Abstract:
The present inventive concept consists of a logic controlled submersion brewing device that operates reliably with minimal user interaction. The brewer employs a submersion brewing technique to ensure a uniform extraction of beverage from solid extraction media. The device may be programmable to start on a timer. Parameters of the brew program may be customizable including serving size and extraction settings. The device will use vapor pressure to forcibly move beverage liquid across a sieve thereby separating the liquid from spent extraction media. Reliability and repeatability of the separation procedure is enhanced using a novel method of pressure control.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/198118 filed Jul. 28, 2015. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    It is known that a growing segment of consumers prepare artisanal beverages such as tea and coffee at home, and buy high end coffee and tea from natural grocers and roasters. Manual beverage extraction devices such as the Aeropress, French coffee press, and pour-over ceramics are increasing in popularity, with post-millennial and millennial generations over-indexing in the use of such appliances. Consumers who have grown up with specialty tea and coffeehouses are more likely to own wider varieties of beverage makers, and are likely to enjoy replicating the coffee- or tea-house experience at home. The present inventive concept consists of a logic controlled submersion brewing device that operates reliably with minimal user interaction. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Devices for extracting a brewed beverage from a solid base can be separated broadly into two categories:
       Manual beverage brewing devices, such as the French press and pour-over cone, which despite their labor intensive preparation are popular among consumers due to the favorable taste that they produce and ritual involved in preparing the beverage.   Brewing appliances for home or enterprise use, which seek to automate one or more stages of the beverage preparation process.       
 
         [0008]    Numerous problems were identified with existing brewing methods and devices. Typically the devices that perform well in terms of brewing consistency and controllability require significant user intervention. Submersion brewing, such as the traditional French press method, is widely regarded as the optimal method for consistently producing uniformly extracted and pleasant tasting beverages. Current methods of further automating this submersion brewing process result in one or more of the following: increased device complexity and device production costs, decreased device reliability, or decreased repeatability of the brewing process. 
         [0009]    It is therefore desirable to have a submersion brewing device which can be operated with minimal user interaction in order to produce uniformly extracted beverages in a consistent and reliable manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present inventive concept consists of a logic controlled submersion brewing device that operates reliably with minimal user interaction. In one embodiment, the system comprises a boiler module in fluid communication with a reservoir tank. A logic-controller regulates the interaction of both liquid and pressurized vapor between the boiler and an extraction chamber. Within the extraction chamber, solid base extraction media and extraction liquid react in a manner monitored and regulated by the logic controller in order to achieve an optimal and uniform extraction of beverage from the solid extraction media. Parameters of the extraction program may be customizable including serving size and extraction variables such as temperature, time, agitation and pressure. Additionally, the brewing process may be programmable to start on a timer. No moving parts are required to accomplish beyond simple valves actuated by the logic controller. Once the extraction of organic compounds from the solid extraction media has reached a desirable level, a logic-controlled system of provides vapor pressure from the boiler module to forcibly move beverage liquid across a sieve, thereby separating the beverage liquid from spent extraction media. Reliability and repeatability of the separation procedure is enhanced using a novel method of pressure control. 
         [0011]    Once the extraction of organic compounds from the solid extraction media has reached a desirable level, the logic-controller allows the boiler to provide vapor pressure to the extraction chamber to forcibly move beverage liquid across a sieve, thereby separating the beverage liquid from spent extraction media. Reliability and repeatability of the separation procedure is enhanced using a novel method of pressure control. 
         [0012]    The operational program may analyze data from any or all of the available sensors positioned on the device in order to monitor the brewing process and adjust for any non-ideal conditions, such as temperature fluctuations in the brewing chamber or blockage of the sieve. The operational program rectifies these situations by actuating valves. 
         [0013]    In the event of a sieve blockage, the device utilizes a novel method of pressure control in which pressures are rapidly fluctuated across the length of the brewing chamber and sieve module, which serves to break up compaction in the extraction solid forming above the sieve. 
         [0014]    The operational program is programmable, customizable, and designed to maintain enhanced extraction repeatability with minimal user interaction. 
