Generation of superheated steam for the preparation of a beverage

Assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated are discussed A steam super-heat assembly is employed for generating superheated steam for the preparation of coffee-based beverages. The assembly includes a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body also includes an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element heats the heating surfaces of the heating element. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. The heating surfaces form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity, the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the generation of steam, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to generating superheated steam for the preparation of a beverage, including but not limited to a coffee-based beverage, a tea-based beverage, or a chai-based beverage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing heated pressurized water through ground coffee beans. By forcing heated pressurized water through ground coffee beans, the beverage produced during an espresso brewing process absorbs more of the flavor producing components, such as the oils and various solids found in the beans. As compared to coffee beverages produced by other brewing methods, such as drip brewing, an espresso brewing process results in a thicker beverage with a creamy texture and a concentrated and complex taste profile. Also, because the water is under pressure, the coffee grounds used for espresso may be ground finer than the coffee grounds used for other brewing processes. This results in greater surface area of coffee grounds for which the pressurized water can come into contact with, absorbing more of the flavor producing chemicals from within the grounds. Furthermore, for an espresso brewing process, the grounds may be tamped to provide a greater stacking efficiency of the grounds, which promotes the water's penetration of the grounds, resulting in still greater flavor extraction.

Because of its relatively high concentration, as compared to other coffee beverages, espresso may be served in a small portion referred to as a shot, measuring approximately 1 U.S. fluid ounce. Espresso may also be served in integer multiples of a shot, such as a double shot or a triple shot. Espresso is typically prepared using a specialized coffee machine, referred to as an espresso machine. Brewing a shot of espresso may be referred to as pulling a shot of espresso because some espresso machines require a user of the machine, or a barista, to pull a spring loaded lever that is attached to a piston, where pressure created by the piston forces the water through the coffee grounds. Although the construction of espresso machines may vary, the machines are often loosely categorized by the drive mechanism used to produce the required pressure. One popular method used to produce the pressure is to employ a motor driven pump. Machines that employ such a pump are often collectively referred to as pump-driven, or simply pump espresso machines.

Espresso is a popular beverage worldwide. In addition to serving espresso as a shot, espresso may be used as a base for other popular coffee beverages, such as cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and americanos. Some preparations of espresso based beverages may use wet steam to heat and/or froth milk. Many espresso machines are able to supply the heat and pressure required to brew espresso. In addition, some machines may supply heat and pressure to generate the wet steam that is used in the preparation of various espresso based beverages. Thus, it is with respect to these and other considerations that the present invention has been made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments are directed towards assemblies, machines, systems, and methods for the generation of superheated or dry steam. Various embodiments include a steam super-heat assembly for generating steam for the preparation of a beverage. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the beverage may be a coffee-based beverage. However, in other embodiments, the beverage may include a base that is not coffee. For instance, the beverage may be a tea- or chai-based beverage. The superheated steam may be employed in the preparation of virtually any beverage.

The assembly may include a body that includes an internal cavity, a heating element that includes heating surfaces positioned within the internal cavity of the body, and a flow path within the internal cavity. The body may further include an input that enables fluid access into the internal cavity and an output that enables fluid egress out of the internal cavity. The heating element may be configured and arranged to heat the one or more heating surfaces. The flow path enables fluid to flow from the input, through the internal cavity of the body, and to the output of the body. A portion of the heating surfaces of the heating element form a portion of the flow path. When the fluid flows through the internal cavity of the body, a portion of the fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating surfaces.

In some embodiments, the assembly may further includes a helical member positioned within the internal cavity. A portion of the helical member may form a portion of the flow path. Accordingly, the flow path may be a helical flow path. The body, the heating element, and the helical member may be concentric about the longitudinal axis of the body. The helical member may be laterally intermediate the body and the heating element. In at least one embodiment, the helical member restricts a longitudinal flow of the fluid through the internal cavity of the body. The helical member may be a coil spring that surrounds the one or more heating surfaces of the heating element. The heating element may be a rod-shaped heating element. The heating element may extend in a longitudinal direction of the internal cavity of the body.

In various embodiments, the assembly further includes a first and a second end cap. The first end cap may be positioned on a first longitudinal end of the body. The second end cap may be positioned on a second longitudinal end of the body. The input and the output may be longitudinally intermediate the first and the second end caps.

Various embodiments are directed towards a machine that is enabled to brew a beverage and generate vaporized fluid. The beverage may be, but is not limited to a coffee-based beverage. In at least one embodiment, the beverage may be a brewed beverage. In various embodiments, the machine includes a steam tank that partially vaporizes the fluid, a super-heater assembly that is downstream from the steam tank, and a steam wand that is downstream from the super-heater assembly. In some embodiments, the fluid is not completely vaporized in the steam tank. The super-heater assembly receives the partially vaporized fluid. The super-heater assembly may include a heating element and a flow path. The flow path is in thermal contact with the heating element. The partially vaporized fluid flows through the flow path and is further vaporized. In some embodiments, the vaporization of the fluid is completed in the flow path. In at least one embodiment, superheated steam or dry steam, is generated in the flow path. The steam wand may provide the further vaporized fluid to a user of the machine.

In various embodiments, the machine may further include a valve between the steam tank and the super-heater assembly. The valve regulates a flow rate of the further vaporized fluid that is provided to the user. The valve may regulate the flow rate of the further vaporized fluid by at least pulsing between an open state and a closed state. The valve may be a proportional valve.

In some embodiments, the super-heater assembly further includes a body that houses the heating element and the flow path and a thermal insulator. The thermal insulator partially surrounds the body. The thermal insulator partially thermally insulates the body, the heating element, and the flow path from an ambient environment. The assembly may further include a helical member. The helical member at least partially forms the flow path. The flow path may be a helical flow path surrounding the heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element forms the flow path. When the partially vaporized fluid flows through the flow path, the partially vaporized fluid is in direct physical contact with the heating element and is further vaporized.

In some embodiments, the machine may further includes a thermocouple and a controller. In some embodiments, the controller may be a processor device, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or the like. A controller may include a logic device, such as but not limited to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. The thermocouple may be in thermal contact with at least a portion of the super-heater assembly. The thermocouple may be enable to generate a signal based on a temperature of a portion of the super-heater assembly. The controller may receive the signal. The controller may adjust a temperature of the heating element based on a difference between the temperature of the portion of the super-heater assembly and a temperature threshold. Accordingly, the controller and thermocouple may work together to generate and respond to thermostatic feedback.

Various embodiments are directed towards a system for an espresso machine. The system may produce or generate superheated steam. Thus, the system may be a steam system. The system may include a resistive heating element, a helical flow path positioned around the resistive heating element, and a steam output in fluid communication with and downstream from the helical flow path. The helical flow path may receive wet steam produced in the espresso machine. The helical flow path may expose the wet steam to the resistive heating element. The resistive heating element transforms the wet steam into superheated steam. The steam output may provide the superheated steam to a user of the espresso machine.

In some embodiments, the system may further includes a steam tank that houses water and another resistive heating element positioned within the steam tank. The helical flow path may be in fluid communication with and downstream from the steam tank. The wet steam may be generated via heat transfer from the heating element to the water housed in the steam tank. Furthermore, the steam tank may provide the wet steam to the helical flow path. In at least one embodiment, the system further includes a proportional valve.

The proportional valve may regulate a flow rate of the superheated steam provided to the user. In some embodiments, the system may include a tube-shaped body. The tube-shaped body may houses the resistive heating element and the helical flow path. Some embodiments may include a coil spring that at least partially forms the helical flow path. At least one embodiments includes a steam handle and one or more magnets. The magnets provide the user tactile feedback when operating the steam handle. Furthermore, an espresso machine may include one or more magnetic switches that magnetically coupled to the steam handle. The one or more magnetic switches may sense a position of the steam handle.

