act as drain valves to depressurize one or both of the hot and cold circuits, it will be appreciated that other drain valve arrangements are possible. For example, one or more drain valves may be provided in the hot circuit, in the cold circuit and / or proximate to the mixer. For example, a drain valve may be provided between the mixer and the brewing portion such that, following the brewing of a customized beverage, the apparatus may be depressurized. According to some embodiments, one or more safety valves, for example disc burst valves, may be provided throughout the apparatus to prevent pressure surges that may damage equipment or cause high-pressure leaks.

[0141] The mixed hot and cold water flows from the mixer 1608 to a brewing portion 1609. In general, the brewing portion 1609 comprises temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the mixed water, such as a K-type thermocouple, and a high- power heater such as a density heater configured to contact the mixed water and to rapidly heat the mixed water to a predetermined temperature. It is understood that some heat dissipation may occur between the heater 1605 and the brewing portion 1609, such as through conduction through conduit and / or equipment walls and / or transit through valves affecting local fluid pressure. Accordingly, the high-power heater in the brewing portion 1609 modulates the temperature of the mixed water to compensate for at least a portion of inconsistencies between the temperature of the mixed water and a predetermined brewing temperature at a given time. In some embodiments, the high-power heater is an MPI Morheat ® 1 / 8-inch diameter, 80 mm length 250W heater. It is understood that the diameter, length, power and / or configuration (for example flow-through, immersion and / or other heating element configurations) of the high-power heater may be adapted to the structural and / or operational needs of the apparatus 1600 (for example intended throughput, brewing portion size, and others) without departing from the principles disclosed herein.

[0142] The brewing portion 1609 may also comprise a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the heated water provided to the brewing portion 1609. The brewing portion 1609 may comprise a drain valve (not shown) for depressurizing the brewing portion 1609 after use, such as for changing a coffee puck. It is understood that the apparatus 1600 may comprise additional components such as components described above for one or more exemplary brewing apparatuses with the appropriate modifications, including but not limited to sensors, inlets, outlets, filters, drains, safety valves and / or brewing accessories.

[0143] The apparatus 1600 may comprise a processor (not shown) operatively connected to one or more of the temperature sensors and one or more of the valves 1602, 1606 and 1607 and configured to operate as disclosed in other exemplary embodiments provided herein. In some embodiments, the heater 1605 is configured to operate at constant power and may or may not be operatively connected to the processor. When connected to the processor, the heater 1605 may be configured to receive on / off indications without further modulating the supplied power. In some embodiments, the apparatus 1600 is configured to provide water to the brewing material according to a predetermined profile and / or schedule as disclosed herein. When the hot circuit of the apparatus 1600 isconfigured for simplified operation, such as but not limited to on / off mode, the processing requirements for operating the apparatus 1600 are reduced owing to a reduced need to monitor and / or control the components of the hot circuit individually throughout the brewing process. Accordingly, a temperature, pressure and / or flowrate profile for the water supplied to the brewing material may be achieved through actively controlling the valves 1606, 1607 and the high-power heater in the brewing portion 1609.

[0144] The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of providing a customized product, comprising: receiving an indication corresponding to a predetermined flavor of the product; obtaining a schedule comprising a first profile over a predetermined period of time for a temperature; and at least one of: a pressure and a flowrate of a fluid, the schedule being associated with the predetermined flavor; providing the fluid according to the schedule to obtain the customized product.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the obtaining comprises retrieving the schedule from a database.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the obtaining comprises receiving the schedule through an interface comprising means for receiving input from a user.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined flavor is associated with a user.

5. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: receiving, from a plurality of users, a plurality of second indications corresponding to a perceived flavor of the obtained customized product; storing the plurality of indications in the database; generating a second profile for at least one of the temperature, the pressure and the flowrate in response to the plurality of indications; substituting the second profile for the corresponding first profile in the schedule.

6. An apparatus for brewing a beverage, comprising: a water inlet; at least one pump fluidly connected to the water inlet; a hot water circuit fluidly connected to the at least one pump, comprising: at least one heater; at least one first pressure sensor; at least one first flow sensor; andat least one first valve; a cold water circuit fluidly connected to the at least one pump, comprising: at least one second flow sensor; at least one second pressure sensor; and at least one second valve; a brewing portion; and a mixing manifold downstream of the first and second valves having at least two inlets fluidly connected to the hot water circuit and the cold water circuit, and at least one outlet fluidly connected to the brewing portion; the brewing portion being configured to receive a brewing material and to provide water thereto and comprising: a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the water provided from the outlet of the mixing manifold; and a heating element for heating the water provided from the outlet of the mixing manifold prior to contacting the brewing material.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the brewing material is coffee.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 7, comprising two pumps, wherein each one of the cold water circuit and the hot water circuit comprises a pump for independently pumping fluid therethrough.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising at least one input means for receiving at least one input from a user and at least one controller, wherein: the controller is operatively connected to the pressure sensors, the flow sensors and the temperature sensor and configured to receive sensor data therefrom; the controller is operatively connected to the input means, the heater, the pump, the valves and the heating element; and the controller is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of at least one of the heater, the pump, the valves and the heating element in response to the sensor data and the input from the user.

10. An apparatus for brewing a beverage, comprising: a heating chamber configured to heat a fluid, having a main inlet, a secondary inlet, and at least one outlet; the main inlet being situated proximate to a first longitudinal end of the heating chamber and being in fluid communication with a first fluid supply; the outlet being situated proximate to a second longitudinal end of the heating chamber, the second longitudinal end being opposite the first longitudinal end; the secondary inlet being situated at a position between the main inlet and the outlet in a longitudinal direction and being in fluid communication with a second fluid supply; the first fluid supply and the second fluid supply being configured to be controlled independently; a heating element received in the heating chamber and configured to define a space between an internal wall of the heating chamber and a corresponding face of the heating element for permitting a flow of the fluid therethrough; a brewing portion fluidly connected to the outlet and configured to: receive the fluid from the outlet; receive a brewing material therein; contact the fluid with the brewing material to obtain a customized beverage.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the heating element is configured to occupy at least 40% of a volume of the heating chamber.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the heating element is configured to occupy between 50% and 95% of the volume of the heating chamber.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the heating element is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the heating element.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the heating element defines at least one recess extending on the face of the heating element.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the recess is spiral.

16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the heating element comprises at least one protrusion.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the protrusion extends spirally along at least a portion of the face of the heating element.

18. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the secondary inlet is situated at a longitudinal distance from the main inlet corresponding to between 50% and 95% of the distance between the main inlet and the outlet.

19. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the secondary inlet is situated at a longitudinal distance from the main inlet corresponding to between 65% and 80% of the distance between the main inlet and the outlet.

20. An apparatus for brewing a beverage, comprising: a pump configured to provide water to the apparatus; a flow-through heater in fluid communication with the pump and configured to heat a fluid flowing continuously therethrough; a first controllable valve downstream of the flow-through heater and in fluid communication therewith; a second controllable valve downstream of the pump and in fluid communication therewith; a mixer downstream of the first and second controllable valves and in fluid communication therewith, configured to combine a flow of water through the first controllable valve and another flow of water from the second controllable valve; a brewing portion configured to receive a combined water flow from the mixer and to contact the combined water flow with a brewing material to obtain the beverage, the brewing portion further comprising: a high-power heater configured to contact the combined water flow prior to the combined water flow contacting the brewing material.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the first and second controllable valves is a solenoid valve.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the solenoid valve is a proportional valve.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the solenoid valve is a three-way solenoid valve.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the three-way solenoid valve is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough to depressurize at least a portion of the apparatus.

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