Coffee Grinder Apparatus and Ion Generator Therefor

A grinder apparatus may include a grinder body, a burr set, and an ion generator. The grinder body may define an intake passage to receive coffee beans therein and an outlet aperture. The burr set may be disposed within the grinder body in fluid communication between the intake passage and the outlet aperture to grind the coffee beans into coffee grounds output at the outlet aperture. The ion generator may be attached to the grinder body to produce ions therefor. The ion generator may include an ion source in fluid communication with the grinder body.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present subject matter relates generally to a machine for grinding coffee beans, including methods of operating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Coffee, in its many forms and according to numerous brewing methods, is one of the most popular beverages throughout the world. Typical brewing methods broadly include immersion and percolation. In either case, coffee beans are ground into a powder (i.e., coffee grounds) before being introduced to water in order to extract various chemical compounds and flavors to create a coffee beverage.

Numerous devices exist for grinding coffee beans in both commercial and residential settings (i.e., coffee grinders). Generally, there are different types of coffee grinders, such as blade and burr grinders. Blade grinders use a motor and spinning blades to chop up the coffee beans. They are typically less expensive, but they tend to produce inconsistent grinds due to the unevenness of the chopping action. Burr grinders use two revolving abrasive surfaces, known as burrs, to crush the coffee beans into uniform particles. They offer more control over the grind size and produce more consistent grinds.

Various drawbacks of existing systems are linked to the generation of an electrostatic charge or static electricity when a coffee bean is broken. Specifically, static electricity is generated by friction between different materials, where the polarity of the charge depends on the materials involved and their relative position in the triboelectric series (e.g., a list of materials ranked by their tendency to generate a positive or negative charge). Static electricity may, additionally or alternatively, be generated by the breaking on the beans, which may be described as fractoelectrification.