Various embodiments are directed towards a method for employing a machine for a preparation of a beverage. The beverage may be a coffee-based beverage. The methods may include partially vaporizing a fluid housed within a tank included in the machine and providing the partially vaporized fluid to a super-heater assembly included in the machine. The super-heater assembly may be downstream from the tank. The method may further include employing the super-heater assembly to further vaporize the fluid and providing the further vaporized fluid to a potable liquid to heat the potable liquid. The fluid may be completely vaporized in the super-heater assembly to generate superheated steam. The potable liquid may include, but is not otherwise limited to milk.

As discussed throughout, the super-heater assembly may include at least a heating element and a flow path positioned around the heating element. The flow path receives the partially vaporized fluid from the tank. The flow path may expose at least a portion of the partially vaporized fluid to the heating element and a heat transfer from the heating element further vaporizes the partially vaporized fluid. In some embodiments, the super-heater assembly further includes a helical member and a body. The heating element, the helical member, and the body form at least a portion of the flow path.

In some embodiments, the method further includes brewing one or more shots of espresso and providing the heated potable liquid to the one or more shots of espresso. In at least one embodiment, the method includes adjusting a flow rate of the partially vaporized fluid from the tank to the super-heater assembly and adjusting a moisture content of the further vaporized fluid that is provided to the potable liquid by adjusting a temperature of a portion of the super-heater assembly. In various embodiments, the flow rate of the partially vaporized fluid from the tank to the super-heater assembly is adjusted by controlling one or more valves positioned downstream from the tank and upstream from the super-heater assembly.

Various embodiments are directed towards one or more methods for generating superheated steam within an espresso machine. At least one of the methods may include generating wet steam within a steam tank. The steam tank may be included in the espresso machine. The method may further include transmitting the wet steam from the steam tank to a super-heater included in the espresso machine. The super-heater may include a body and a flow path within the body. The body may be separate from the steam tank. In some embodiments, the method includes superheating the wet steam in the flow path by transferring thermal energy generated within the body to the wet steam and providing the superheated steam to a user of the espresso machine.

In some embodiments, the method includes employing the espresso machine to pre-wet coffee grounds at a first flow rate of water provided to the coffee grounds. The method may include employing the espresso machine to brew one or more shots of espresso from the pre-wetted coffee grounds at a second flow rate of water provided to the pre-wetted coffee grounds. The second flow rate may be greater than the first flow rate. In at least one embodiment, the super-heater may include a heating element positioned within the body. A portion of the heating element may form at least a portion of the flow path. When the wet steam flows through the flow path, the wet steam is in direct physical contact with the heating element.

In various embodiments, the method may include adjusting a flow rate of the transmitting of the wet steam from the steam tank to the super-heater. Adjusting the flow rate may include employing a flow rate regulating assembly included in the espresso machine. A control member of the flow rate regulating assembly may include one or more magnets to provide the user tactile feedback when adjusting the flow rate. A control member of the flow rate regulating assembly may include one or more magnetic switches to sense a position of a steam handle.

In some embodiments, the super-heater may include a helical member positioned in the body and a heating element positioned in the body. In at least one embodiment, the body, the helical member, and the heating element are coaxial about a longitudinal axis of the body. In various embodiments, the super-heater includes a first end cap and a second end cap. The first end cap may be positioned on a first longitudinal end of the body. The second end cap may be positioned on a second longitudinal end of the body.

Various embodiments are directed towards one or more methods for preparing a beverage. The beverage may be a coffee-based beverage, such as but not limited to a latte, cappuccino, or the like. In some embodiments, the beverage may be a tea-based, a chai-based beverage, or the like. The method may include brewing a volume of coffee, generating steam, and providing the steam to a super-heater assembly. The volume of coffee may include, but is not otherwise limited to one or more shots of espresso. The generated steam may include wet steam. The method may further include employing the super-heater assembly to heat the steam to a temperature that is greater than a vaporization temperature of water at a pressure of the super-heater assembly. For instance, the wet steam may be turned into superheated steam. The method may further include providing the heated steam to a potable liquid to heat the potable liquid, such as but not limited to milk. Furthermore, the heated potable liquid may be combines with the volume of coffee.

In some embodiments the method may further include regulating a flow rate of the heated steam provided to the user. Regulating the flow rate may include controlling valves positioned between a steam tank and the super-heater assembly. The steam tank may generate the steam. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes employing a thermocouple to control the temperature of the heated steam that is greater than the vaporization temperature of water at the pressure of the super-heater assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description should, therefore, not be limiting.

As used herein, the term “fluid” may refer to a substance that continually deforms or flows under an applied sheer stress. Fluids may include states of matter other than solid states. Accordingly, a fluid may include, but not be limited to a liquid or a gas. Accordingly, a fluid may include a vaporized state of mater. In some embodiments, a fluid may include a liquid state of matter.

As used herein, the term “vapor” may refers to a gaseous state of matter. The term “vaporize” may refer to converting a solid or liquid state of the matter to the vapor or gaseous state of the matter.

As used herein, the term “steam” may refer to a vaporized, or at least partially vaporized state of matter. Thus, steam may refer to a gaseous state of matter. Such vaporized (or partially vaporized) matter may include but is not otherwise limited to water. Whether the matter is vaporized depends upon at least one of the temperature of matter, the pressure of the matter, and the like.

As used herein, the term “wet steam” may refer to partially vaporized matter, such as but not limited to water. Thus, wet steam is steam that includes a combination of vaporized and non-vaporized particles of matter. For instance, wet steam may include vaporized water molecules, as well as non-vaporized water molecules. Wet steam may be characterized by the fractional composition of the non-vaporized/vaporized particles. For instance, 3% wet steam may include 97% vaporized water molecules and 3% liquid-water molecules. Thus, the higher the concentration of liquid-water molecules, the wetter the steam.

Wet steam may exist in a system, where a portion of the water molecules are liquid-water molecules (and another portion are vaporized-water molecules). However, not enough latent heat has been transferred to the water molecules to completely vaporize all of the water molecules included in the system.

As used herein, the terms “dry steam” or “superheated steam” may refer to fully vaporized matter, such as but not limited to water. Thus, dry steam or superheated steam is steam that include little or no non-vaporized particles of matter. For instance, dry steam may include 100%, or close to 100%, vaporized water molecules. Enough latent heat has been transferred to the water molecules to completely vaporize all of the water molecules included in the system.

Thus, superheated steam may store more energy than wet steam. Accordingly, superheated steam may transfer energy (or heat) without condensing. Superheated steam may be cooled somewhat, without condensing.

The energy transfer capacity of dry or superheated steam may be less than the energy transfer capacity of wet steam. For instance, a heat transfer coefficient of superheated steam may be less than the corresponding heat transfer coefficient of the wet steam.

Some processes to prepare various beverages, such as but not limited to coffee-based beverages may employ steam to heat and/or froth a potable liquid to combine with the one or more espresso shots. Such coffee-based beverages may include cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and the like. Such potable liquids that may be heated and/or frothed via superheated steam may include, but are not otherwise limited to dairy-based milk, soy-based milk, rice-based milk, almond-based milk, hemp-based milk, coconut-based milk, cashew-based milk, or the like.