         [0015]    The novel features and construction of the present invention, as well as additional objects thereof, will be understood more fully from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The improved process of the invention is further described and explained in relation to the following figures of the drawings wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a typical embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of extraction chamber showing the nature of three segment design. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of sieve basket in extraction chamber lower section (sieve mesh not shown). 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment showing the overall nature of the design. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  illustrating disassembly of the extraction vessel. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Like reference numerals are used to describe like parts in all figures of the drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a reservoir tank  36 , or alternatively a permanent tap, supplies the device with the working fluid, herein referred to as extraction fluid. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the reservoir tank  36  is user accessible via reservoir cap  74 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the boiler vessel  22 , reservoir tank  36  and the extraction vessel upper section  68  are in fluid communication governed by the operational program via electromechanical valves. Extraction fluid introduced from the reservoir tank  36  is heated and pressurized within the boiler vessel  22  by a heat source  24 , for example but not limited to a resistive electrical heating element, controlled by the operational program. External thermal insulation separating the interface between boiler and surrounding atmosphere is used to maximize thermal efficiency. 
         [0024]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , within the boiler vessel  22 , a continuous level sensor  18  communicates liquid level to the operational program. This level sensor may be electrical, electromechanical, or radiative. Boiler pressure is communicated to the operational program via a continuous pressure sensor  16 . Boiler temperature is communicated to the operational program via a continuous temperature sensor  14 . Still referring to  FIG. 1 , a mechanical pressure relief valve  20  is in fluid communication with the boiler vessel. An embodiment may utilize multiple boilers in place of the single boiler described herein. An embodiment may utilize an external heat source for the boiler such as an electric or gas burner. This external heat source may or may not be controlled by the device operational program. An embodiment may use a discrete level sensor in conjunction with a flow meter in line between the reservoir tank  36  or tap and the boiler vessel. An embodiment may use one or more discrete pressure sensors in lieu of a continuous pressure sensor. 
         [0025]    Referring to both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a removable sieve basket  44  is located in the lower section  50  of the extraction chamber and functions to separate the solid extraction source media from the extraction liquid. An isolated plan view of the sieve basket  44  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The sieve basket  44  will provide a support structure for filter media that may be comprised of paper, woven fiber, metallic screen, or any other material that is of capable of preventing transmission of solids out of the extraction vessel lower section  50  while also being of sufficient permeability to allow timely fluid communication between the extraction vessel and the dispensing line  48 . The sieve basket  44  will be appropriately sized to fully seal against the inner wall of the extraction vessel and will be removable for solid extraction media removal and cleaning. An embodiment of the sieve basket  44  may have an access handle  78  to facilitate removal. Appropriately sized filters or screens may be exchanged, stacked, or otherwise varied to achieve the necessary filter properties for the solid extraction media being used. Filters and screens have been omitted from the figures for clarity. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5  an embodiment may use a prepackaged cartridge or capsule including solid extraction media and filter media, hereafter referred to as a cartridge, which may be used in place of stand-alone filter or screen. The access handle  78  may be removed to facilitate use of a cartridge. The extraction vessel lower section  50  contains a fixed sieve support ring  52 , shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  to maintain the sieve basket  44  some height above the bottom of the lower section  50 . An embodiment may allow the sieve basket  44  to be locked against the sieve support ring  52 . 
         [0027]    Referring to both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the sieve support ring  52  is located in the lower section  50  of the extraction vessel allowing some volume between the sieve basket  44  and the dispensing line  48 . Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4  this volume allows time for the extraction vessel upper section  68 , middle section  54  and lower section  50  to be isolated from the boiler vessel  22  during the dispensing process, to prevent excessive pressurized vapor from exiting from the dispensing spout  76 . 
