Patent ID: 8996178
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: A23F,A47J,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: an input mechanism that is configured to receive requests to produce brewed beverages; a controller that is configured to control the performance of a plurality of chemical or mechanical processes, each of which contributes to the production of at least one of the brewed beverages or a component thereof; and a plurality of mechanical components, each of which is configured for selective use during the performance of at least one of the plurality of chemical or mechanical processes in the production of a specified brewed beverage; wherein in response to receiving a request to produce the specified brewed beverage through the input mechanism, the controller is configured to effect the production of the specified brewed beverage, wherein producing the specified brewed beverage comprises performing one or more of the plurality of chemical or mechanical processes using one or more of the plurality of mechanical components configured for use in the production of the specified brewed beverage while performing one or more chemical or mechanical processes for producing another beverage using another one or more mechanical components of the plurality of mechanical components configured for use in the production of the specified brewed beverage; and wherein in effecting the production of the specified brewed beverage, the controller is further configured to determine, dependent on an actual or expected demand for brewed beverages, a time at which to perform the one or more of the plurality of chemical or mechanical processes for producing the specified brewed beverage, which of the plurality of mechanical components to be used to perform the one or more of the plurality of chemical or mechanical processes for producing the specified brewed beverage, or a time at which to present the specified brewed beverage to a customer subsequent to its production.