In various embodiments discussed herein, the employed steam may be superheated steam. In at least one embodiment, the employed steam may include dry steam. Employing superheated steam to heat and/or froth the potable liquid may be more advantageous than employing wet steam in the preparation of a beverage, including but not limited to coffee-based beverages, tea-based beverages, chai-based beverages, and the like. In some embodiments, employing superheated steam to heat and/or froth the potable liquid may be more advantageous than employing wet steam in the preparation of beverages.

For instance, when superheated steam is employed to froth milk, the frothed milk is significantly lighter, creamier, and more sweet than milk frothed with wet steam. At least because wet steam includes non-vaporized water, the employment of wet steam waters down and increases the weight (or density) of the steamed and/or frothed milk. Additionally, wet steam condenses more than dry and/or superheated steam when transferring heat energy to the milk. Thus, milk frothed with wet steam is further watered down, as compared to milk frothed with dry and/or superheated steam, which condenses less than wet steam.

Accordingly, the weight or density of milk frothed with superheated steam is lighter than, as compared to milk frothed with wet steam. Additionally, because superheated steam does not water down the frothed milk, milk frothed with superheated steam appears creamier than milk frothed with wet steam. The creamier appearance includes a creamier visual appearance and a creamier tasting experience, as well as a creamier feeling. Furthermore, milk frothed with superheated steam is sweater than milk frothed with wet steam. The superheated steam may release more of sugars within the milk, as compared to wet steam.

Accordingly, in at least some embodiments, a milk with a lower fat content may be frothed with superheat steam, and provide the tasting, visual appearance, and “mouth-feel” of a frothed milk of a higher fat content. For instance, a latte may be prepared skim milk frothed with superheated steam, and for all intents and purposes, the consumer may be provided the experience of drinking a latte prepared with steamed and/or frothed 1% milk. Similarly, a chai-based beverage may be prepared with 2% milk frothed with superheated steam, and for all intents and purposes, the consumer may be provided the experience of drinking a chai-based beverage prepared with steamed and/or frothed whole milk. As yet another example, a cappuccino prepared 1% milk frothed with superheated steam, the consumer may, for all intents and purposes, be provided the experience of drinking a cappuccino prepared with steamed and/or frothed 2% milk.

Various embodiments of assemblies, systems, and espresso machines discussed herein may generate at least superheated steam and/or dry steam to heat and/or froth the potable beverage combined with the brewed espresso to prepare coffee-based drinks. Furthermore, various methods of preparing coffee-based beverages and/or employing espresso machines discussed herein may employ at least superheated steam and/or dry steam.

In addition to the advantages of employing superheated and/or dry steam in the preparation of an espresso-based drink, the flavor profile of the espresso shot may be of critical importance. The flavor profile of an espresso shot is dependent upon many factors associated with the espresso machine, the coffee grounds, and the brewing process used to produce the shot. Such factors include the coarseness of the ground coffee beans, the temperature, pressure, and volume of water forced through the grounds, as well as the time for which the water is in contact with the grounds and the distribution of water over the grounds. Slowly and fully pre-wetting the grounds, prior to forcing the heated pressurized water through the grounds, may greatly increase the quality and complexity of the taste profile of the shot. Coffee beans used to make espresso may contain carbon dioxide and other gasses which may affect the taste profile of the espresso shot. Some of these gasses may be acquired by the beans during a roasting process. Whole coffee beans are roasted prior to grinding the beans and brewing espresso and preparing other coffee drinks with the ground beans. The roasting process, which involves heating the beans, is required to produce some of the characteristic flavors associated with coffee. During the roasting process, carbon dioxide may be formed within the cell structure of the coffee beans.

Slowly and fully pre-wetting the coffee grounds with water, prior to brewing espresso, may allow for the release of the carbon dioxide from the ground coffee beans. When at least a portion of the carbon dioxide is released, or out-gassed, from the ground coffee beans, the barista may grind the beans significantly finer than is otherwise possible. Many individuals experience a greater and more complex taste profile of an espresso shot if the coffee grounds have been fully pre-wetted prior to the full pressure brewing process as there is an increasing of the surface area of the finer ground coffee and more of the coffee oils are then extracted, increasing mouth-feel and decreasing bitterness of the espresso.

Brewing one or more shots of espresso may include a plurality of phases. For instance, brewing a shot of espresso may include at least a pre-brew phase and an extraction phase. The flow rate of water provided to the coffee grounds may be controlled, regulated, and/or varied during each of the phases included in the brewing process. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/015,823, filed on Aug. 30, 2013 and entitled SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING FLOW RATE IN AN ESPRESSO MACHINE, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference, describes various embodiments of controlling, regulating, and varying the flow rate of water during a multi-phase espresso brewing process. Furthermore, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/580,665, filed on Dec. 23, 2014 and entitled SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING FLOW RATE IN AN ESPRESSO MACHINE, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference, describes various embodiments of controlling, regulating, and varying the flow rate of water during a multi-phase espresso brewing process.

Espresso Machines

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a pump-driven espresso machine100that generates superheated steam and is consistent with the various embodiments described herein. In at least one embodiment, espresso machine100may generate dry steam. Espresso machine100ofFIG. 1may include similar features, components, and/or functionality of the various embodiments described herein, including, but not limited to espresso machine200ofFIG. 2or espresso machine600ofFIG. 6.

InFIG. 1, espresso machine100is shown having steam wand102, wherein espresso machine100may deliver pressurized steam through at least one steam aperture (not shown) disposed on a distal end of steam wand102. Steam wand102may deliver the generated superheated and/or dry steam through the at least one steam aperture. In some of the various embodiments, at least a portion of the distal end of steam wand102, including the one or more steam apertures, may be submerged in a volume of a potable liquid, such as but not limited to dairy-based milk, soy-based milk, rice-based milk, almond-based milk or the like. The volume of potable liquid may be housed by a steaming cup (not shown).

Superheated and/or dry steam delivered to the volume of the potable liquid through the one or more steam apertures may steam, froth, and/or heat potable fluid, used to prepare an espresso based beverage, such as a latte or cappuccino. In some of the various embodiments, the position of the steam wand102may be rotatably adjustable.

As discussed throughout, a flow rate of superheated and/or dry steam through steam wand102and the one or more steam apertures may be controlled by steam handle104. In some of the various embodiments, the flow rate of steam through the at least one steam aperture may vary between a maximum flow of steam and no steam. In at least one embodiment, the flow rate of steam may depend upon the position of steam handle104. In at least one embodiment, a user of espresso machine100, or barista, may be enabled to rotate the position of steam handle104to control the flow rate of steam through steam wand102and the at least one steam aperture.

In some embodiments, espresso machine100includes a steam super-heater assembly (not shown inFIG. 1) to generate the superheated and/or dry steam. Espresso machine100may include a steam super-heater assembly at least similar to any of the various embodiments discussed herein, including but not limited to steam super-heater assembly250,300,400,500, or650ofFIGS. 2-6respectively.

In some embodiments, espresso machine100may include brew cap assembly106. In at least one embodiment, the heated pressurized water is delivered to coffee grounds through brew cap assembly106. Brew cap assembly106may include at least one giggleur (not shown). A giggleur may include at least one of an aperture, orifice, or valve from which pressurized water is forced through and expelled out of. A giggleur may be configured and arranged to deliver a volume of water to the coffee grounds in a stream or in a spray, similar to a nozzle assembly.

Portafilter assembly110may be rotatably coupable to an underside of brew cap assembly106. In at least one of the various embodiments, the barista may couple portafilter assembly110to the underside of brew cap assembly106by at least exerting a rotational force on portafilter handle112.