         [0028]    The extraction vessel is segregated to allow fixed process connections while also allowing user full access to the sieve area for cleaning and the addition and removal of solid extraction media or cartridges. Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5 , the middle section of the extraction vessel  54  is removable allowing the user access to the sieve basket  44 .  FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment with the middle section of the extraction vessel  54  and the sieve basket  44  removed from the device. Sealing methods, such as, but not limited to compression gaskets, cylinder packing or toric joints are utilized between component sections to maintain the fluid and vapor integrity of the extraction vessel. The component sections of the extraction vessel may be locked in place with one or more additional mechanisms such as, but not limited to, cam levers or over center clamps.  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  show an exemplary embodiment that utilizes a cam lever handle  72  to lock component sections of the extraction vessel in place. Alternatively, an embodiment may utilize a threaded connections between the extraction upper section  68  and middle section  54  with a reverse threaded connection between the middle section  54  and lower section  50  to allow an operator access to the sieve basket  44  area. Referring to both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , closure sensors  64   66 , such as but not limited to electrical contact switches, may be utilized between extraction vessel sections  68   54   50  to verify closure prior to introduction of liquid or pressure. An embodiment may utilize a pressure sensor  40  to supply the operational program with the pressure reading within the extraction chamber. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , fluid from the reservoir tank  36  or tap is introduced to extraction chamber upper section  68  via hydrostatic pressure or line pressure. Alternatively, an embodiment of the device could be plumbed such that movement of the reservoir fluid to the brew chamber is assisted by utilizing boiler pressure. While room temperature fluid is entering the extraction chamber, heated fluid is sprayed from nozzle  42  at extraction chamber upper section  68  and heated vapor is introduced from a port  46  in extraction chamber lower section  50  in a pattern governed by the operational program thereby maintaining a set temperature of fluid in the extraction vessel. Still referring to  FIG. 1 , liquid level in the extraction chamber is measured over a continuous range with liquid level sensor  56  allowing the operational program to halt the filling at the prescribed serving size. This sensor could be electrical, electromechanical, sonic, or radiative. An embodiment may utilize an inline flow meter in conjunction with or in lieu of the vessel liquid level sensor  56 . Still referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment could contain a heat exchanging device that allows thermal commutation between boiler vessel  22  and reservoir tank  36  or tap fluid so that fluid entering extraction vessel through valve  34  enters at an elevated temperature. An embodiment could contain a separate vessel with separate heat source that preheats extraction fluid to a specified temperature prior to introduction into the extraction vessel. An embodiment could use a heat source within or adjacent to the extraction vessel in order to maintain temperature of the extraction fluid. 
         [0030]    Referring to both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , agitation of extraction fluid and solids is imparted by introduction of pressurized heated vapor from port  46  at extraction vessel lower section  50  at a frequency and duration governed by the operational program. Still referring to both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , heated extraction fluid is sprayed under pressure from nozzle  42  at extraction vessel upper section  68  at a frequency and duration governed by the operational program to break up the conglomeration of solid media on or below the surface of the extraction fluid. An embodiment could contain a mechanical means of imparting vibration or oscillatory motion to the extraction vessel to create a turbulent state in the extraction fluid. Frequency of vibration and oscillation in said embodiment could range from subsonic to ultrasonic. An embodiment could contain a mechanically driven agitator to create turbulence in the extraction fluid. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , Boiler vessel  22  is equipped with a continuous temperature sensor  14  to supply information to the logic controller  12 . Continuous temperature sensor  14  could be thermo-mechanical, radiative, or thermo-electrical. Introduction of heat energy from heat source  24  into boiler vessel  22  can be governed by the operational program with feedback from this continuous temperature sensor  14 . Still referring to  FIG. 1 , temperature control in the extraction vessel is measured via a temperature sensor  70  in direct contact with or proximity to extraction fluid. Temperature sensor  70  could be thermo-mechanical, radiative, or thermo-electrical and may be located in the upper section  68  or lower section  50  of the extraction vessel. Nozzle  42 , located in extraction vessel upper section  68  and commutable with liquid in boiler vessel  22  via valve  32 , is utilized for solid liquid mixture agitation, temperature control, or both. A heat exchanging device  38  thermally commutable with the nozzle  42  and the atmosphere can be utilized to reduce the temperature of the boiler fluid to a temperature within an acceptable range of the extraction process. This heat exchanging device  38  could utilize either active or passive convection and could be controlled by the logic controller  12 . 