In at least one embodiment, portafilter assembly110may house a coffee ground basket (not shown). In some embodiments, coffee ground basket may be a basket filter that houses coffee grounds. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, brew cap assembly106may deliver heated pressurized water, through at least the giggleur (not shown), to coffee grounds housed in the coffee ground basket included in portafilter assembly110and coupled to brew cap assembly106. In some embodiments, the coffee ground basket may permit the flow of at least a portion of the water delivered by brew cap assembly106, but restricts the flow of the coffee grounds.

In some of the various embodiments, heated pressurized water may flow from brew cap106into portafilter assembly110and, due to at least the pressure, at least a portion of the heated pressurized water may be forced or extracted through the coffee grounds housed within coffee ground basket contained within portafilter assembly110. Espresso may be extracted through the basket filter and flow out of portafilter assembly110through at least one portafilter aperture (not shown) disposed on an underside of portafilter assembly110. The produced espresso may be deposited in an espresso shot glass (not shown) disposed on drip tray114.

Some embodiments of espresso machine100may include brew pressure gauge118, which may give an indication, or reading, of the pressure of the heated pressurized water at least one point in at least one brew flow line (not shown) included in espresso machine100. In some embodiments, brew pressure gauge118may indicate the pressure within portafilter assembly110and between the giggleur and the coffee grounds. In at least one embodiment, brew pressure gauge118may be an analog gauge. In some embodiments, brew pressure gauge118may be a digital gauge. Espresso machine100may include water supply116, which supplies water to espresso machine100. The water from water supply116may be heated and pressurized by espresso machine100and used to produce espresso and/or steam. In some embodiments, water supply116may include a water filter.

In at least one of the various embodiments, espresso machine100may include brew handle108. Brew handle108may be employed to control an espresso brewing process. In at least one of the various embodiments, the espresso brewing process may include at least two phases: a pre-brew phase and an extraction phase. The two phases may be distinct and/or independent phases. The two phases may be temporally-ordered phases, with the pre-brew phase occurring prior to the extraction phase.

In at least one embodiment, brew handle108may be used to initiate the espresso brewing process. In some of the various embodiments, brew handle108may be used to initiate the pre-brew phase of the brewing process. In some of the various embodiments, brew handle108may be used to transition the espresso brewing process from the pre-brew phase to the extraction phase. In at least one of the various embodiments, brew handle108may be used to terminate the espresso brewing process, including at least terminating the extraction phase.

Espresso machine100may include a processor or processor device (not shown). In some embodiments, the processor device may at least control at least a portion of the espresso brewing process. In some embodiments, the processor device may adjust or control the flow rate during the espresso brewing process. In at least one embodiment, the processor device may control or adjust at least one valve, such as but not limited to a proportional valve, included in espresso machine100. The valve may be employed to regulate the flow rate of the superheated steam through steam want102.

In some embodiments, espresso machine100may include one or more flow meters (not shown). The one or more flow meters may enable a measurement of the flow rate of water through one or more brew groups. The one or more flow meters may enable a measurement of a volume of water flowing during at least a portion of the espresso brewing process.

FIG. 2illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of pump-driven espresso machine200that includes a steam super-heater assembly250that may enable the generation of superheated steam and is consistent with the various embodiments.

In various embodiments, espresso machine200may include power supply222. As shown by the hashed connections, power supply222may provide at least a portion of the electrical power required to operate various components and/or assemblies of espresso machine200, such as brew heating source224, steam heating source228, controls for brew flow rate assembly208, and pump226. In some embodiments, power supply222may provide at least electrical power to at least one of brew flow rate regulating assembly236, steam flow rate regulating assembly238, and controls for steam generation and flow rate regulating assembly204. In the context ofFIG. 2, hashed connecting lines are used to illustrate at least electrical coupling and/or electrical communication of the components. The electrical coupling may include the ability to distribute electrical power and/or electrical signals that may enable the controlling or operation of the various components. Also in the context ofFIG. 2, directional solid connecting lines are used to illustrate at least the fluid and/or pressure communication of the components.

In some embodiments, espresso machine200may include water supply216. Water supply216may supply water to pump226. In some embodiments, pump226may pump at least a portion of the water supplied by water supply216to brew tank230, wherein the pumped water may be heated, pressurized, and used in the brewing of espresso. In some embodiments, pump226may pump water to steam tank234, where the pumped water may be used to generate superheated steam employed in the preparation of some coffee based drinks. In some embodiments, water supply216may include at least a water filter. In at least one of the various embodiments, brew tank230and steam tank234may be supplied water from separate and/or independent water supplies and/or separate pumps. In at least one embodiment, brew tank230and steam tank234may be supplied water from the same water supply and/or the same pump.

In some embodiments, pump226may provide at least a portion of the pressure required to pressurize water stored in brew tank230. In some embodiments, a plurality of pumps may be included in espresso machine200. In at least one embodiment, at least one pump may be dedicated to pressurizing water stored in brew tank230. Similarly, pump226may provide at least a portion of the pressure required to pressurize water stored in steam tank234. In at least one embodiment, at least one pump may be dedicated to pressurizing water stored in steam tank234.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine200may include brew heating source224. Brew heating source224may provide at least a portion of the heat energy required to heat water supplied by water supply216. At least a portion of the water heated by brew heating source224may be stored within brew tank230. In at least one embodiment, brew heating source224may be disposed in brew tank230. In some of the various embodiments, brew heating source224may include a resistive element, such as a resistive coil or other type of heating element.

Some embodiments of espresso machine200may include steam heating source228. Steam heating source228may provide at least a portion of the heat energy required to produce steam within steam tank234. In at least one embodiment, steam heating source228may be disposed within steam tank234. In some of the various embodiments, steam heating source228may include a resistive element, such as a resistive coil or other type of heating element.

In various embodiments, wet steam may be generated within steam tank234via the transfer of heat energy from steam heating source228to the pressurized water within steam tank234. The generation of wet steam within steam tank234may increase the pressure within steam tank234. Generating wet steam within steam tank234may include the partial vaporization of the water molecules stored within steam tank234.

The wet steam generated in steam tank234may flow into steam super-heater assembly250. Steam super-heater assembly250employs the provided wet steam to generate superheated steam. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the steam generated from the wet steam in the steam super-heater assembly250may be dry steam. Various embodiments of steam super-heater assemblies are discussed throughout. For instance, various embodiments of steam super-heater assemblies are discussed throughout, such as but not limited to in conjunction withFIGS. 3-5B. However, briefly, steam super-heater assembly250may transfer heat to the wet steam to complete the vaporization of the wet steam generated in steam tank234to generate dry steam. Furthermore, steam super-heater assembly250may transfer additional heat to the dry steam to increase the temperature beyond liquid/vapor boundary at the pressure within steam super-heater assembly250to generate superheated steam.

Thus, steam super-heater assembly is provided wet steam via a steam input of steam super-heater assembly250and provides or outputs superheated steam via a steam output of steam super-heater assembly250. At least a portion of the outputted steam via the steam output of the steam super-heater assembly250may be dry steam.

The superheated and/or dry steam generated via the steam super-heater assembly250flows out of espresso machine200via the steam output202. For instance, steam output202may be included in steam wand102of espresso machine100ofFIG. 1. Steam output202may include one or more steam apertures in steam wand102. The superheated and/or dry steam outputted via steam output202may be employed to heat, steam, and/or froth a potable liquid for the preparation of one or more beverages, including but not limited to coffee-based beverages, tea-based beverages, chai-based beverages, and the like.

The flow rate at which the wet steam flows into the steam super-heater assembly250may be regulated via the steam flow rate regulating assembly238. Note that the steam flow rate regulating assembly also regulates the flow rate of the superheated and/or dry steam of espresso machine200via steam output202. The steam flow rate regulating assembly238may include a valve, such as but not limited to a proportional valve. The steam flow rate regulating assembly238may be controlled via the controls for steam generation and flow rate204. For instance, controls for steam generation and flow rate204may include but are not otherwise limited to steam handle104of espresso machine100ofFIG. 1. Likewise, the controls for steam generation and flow rate204may control the temperature of the generated superheated steam.

In at least one embodiment, controls for steam generation and flow rate204may include one or more controllers. In some embodiments, the controller may be a processor device, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or the like. A controller may include a logic device, such as but not limited to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. In various embodiments, controls for steam generation and flow rate204may include one or more thermocouples.

Steam flow rate regulating assembly238may regulate the flow rate of the wet steam from steam tank234. Thus, as shown inFIG. 2, steam flow rate regulating assembly238may be downstream from the steam tank234. Steam super-heater assembly250may be downstream from steam tank234. In addition, as shown inFIG. 2, steam flow rate regulating assembly238may be upstream from the steam super-heater assembly250. Accordingly, steam flow rate regulating assembly238may be positioned or located intermediate the steam tank234and steam super-heater assembly250. In at least one embodiment, steam flow rate regulating assembly238may be positioned or located downstream from steam super-heater assembly250.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine200may include one or more steam pressure and temperature gauges252. Steam pressure and temperature gauges252may give an indication of the pressure of at least one point between steam tank234and steam output202. In at least one embodiment, steam pressure and temperature gauges252may give an indication of the temperature of superheated steam output by steam output202.

In at least some embodiments, brew tank230may store heated and pressurized water. During at least a portion of an espresso brewing process, at least a portion of the heated pressurized water stored within brew tank230may flow downstream from brew tank230to coffee grounds housed in coffee ground housing220and then to espresso output240. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the heated pressurized water may flow through a downstream giggleur225before reaching coffee grounds housing220. In some embodiments, giggleur225may include at least an aperture or an orifice. In some embodiments, giggleur225may include a nozzle and/or valve. In some embodiments, a diameter of the aperture or orifice included in giggleur225may be with a range, such as 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. In at least some embodiments, the diameter of the aperture or orifice may be approximately 0.7 mm. In at least one embodiment, giggleur225may be characterized by at least a feature size of the included aperture or orifice.

In at least one of the various embodiments, coffee ground housing220may be included in a portafilter assembly, such as portafilter assembly110ofFIG. 1. In at least some embodiments, steam tank234may store pressurized steam. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the steam stored within steam tank234may flow from steam tank234to steam output202.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine200may include one or more brew pressure and temperature gauges218. Brew pressure and temperature gauges218may give an indication of the pressure of at least one point between pump226and coffee ground housing220. In at least one embodiment, brew pressure gauge may give an indication of pressure downstream of giggleur225and upstream of coffee grounds. Brew pressure and temperature gauges218may give an indication of the temperature of at least one point between pump226and coffee ground housing220.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine200may include steam tank pressure gauge232. Steam pressure gauge232may give an indication of the pressure at at least one point between pump226and steam output202. In at least one embodiment, steam pressure gauge232may be an analog gauge. In some embodiments, steam pressure gauge232may be a digital gauge.

In at least one embodiment, espresso machine200may include brew flow rate regulating assembly236. In some embodiments, brew flow rate regulating assembly236may be upstream of brew tank236. During at least a portion of the espresso brewing process, water may flow from pump226and through brew flow rate regulating assembly236before reaching brew tank230. In at least one alternative embodiment, brew flow rate regulating assembly236may be downstream of brew tank235, but upstream of giggleur225.

In at least one of the various embodiments, brew flow rate regulating assembly236may regulate, or limit, the flow rate of heated pressurized water arriving at coffee ground housing220, during at least a portion of the espresso brewing process. In at least one of the various embodiments, giggleur225may regulate, or limit, the flow rate of heated pressurized water arriving at coffee ground housing220, during at least a portion of the espresso brewing process.

At coffee ground housing220, the flow rate regulated water may be exposed to coffee grounds housed within. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the flow regulated water delivered to coffee grounds may pre-wet the coffee grounds. At least a portion of the flow regulated water delivered to coffee grounds, may be extracted through the pre-wetted coffee grounds to produce espresso. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the extracted espresso may exit espresso machine200through espresso output240. In at least one embodiment, espresso output240may include at least a portafilter aperture, such as the portafilter aperture discussed in the context ofFIG. 1. The produced espresso may flow from espresso machine100via the portafilter aperture.

In at least one embodiment, brew flow rate regulating assembly236may adjustably regulate the flow rate of heated pressurized water flowing to coffee ground housing220. Various embodiments of brew flow rate regulating assembly236are described in greater detail with regard toFIGS. 3-6. However, briefly stated, in at least one embodiment, brew flow rate regulating assembly236may include at least one flow path, wherein a flow rate of water, which flows into and out of brew flow rate regulating assembly236, may be regulated, adjusted, or otherwise controlled. In at least one embodiment, regulating, adjusting, or otherwise controlling the flow rate of water into and out of brew flow rate regulating assembly236may regulate, adjust, or otherwise control the brew flow rate of water delivered to the coffee grounds during an espresso brewing process. In at least one embodiment, regulating, adjusting, or otherwise controlling the flow rate of water into and out of brew flow rate regulating assembly236may regulate, adjust, or otherwise control the pressure of the water delivered to the coffee grounds during an espresso brewing process.

In some embodiments, brew flow rate regulating assembly236may include a plurality of flow paths, where a flow rate of pressurized water, for each individual flow path in the plurality of flow paths, may be regulated, adjusted, or otherwise controlled. In some embodiments, the plurality of flow paths may include independent flow paths. In at least one of the various embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of flow paths may include parallel flow paths. In some embodiments, the independent flow paths may vary in both transverse and longitudinal size and/or shape. In some embodiments, the independent flow paths may vary in transverse diameter or transverse cross-sectional area. In at least one embodiment, a flow rate through brew flow rate regulating assembly236may include the sum of at least a portion of the individual flow rates of each of the plurality of flow paths.

FIG. 3illustrates an exploded view of a steam super-heater assembly300that is consistent with the various embodiments. Steam super-heater assembly300may be employed in any of the various embodiments discussed herein to generate superheated and/or dry steam. For instance, various embodiments of steam super-heater assembly300may be included in any of the espresso machines discussed herein, including but not limited to espresso machine100ofFIG. 1, espresso machine200ofFIG. 2, or espresso machine600ofFIG. 6. Steam super-heater assembly300may be employed in any of the various process embodiments discussed herein to generate superheated and/or dry steam, including but not limited to process700ofFIG. 7Aor process750ofFIG. 7B.

Steam super-heater assembly300may include a super-heater body310, a heating element320, and one or more helical members330. Super-heater body310may be a substantially tube-shaped body. In some embodiments, super-heater body310may be substantially a cylindrical shell that includes a longitudinal axis. The tube-shaped body or cylindrical shell defines an internal cavity of the super-heater body310. Super-heater body may include a first flange316on the first longitudinal end of the tube or cylindrical shell and a second flange318on the second longitudinal end of the tube or cylindrical shell. As shown inFIG. 3, the first and second longitudinal ends of super-heater body310may be open ended to receive at least the heating element320and the helical member330. The super-heater body310may include a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second longitudinal ends of the super-heater body310.