         [0032]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the operational program of the device can place the extraction vessel upper section  68  in direct fluid communication with the top of the boiler vessel  22 , thereby increasing the pressure in the upper region of the extraction vessel. This communication is achieved by opening valve  28  and valve  34 . The extraction chamber upper section  68  is in fluid communication with a mechanical pressure relief valve  82  located near the top of the vessel to purge the pressure should it ever exceed the extraction vessel&#39;s safe operating limits. While positive vapor pressure is being introduced to the extraction vessel, the operational program opens a valve  58  in line between the dispensing line  48  and the dispensing spout  76 , putting these two areas in direct fluid commutation. The pressurized vapor in the upper area of the extraction vessel added with the hydrostatic pressure of the extraction fluid against the atmospheric pressure at the dispensing spout  76  forces the extraction fluid past the sieve basket  44  while isolating the solid particulate above the sieve basket  44  in the extraction vessel lower section  50 . Still referring to  FIG. 1 , at the point where the extraction liquid level drops below the sieve basket  44 , the boiler vessel  22  and extraction chamber upper section  68  are isolated by valves  28   34  so that the dispensing spout  76  and boiler vessel  22  are never in direct commutation. The remainder of the extraction liquid in the extraction chamber lower section  50  is forced out of the dispensing outlet  48 , through dispensing spout  76 , and into dispensing vessel  60  with the remaining pressure in the extraction vessel. An embodiment may utilize the extraction vessel vent valve  80  to purge all remaining pressure in the extraction vessel at this point and allow only the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid to complete the transfer to the dispensing vessel  60 . The device includes a warming plate  62  in thermal contact with the dispensing vessel  60  to maintain a desired temperature. The warming plate  62  may additionally be controlled by the operational program to preheat a dispensing vessel  60  prior to dispensing in order to minimize cooling of the extraction fluid. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the operational program may operate the extraction vessel vent valve  80  to further regulate pressure or otherwise enhance the extraction or dispensing processes. The operational program may analyze any or all of the available sensor readings to determine problems during the extraction process such as a blockage of the sieve basket  44 . To maintain consistency during the time-sensitive extraction process, if the operational program detects a blockage or inadequate flow across the sieve basket  44  it may actuate vent valve  80  to rapidly purge pressure from the top of the extraction vessel. The operational program may vary the frequency and duration of this actuation. This fluctuation in pressure above the sieve basket  44  serves to break up compaction in the extraction solid forming above the sieve basket  44 , allowing the device to resume normal flow in the solid-liquid separation process. Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the operational program may also choose to open valve  26  and close valve  58  to raise the pressure in the extraction vessel lower area to the higher vapor pressure in the boiler vessel  22  while the extraction vessel upper area is venting to atmospheric pressure in order to further break up compacted solids and restore flow. This process mimics the actions taken by those who use manual French press beverage brewers when they encounter a sieve blockage. An embodiment may allow vented to vapor to pass back into an open volume expansion chamber to cool and expand before venting to surrounding area. An embodiment may include a low pressure drop heat exchanger to allow vented vapor to cool and expand before entering surrounding area. The operational program for the device is administered via a programmable logic controller  12 , for example but not limited to a microcontroller capable of discrete and analog input and output. This operational program uses feedback from sensors in the device to regulate the extraction process based on established or adjustable process parameters. Areas of control for the operational program may be, but are not limited to, thermal input to the boiler, timing of system functions, valve actuation, and user alerts or signals. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , Operators may interface with the operational control program to modify parameters via a controller interface device  10  or devices. These devices may be, but are not limited to, knobs, switches, touch screen displays, optical sensing devices, barcode or RFID readers, keypads, or buttons. An embodiment may allow an operator to interface with the logic controller  12  via separate technology devices. These devices may be, but are not limited to, personal computers, handheld electronic organizers, entertainment devices, automation centers, or cellular telephones. The link between the technology device and the logic device may be, but is not limited to, radiative data signals, wired electrical data signals, or existing technology data networks. A GUI or other software application for the operator&#39;s technology device may be provided to enhance the operator&#39;s control of the operational program. This GUI may be transmitted directly from the logic controller  12  over the communication link, an external networking source, or from physical storage media provided to the operator. An embodiment of the device may use discrete relay logic in conjunction with or in place of programming logic. An embodiment may allow the logic controller  12  access to a distributed database of standardized operational programs or other device settings via communication with an operator&#39;s technology device or through an existing network infrastructure. 
       OPERATIONAL SUMMARY 
       [0035]    The following is an illustrative, but non-limiting, operational summary of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , in the resting state valves  26   28   32   34   58   80  are closed. Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4  the operator will fill the fluid reservoir tank  36  via the reservoir cap  74 . Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5 , to prepare the device for extraction the operator adds solid extraction media to the extraction chamber by accessing the removable middle section  54 . The solid extraction media rests atop the sieve basket  44 . The operator then reseats the center section against the lower section of the extraction vessel  50  and reseats the upper section of the extraction chamber  68  against the middle section  54 . Any locking mechanisms are engaged. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the closure sensors  64   66  located on the upper  68  and lower  50  sections of the extraction vessel signal a seal to the logic controller  12 . 