A longitudinal length of the super-heater body310may be substantially equivalent to the distance between the first and second longitudinal ends of the super-heated body310. The longitudinal length of the super-heater body310may be approximately 4 inches. Other embodiments are not so constrained, and the longitudinal length may be any length based on factors such as but not limited to desired flow rate, pressure, temperature, and the like of the generated superheated steam. The diameter of the super-heater body310may be approximately 0.75 inches. However, other embodiments are not so constrained, and the diameter may be any diameter based on factors such as but not limited to desired flow rate, pressure, temperature, and the like of the generated superheated steam. In various embodiments, the thickness of the cylindrical shell or tube of super-heater body310may be approximately between 0.1 and 0.2 inches. However, other embodiments are not so constrained, and the thickness may be any thickness less than half the diameter of the super-heater body310based on factors such as but not limited to desired flow rate, pressure, temperature, and the like of the generated superheated steam.

Super-heater body310may be fabricated from any material, including but not limited to a metal. In at least one embodiment, the material may be chosen to decrease heat transfer out of the steam super-heater assembly300. The choice of the material may be based on factors such as but not limited to desired flow rate, pressure, temperature, and the like of the generated superheated steam. The shape of the lateral cross section of the super-heater body310(and internal cavity) is circular in some embodiments, Other embodiments are not so constrained, and the cross sectional shape of each of the super-heater body310and the corresponding internal cavity may take on any shape, including but not limited to elliptical, rectangular, square, triangular, and the like.

Super-heater body310includes a steam input312or input port and a steam output314or output port. In some embodiments, the steam input312and the steam output314may be positioned on the lateral surface of the super-heater body310, such that each of the steam input/output312/314is substantially orthogonal to each of the first and second longitudinal ends of the super-heater body310. In some embodiments, the steam input312is closer to the first longitudinal end of the super-heater body310than to the second longitudinal end of the super-heater body310. In at least one embodiment, the steam input312is substantially adjacent the first longitudinal end of the super-heater body310. In some embodiments, the steam output314is closer to the second longitudinal end of the super-heater body310than to the first longitudinal end of the super-heater body310. In at least one embodiment, the steam output314is substantially adjacent the second longitudinal end of the super-heater body310. As shown inFIG. 3, in some embodiments, the steam input312and steam output314are substantially aligned on the lateral surface of the super-heater body310.

The heating element320may be a substantially rod-shaped heating element. As shown inFIG. 3, the shape of the heating element320may substantially match the shape of the super-heater body310. Accordingly, the lateral cross section of the heating element may take on substantially any shape, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, and the like. Because the heating element320is positioned or located within the internal cavity of the super-heater body310, the longitudinal length of the heating element320may be close to, but slightly less than the longitudinal length of the super-heater body310. Similarly, the lateral cross sectional area of the heating element320may be less than the lateral cross sectional area of the internal cavity of the super-heater body310.

The heating element324includes a base324that may house electronics. At least the rod-shaped portion of heating element320may generate thermal energy. In various embodiments, the rod-shaped portion of heating element320may include a resistive heater that generates heat via electrical resistance. Heating element320may include one or more cables322to carry electrical signals to the heating element320. For instance, the one or more cables322may provide electrical power to the heating element. Although not shown inFIG. 3, in various embodiments, a steam super-heater assembly, such as but not limited to steam super-heater assembly300may include one or more thermocouples employed to determine the temperature of either the heating element320, steam within the super-heater assembly300, or within the internal cavity of super-heater body310. The one or more cables322may provide power to and/or carry away signals from the one or more thermocouples.

The helical member330may include a plurality of helical coils or windings. In various embodiments, helical member330may be a coil spring. However, other embodiments are not so constrained, and the helical member330is not substantially elastically deformable. The longitudinal length, as well as the number, pitch, and radius of the coils in the various embodiments may be varied based on factors, such as but not limited to desired flow rate, pressure, temperature, and the like of the generated superheated steam.

As shown in the exploded view ofFIG. 3, the heating element320and the helical member330are positioned or located within the internal cavity of super-heater body310. In various embodiments, the super-heater body310, helical member330, and the rod-shaped heating element320are concentrically configured. In at least one embodiment, the coils of helical member330are radially intermediate the lateral internal surfaces of the super-heater body310and the lateral surfaces of the heating element320.

Steam super-heater assembly300may include a first end cap302and a second end cap304. The first end cap302may mate with and couple to the first longitudinal end of the super-heater body310. In some embodiments, the first end cap302may mate with and/or couple to the first flange316of super-heater body310. Likewise, the second end cap304may mate with and couple to the second longitudinal end of the super-heater body310. In some embodiments, the second end cap304may mate with and/or couple to the second flange318of super-heater body310.

In various embodiments, when the first and second end caps302/304are coupled to the corresponding first/second longitudinal ends of the super-heater body310, the steam super-heater assembly300is essentially a closed vessel except for the steam input312and the steam output314. As shown inFIG. 3, in some embodiments, the steam input312and steam output314may include extensions that are substantially orthogonal to the lateral surfaces of the super-heater body310.

In various embodiments, wet steam enters the internal cavity of the super-heater body310via steam input312. As discussed throughout, within the internal cavity of the super-heater body310, the heating element320fully vaporizes and/or heats the wet steam to generate superheated and/or dry steam within the internal cavity of the super-heater body310. The generated superheated and/or dry steam exits the super-heater body310via steam output314.

FIG. 4Aillustrates another embodiment of a steam super-heater assembly400that is consistent with the various embodiments. Figure B shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the steam super-heater assembly400ofFIG. 4A.FIG. 4Cshows a lateral cross-sectional view of the steam super-heater assembly400ofFIG. 4A. Steam super-heater assembly400may include similar features, components, or functionality of any of the various embodiments discussed herein, including at least but not limited to steam super-heater assembly250ofFIG. 2or steam super-heater assembly300ofFIG. 3. Steam super-heater assembly400may be included in any of the embodiments of espresso machines discussed herein, including but not limited to espresso machine100ofFIG. 1, espresso machine200ofFIG. 2, or espresso machine ofFIG. 6. Steam super-heater assembly400may be employed in any of the various process embodiments discussed herein to generate superheated and/or dry steam, including but not limited to process700ofFIG. 7Aor process750ofFIG. 7B.

Similar to steam super-heater assembly300ofFIG. 3, steam super-heater assembly400ofFIGS. 4A-4Cincludes a super-heater body410, a heating element420, and a helical member430. The view shown inFIG. 4Ais at least a partially transparent view, wherein the super-heater body410is partially transparent and the heating element420and the helical member420are shown within the internal cavity of the super-heater body410.

Similar to super-heater body310ofFIG. 3, super-heater body410includes a first flange416, second flange418, steam input412, and steam output414. Steam input412and steam output414include extensions that are substantially orthogonal to the lateral surfaces of the super-heater body410. In contrast to steam input/output312/314ofFIG. 3, the extensions of steam input/output412/414of steam super-heater assembly400are substantially anti-aligned on the lateral surface of the super-heater body310. Accordingly, the extensions of steam input/output412/414are directed in substantially opposite and/or anti-aligned directions that are each substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of steam super-heater assembly400.

Steam super-heater assembly400includes first end cap402and second end cap404to mate with first and second flanges416and418respectively. Heating element420includes a base424and one or more cables422that can transmit electrical power, as one as one or more electrical signals enabled to encode at least one or analog and/or digital information.

The longitudinal cross-sectional view ofFIG. 4Bshows that the coils of helical member430are coiled around the rod-shaped portion of heating member420. The coils are coiled around the heating element and extend in the longitudinal direction of the steam super-heater assembly400. The super-heater body410, helical member430and the heating element420are arranged in a concentric configuration and share the longitudinal axis of steam super-heater assembly400as a common axis.

Note that at leastFIG. 4Bshows wet steam entering the cavity of super-heater body410via steam input412and superheated steam exiting steam super-heater assembly400via steam output414.FIG. 4Bshows that the concentric configuration the super-heater body410, the helical member430, and the heating element form a helical flow path between steam input412and steam output414. The general direction of steam flow from the steam input412to the steam output414is generally along the longitudinal direction. However, wet steam entering steam input412travels generally through the helical coil path.

Wet steam entering the internal cavity of super-heater body410is exposed directly to the surface of the heating element420. Thus, the efficiency of heat transfer from heating element410to the wet steam is significantly increased. Furthermore, as the wet steam flows from the steam input412and flows toward the steam output414, the wet steam flows substantially along the helical flow path formed by the concentric configuration of the heating element420, the coils of the helical member430, and the internal surfaces of the super-heater body410. Due to the helical nature of the steam flow path between steam input412and steam output414, the length of the flow path is significantly greater than the longitudinal distance between steam input412and steam output414. Accordingly, the total amount of thermal energy transferred from the heating element420to the wet steam is significantly increased due to at least the steam's directed exposure to the heating element420and the significantly increased length of the steam flow path. Thus, the vaporization of the wet steam is completed during the steam's flow through the internal cavity of the super-heater body410and the steam is converted into dry steam. Furthermore, the dry steam is may be further heated and thus superheated steam is generated. The superheated steam exits the steam output414.

The flow arrows of the lateral cross-sectional view ofFIG. 4Cshow that as the steam flows between the steam input412and the steam output414, the steam is exposed directly to the heated surfaces of heat element420and follows a helical path defined by the concentric configuration of the heating element420, the helical member430, and the internal surfaces of the super-heater body410.

FIG. 5Aillustrates yet another embodiment of a steam super-heater assembly500that is consistent with the various embodiments.FIG. 5Bshows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the steam super-heater assembly500ofFIG. 5A. Steam super-heater assembly500may include similar features, components, or functionality of any of the various embodiments discussed herein, including at least but not limited to steam super-heater assembly250ofFIG. 2, steam super-heater assembly300ofFIG. 3, and steam super-heater assembly400ofFIG. 4. Steam super-heater assembly500may be included in any of the embodiments of espresso machines discussed herein, including but not limited to espresso machine100ofFIG. 1, espresso machine200ofFIG. 2, or espresso machine600ofFIG. 6. Steam super-heater assembly500may be employed in any of the various process embodiments discussed herein to generate superheated and/or dry steam, including but not limited to process700ofFIG. 7Aor process750ofFIG. 7B.

Similar to steam super-heater assembly400ofFIG. 4, steam super-heater assembly500ofFIGS. 5A-5Bincludes a super-heater body510, a heating element520, and a helical member530. The view shown inFIG. 5Ais at least a partially transparent view, wherein the super-heat body510is partially transparent and the heating element520and the helical member520is shown within the internal cavity of the super-heater body510.

Similar to super-heater body310ofFIG. 3, super-heater body510includes a first flange516, second flange518, steam input512, and steam output514. In contrast to steam input/output312/314ofFIG. 3, steam input512and steam output514does not include extensions that are substantially orthogonal to the lateral surfaces of the super-heater body510. Rather, steam input/output512/514includes apertures or openings within super-heater body510.

Steam super-heater assembly500includes first end cap502and second end cap504to mate with first and second flanges516and518respectively. Heating element520includes a base524and one or more cables522that can transmit electrical power, as one as one or more electrical signals enabled to encode at least one or analog and/or digital information.

FIG. 5Cshows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of a steam super-heater assembly540that is consistent with the various embodiments.FIG. 5Dshows a lateral cross-sectional view of the steam super-heater assembly ofFIG. 5C. Steam super-heater assembly540may be a pass through super-heater assembly. Steam super-heater assembly540may include two concentric bodies or tubes: inner tube556and outer tube550. At least one of the inner tube556or outer tune550may be a stainless steel tube. The outer cavity or space between inner tube556and outer tube550includes a heating element558. The wet steam is provided via steam input552and flows through inner internal cavity544(as shown by the flow arrow inFIG. 5C). The wet steam is exposed to the heating element558and is transformed into superheated steam, before flowing out of steam output554. Thus, inner internal cavity544may form a flow path for the steam.

Steam super-heater assembly540may include one or more cables542that may provide electrical power to the heating element558. Although not shown inFIG. 5C or 5D, in various embodiments, a steam super-heater assembly, such as but not limited to steam super-heater assembly540may include one or more thermocouples employed to determine the temperature of either the heating element558, steam within the super-heater assembly540, or within the inner internal cavity544of super-heater assembly5400. The one or more cables542may provide power to and/or carry away signals from the one or more thermocouples.

FIG. 5Eshows yet another embodiment of a steam super-heater assembly560that is consistent with the various embodiments. Steam super-heater assembly560includes a steam input562(for receiving wet steam) and a steam output564for providing superheated steam. Steam super-heater assembly560includes a spiraling, helical, or otherwise circuitous steam flow path556to expose the wet steam to heating element568. Heating element568transforms the wet steam into superheated steam within steam flow path556. Due to the spiraling nature of flow path,556, the steam is directly exposed to heating element568for a longer amount of time, and an efficient super-heating process is achieved.FIG. 5Fshows another embodiment of a steam super-heater assembly580that is consistent with the various embodiments. Steam super-heater assembly580may include similar features, components, and/or functionality as to super-heater assembly560ofFIG. 5E.

FIG. 6illustrates a portion of another embodiment of an espresso machine600that generates superheated steam and is consistent with the various embodiments described herein. Espresso machine600ofFIG. 6may include similar features, components, and/or functionality of the various embodiments described herein, including, but not limited to espresso machine100ofFIG. 1or espresso machine200ofFIG. 2. The upstream/downstream coordinate system is shown in the upper portion ofFIG. 6.

Espresso machine600includes water supply616, steam tank634, and steam heating source628. In various embodiments, the steam heating source may be housed in steam tank634. The combination of steam heating source628and steam tank634may form a boiler system that generates wet steam from water supplied by water supply616.

Espresso machine600includes a steam flow rate regulating assembly638and controls for steam generation and flow rate604. For instance, controls for steam generation and flow rate604may include a steam handle, such as but not limited to steam handle104of espresso machine100. A steam handle may include one or more magnets677. Espresso machine600may also include one or more other magnets666that oppose magnet677. As used herein, two opposing magnet have their poles anti-aligned such that the north pole of the first magnet is in substantial alignment with the south pole of the second magnet and/or the south pole of the first magnet is in substantial alignment with the north pole of the second magnet. Accordingly, a pair of opposing and/or anti-aligned magnets induce a mutually attractive force. While a pair of aligned magnets induce a mutually repelling force. Thus, the terms opposing refers to the anti-alignment of the poles of two magnets.

When two magnets are brought near one another and into opposition (or anti-alignment), the opposing magnets provide tactile feedback for the smooth and precise control of the flow rate of steam, due the mutually attractive force between the magnets. For instance, when the steam handle included in controls for steam generation and flow rate604is rotated such that magnet677passes near one of the opposing magnet of magnets666, the opposing magnet provides an attractive force that provides a “snapping into place” experience for the user. Although not shown inFIG. 6, espresso machine600may include one or more magnetic switches to sense a position of steam handle604and provide a positioning signal to flow rate regulating assembly638. Such magnetic switches enable the automatic sensing and detection of the user's control (rotation) of steam handle604.