         [0036]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the operator selects an operational program within the logic controller  12  through the controller interface device  10 . Upon operator command or timer trigger, the extraction process begins by opening valve  28  allowing fluid from the reservoir tank  36  or tap to flow through check valve  30  into the boiler vessel  22 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Once the continuous level sensor  18  in the boiler vessel  22  indicates a set level has been reached, valve  28  is closed. The heat source  24  in the boiler vessel  22  is activated. The continuous temperature sensor  14 , continuous pressure sensor  16 , and continuous level sensor  18  in the boiler vessel  22  are monitored by the logic controller  12  to verify in-range operation. 
         [0037]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , once the boiler vessel  22  has reached target pressure and temperature, logic controller  12  will maintain appropriate temperature and pressure throughout the process by modulating heat source  24  as necessary. Valve  34  is now opened to allow fluid from reservoir tank  36  or tap to enter the extraction vessel. Simultaneously, the logic controller  12  modulates valve  26  to meter hot vapor through port  46  in order to apply heat to the fluid entering the extraction vessel. 
         [0038]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the logic controller  12  monitors the temperature measured by the temperature sensor  70  throughout the addition of fluid to the extraction vessel and continues to meter heated vapor through valve  26  to maintain the set temperature. Once the logic controller  12  reads the appropriate liquid level from liquid level sensor  56 , valve  34  closes. 
         [0039]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , at one or more points in time during the extraction process, valve  32  is opened to spray hot fluid from the boiler vessel  22  through nozzle  42  in the upper section of the extraction vessel  68  to properly wet the solid extraction media and break up conglomerations. This may occur during the extraction vessel filling process, after the filling process, or both. This heated water is passed through a heat exchanging device  38  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) prior to entering the extraction vessel to cool and more closely match the extraction process set temperature. 
         [0040]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the logic controller  12  continues to monitor the extraction fluid temperature and opens valve  26  as necessary to increase extraction fluid set temperature. Once the programmed extraction time has elapsed, valves  58   28   34  are opened. Check valve  30  closes naturally due to the pressure below it. This places high pressure vapor in the upper area of the extraction vessel and exposes the lower area of the extraction vessel to atmospheric pressure via the dispensing line  48 . This differential pressure forces the extraction fluid to move across the sieve basket  44  through the dispensing line  48  and into the dispensing vessel  60 , while the solid extraction media is trapped above the sieve basket  44 . The sieve support ring  52 , attached to the extraction vessel lower section  50 , maintains the position of the sieve basket  44  as it withstands the building downward force from the differential pressure. 
         [0041]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the logic controller  12  monitors the extraction chamber pressure sensor  40  and the extraction vessel liquid level sensor  56  to check for blockage against the sieve basket  44 . If blockage is detected, the device will break up the blockage by rapidly venting the stored pressure above the extraction fluid by briefly closing valve  34  and opening vent valve  80 . This rapidly causes a reversal of the differential pressure in the system breaking up the solid blockage to allow fluid to flow through the sieve basket  44  again. Additionally, valve  26  may be opened and valve  58  closed to raise the pressure below the sieve basket  44  to further the differential pressure reversal. This pressure reversal procedure may be repeated or varied as necessary. 
         [0042]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , once the extraction fluid level has dropped below the sieve basket  44 , valves  28   34  are closed and heat source  24  is deactivated. The remainder of the extraction fluid is forced out of the lower section of the extraction vessel  50  by the remaining vapor pressure in the upper area of the extraction vessel. Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the warming plate  62  is activated under the dispensing vessel  60  to maintain the extracted fluid at the desired temperature. Alternatively, the warming plate  62  may be activated prior to this point to preheat the dispensing vessel  60  prior to the introduction of extraction fluid. 
         [0043]    Other alterations and modifications of the invention will likewise become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims to which the inventors are legally entitled. 
         [0044]    It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods. All such modifications and variations are to be intended and fall within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.