Steam flow rate regulating assembly638may include one or more valves670. The one or more valves670may regulate the flow of the wet steam from the steam tank634through one or more steam flow paths672. The controls for steam generation and flow rate604may control the one or more valves670. In at least one embodiment, the one or more valves670may include at least one proportional valve. The opening and closing of the one or more valves670may be pulsed. The frequency of the pulsing may be controlled, varied, and/or regulated via the controls for steam generation and flow rate634to control, vary, and/or regulate the flow rate of steam.

Espresso machine600may include a steam super-heater assembly650that is downstream from the steam flow rate regulating assembly638and completes the vaporization of the wet steam. Accordingly, the wet steam flows downstream from the steam flow rate regulating assembly638to the steam super-heater assembly650, where superheated steam is generated from the wet steam. Steam super-heater assembly650may include similar features, components, or functionality to any of the steam super-heater assemblies discussed herein, including but not limited to steam super-heater assemblies300,400, and500ofFIGS. 3-5B. In at least one embodiment, a thermal insulating layer662, such as but not limited to a thermal insulating blanket or foam, may at least partially insulate the steam super-heater assembly650from the ambient temperature to increase the efficiency of the steam super-heater assembly650.

Espresso machine600may include controls for steam temperature668, a steam pressure gauge,652, and a steam temperature gauge654. Controls for steam temperature may include one or more controllers. The one or more controllers may include a processor device, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or the like. A controller may include a logic device, such as but not limited to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.

Furthermore, espresso machine600may include one or more thermocouples664. The thermocouple664may be in thermal contact with at least a portion of the super-heater assembly. The thermocouple664may be enable to generate a signal based on a temperature of a portion of the super-heater assembly. As shown inFIG. 6, controls for steam temperature668may receive the signal. The controls for steam temperature668may adjust a temperature of the heating element based on a difference between the temperature of the portion of the super-heater assembly and a temperature threshold. Accordingly, the controls for steam temperature668and thermocouple664may work together to generate and respond to thermostatic feedback. The superheated steam may be outputted from espresso machine600via steam wand602.

Methods for Preparing Beverages and Generating Superheated Steam

Various embodiments of processes700and750ofFIGS. 7A-7Bmay be directed towards the preparation of coffee-based beverages. However, other embodiments are not so constrained, and may be employed in the preparation of other beverages, such as but not limited to tea-based beverages, chai-based beverages, and the like.FIG. 7Aillustrates a logical flow diagram showing one embodiment of a process for preparing a coffee-based beverage that is consistent with the various embodiments described herein. Process700begins, after a start block, at block702where coffee is brewed. Brewing coffee is discussed throughout. However briefly, brewing coffee at block702may include, but is not otherwise limited to brewing one or more shots of espresso. Coffee grounds may be pre-wetted at a first flow rate. The one or more shots of espresso may be brewed by providing the pre-wetted coffee grounds water at a second flow rate. The second flow rate may be greater than the first flow rate. Brewing coffee at block702may include brewing a first volume of coffee.

At block704, superheated steam is generated. Various embodiments of generating superheated steam are discussed throughout, including at least in conjunction with process750ofFIG. 7B. However, briefly, at block704, superheated steam may be generated in at least a two step process. For instance, first, wet steam may be generated in a steam tank. Generating wet steam may include generating partially vaporized fluid. The wet steam may be provided to a downstream steam super-heater assembly. The wet steam may be further dried and heated in the super-heater assembly to convert the wet steam into superheated steam. Generating superheated steam may include further vaporizing the partially vaporized fluid. At least a portion of the wet steam may be converted into dry steam. Superheated and/or dry steam may include further vaporized fluid. Such a steam super-heater assembly may include, but is not otherwise limited to the various steam super-heater assemblies discussed herein.

At block706, a potable liquid may be heated and/or frothed with the superheated steam. The potable liquid may include, but is not otherwise limited to dairy-based milk, soy-based milk, rice-based milk, almond-based milk, hemp-based milk, coconut-based milk, cashew-based milk, or the like. For instance, a steam wand, such as but not limited to steam wand102of espresso machine100ofFIG. 1or steam wand602of espresso machine600ofFIG. 6may be used to provide the superheated steam to the potable liquid.

At block708, the heated and/or frothed potable liquid may be provided to the coffee brewed at block702. Process700may terminate after block708.

FIG. 7Billustrates a logical flow diagram showing one embodiment of a process for generating superheated steam in the preparation of a coffee-based beverage that is consistent with the various embodiments described herein. Process750begins after a start block752, where the flow rate of wet steam is adjusted. The flow rate may be between a steam tank and a steam super-heater assembly, such as but not limited to steam tank234and steam super-heater assembly250of espresso machine200ofFIG. 2, or steam tank634and steam super-heater assembly650of espresso machine ofFIG. 6.

In at least one embodiment, the flow rate may be adjusted by a user of an espresso machine via steam flow rate controls. Such steam flow rate controls include, but is not otherwise limited steam handle104of espresso machine100ofFIG. 1, controls for steam generation and flow rate204of espresso machine200, or steam handle604of espresso machine600.

In some embodiments, adjusting the flow rate may be enabled via employing a steam flow rate regulating assembly, such as but not limited to steam flow rate regulating assembly238of espresso machine200or steam flow rate regulating assembly638of espresso machine600. In at least one embodiments, adjusting the flow rate may include regulating the flow rate by controlling one or more valves positioned intermediate a steam tank and a steam super-heater assembly. The one or more valves may regulate the flow rate through one or more flow paths.

At block754, the temperature of a heating element of a steam super-heater assembly may be adjusted. The temperature of the heating element may be adjusted based on a type of the potable liquid that is being steamed and/or frothed. By adjusting the temperature of the heating element, the temperature of the superheated steam is adjusted. For instance, some types of potable liquid, such as dairy-based milk may be steamed and/or frothed with super-heated steam at a different temperature than the temperature of the superheated steam that is employed to steam and/or froth soy-based milk. Thus, the temperature of the superheated steam may be adjusted to increase the consuming experiences of different types of milk to steam and/or froth.

At block754, the temperature may be adjusted via one or more controls or controllers, such as but not limited to controls for steam temperature668of espresso machine600. Adjusting the temperature of the heating element may control or adjust a moisture content of the superheated steam to be generated. For instance, above a threshold temperature, the super-heater assembly may fully vaporize steam within it. Thus, at block754, the temperature of the heating element may be adjusted such that the temperature is greater than a vaporization temperature of water at a pressure of the super-heater assembly. A thermocouple may be employed to control the temperature of the heating element, such as but not limited to thermocouple664of espresso machine600.

At block756, wet steam is generated, as discussed herein. Generating wet steam may occur in one or more steam tanks included in an espresso machine. For instance, generating wet steam may include partially vaporizing a fluid housed within the steam tank.

At block758, the wet steam or partially vaporized fluid is provided to a steam super-heater assembly. Such steam super-heater assemblies are discussed throughout, and include but are not otherwise limited to steam super-heater assembly250,300,400,500,650, and the like, discussed in conjunction with at leastFIGS. 2-6. Providing the wet steam to a steam super-heater assembly may include transmitting wet steam from the steam tank to the steam super-heater assembly.

At block760, superheated steam is generated from the wet steam. In at least one embodiment, the superheated steam may be generated via a heat exchange process from a heating element in the steam super-heater assembly to the wet steam. Generating superheated steam at block760may include drying out the wet steam within the steam super-heater assembly via a heat exchange process between a heating element of the super-heater assembly and the wet steam. According, generating superheated steam may include generating dry steam. The superheated steam may be a temperature that is greater than the boiling or vaporization temperature of a fluid at the pressure within the super-heater assembly.