In the case of a coffee grinder, the polarity of the charge depends on the beans themselves, the material of the grinders, and other factors. For example, light roast beans have a shorter roasting time, and may have more water content than dark roast beans. As a result, the coffee grounds can become differently charged. In many instances, a receptacle (e.g., cup or portafilter) can be used to collect the coffee grounds from a grinder. However, the coffee ground can adhere to the receptacle due to the static electricity, and cling to the surface of the receptacle. Moreover, lightweight coffee grounds may disperse as they exit the grinder, making it difficult to collect them in the receptacle. Along with being messy and a potential waste of coffee grounds, the adhered or dispersed coffee may contaminate future grounds or lead to other deleterious effects. Additionally or alternatively, static electricity in the coffee grounds may contribute to poor extraction or taste of a brewed coffee beverage, such as by the formation of aggregates (e.g., colloquially described “electroclumps”) of charged grounds, which may be created by the accumulation of several charged (e.g., negative or positive) particles on an oppositely charged (e.g., positive or negative) particle and which may be especially impactful in the case of espresso brewing—such as by increasing the risk of channeling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the disclosure.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus is provided. The grinder apparatus may include a grinder body, a burr set, an ion generator, and an ion fan. The grinder body may define an intake passage to receive coffee beans therein and an outlet aperture. The burr set may be disposed within the grinder body in fluid communication between the intake passage and the outlet aperture to grind the coffee beans into coffee grounds output at the outlet aperture. The ion generator may be attached to the grinder body to produce ions therefor. The ion generator may include an ion source in fluid communication with the grinder body. The ion fan may be in fluid communication with the ion source to motivate the ions therefrom.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the ion fan may be disposed upstream from the outlet aperture.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the ion generator may be disposed upstream from the burr set to provide the ions to the received coffee beans.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the grinder body may define an inlet aperture upstream from the intake passage and through which the coffee beans are received. The ion generator may define an airflow passage outside of the grinder body and in fluid parallel to the inlet aperture upstream from the outlet aperture to direct the ions to the grinder body apart from the inlet aperture.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the ion fan may be disposed along the airflow passage.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the ion source may be disposed along the airflow passage.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The grinder apparatus may further include a controller operably connected to the ion fan. The controller may be configured to control a rotational speed of the ion fan from a plurality of rotational speeds between discrete maximum and minimum rotational speeds.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The grinder apparatus may further include an ion sensor disposed downstream from the burr set to detect polarity of the coffee grounds.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The grinder apparatus may further include a controller operably connected to the ion sensor and the ion generator. The controller may be configured to control a polarity of the ions produced by the ion generator based on the detected polarity of the coffee grounds.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein a controller is configured to dynamically control one or more properties associated with the ions based on detection outputs of the ion sensor over time. The one or more properties may include the polarity of the ions, a flow rate of the ions, or an amount of the ions produced by the ion generator.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The grinder apparatus may further include a controller operably connected to the ion sensor and the ion generator. The controller may be configured to determine one or more properties associated with the coffee beans, and control a polarity of the ions produced by the ion generator based on the determined one or more properties. The one or more properties may include a bean type of the coffee beans or a water content of the coffee beans.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus is provided. The grinder apparatus may include a grinder body, a burr set, and an ion generator. The grinder body may define an intake passage to receive coffee beans therein and an outlet aperture. The burr set may be disposed within the grinder body below the intake passage and upstream from the outlet aperture to grind the coffee beans into coffee grounds output at the outlet aperture. The ion generator may be attached to the grinder body to produce ions. The ion generator may include an ion source in fluid communication with the intake passage to produce ions introduced with the received coffee beans.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The grinder apparatus may further an ion fan disposed upstream from the outlet aperture and in fluid communication with the ion source to motivate the ions therefrom.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a grinder apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The grinder apparatus may further include an ion sensor disposed downstream from the burr set to detect polarity of the coffee grounds. The ion generator may be configured to select a polarity of the ions based on the detected polarity of the coffee grounds.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus that generates one or more types of ion beam to neutralize static electricity on coffee grounds is provided. The apparatus may include an elongated body, an ion source, a power supply, a vacuum system, and ion optics. The elongated body may have a first distal end and a second distal end. The ion source may be configured to emit positive ions and negative ions. The vacuum system may include a vacuum chamber that may be configured to transport the positive ions or the negative ions. The ion optics may be configured to output one or more ion beams using the positive ions and the negative ions. At least one of the one or more ion beams may be directed towards the coffee ground.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the apparatus may be configured to generate the negative ions through the first distal end and the positive ions through the second distal end.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The apparatus may further include an electric field generator, which may be configured to create an electric field along the elongated body to separate the positive ions and the negative ions to the respective first and second distal end.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The apparatus may further include a brush tip on the first distal end.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The apparatus may further include a metal tip on the first distal end.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the ion source may include tungsten, graphite, or ceramics.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the power supply may be configured to provide energy to accelerate the positive and negative ions to a threshold speed.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the ion optics may include electrostatic lenses.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The apparatus may further include an electric charge detector, which may be configured to detect a type of static charge outside the apparatus and provide a detection output.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The apparatus may further include a display, which may be configured to output a visual output indicating the type of static charge outside the apparatus.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The apparatus may further include a control circuitry. The control circuitry may be configured to control an output of the one or more ion beams based on a detection output from the electric charge detector.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein controlling the output of the one or more ion beams may further include in response to detecting negative static charges outside the apparatus. Control circuitry may be configured to switch a direction of an electric field inside the apparatus to emit a positive ion beam.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein controlling the output of the one or more ion beams may further include dynamically adjusting a polarity of the ion beam emitting from the first distal end based on the detection output.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the electric charge detector may further be configured to detect a balance between the static charge and emitted ions in the environment. Controlling the output of the one or more ion beams may further include emitting a proper composition of ions based on the detected balance.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The apparatus may further include a timer. The timer may be configured to stop an emission of the one or more ion beams after a predetermined time period.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The apparatus may further include a remote control element. The remote control element may be configured to communicate with an external device and to control an operation of the apparatus in response to the communication.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided, wherein the external device comprises one or more of a coffee grinder or a smartphone.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus as described in any one of the other aspects described herein is provided. The apparatus may further include one or more fixtures configured to attach to a coffee grinder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not limitation of the disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., “a controller,” “a processor,” “a microprocessor,” etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, “a processing element” is generally understood as “one or more processing element.” Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by “the processing element” or “said processing element” are generally understood to be capable of being performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements.” Thus, a first step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements,” and a second step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed.” Moreover, it is understood that recitation of “the processing element” or “said processing element” performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that a single discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.

Aspects of the present disclosure may provide a grinder apparatus (e.g., coffee grinder) capable of mitigating static electricity (or the effects thereof) during grinding operations. Additional or alternative aspects of the present disclosure may provide a grinder apparatus capable of preventing coffee waste, mess, or the undesirable accumulation of grounds within the grinder apparatus during grinding operations (e.g., without requiring direct user input or the performance of manual cleaning steps by a user). It may be useful to provide a grinder apparatus in which electrically charged grounds within the grinder apparatus are prevented or reduced consistently and reliably (e.g., even after a number of grinding operations).

Turning now to the figures,FIG.1provides a perspective view of a grinder apparatus100according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally, the grinder apparatus100includes a grinder body102and a burr set104(FIG.2) disposed therein to selectively grind coffee beans (e.g., to generate coffee grounds for brewing). The grinder body102defines at least one intake passage106to receive coffee beans therein (e.g., prior to grinding at the burr set104). Specifically, the intake passage106may be defined within the grinder body102upstream, at least in part, from the burr set104. Upstream from or above the intake passage106, the grinder body102may further define an inlet aperture108or opening in the grinder body102through which coffee bean may be received (e.g., before traveling inside the grinder body102and to the intake passage106). In some embodiments, a hopper or feeder cup110may be provided on the grinder body102proximal to the inlet aperture108. For instance, the feeder cup110may be provided above the intake passage106or otherwise upstream from the intake passage106such that coffee beans can be delivered to the feeder cup110and directed (e.g., by gravity) to the intake passage106.

Turning briefly toFIG.2, the intake passage106may define the passage or path along which coffee beans are guided before reaching the burr set104. In the illustrated embodiments, a driveshaft112further extends within the intake passage106from a grinder motor114supported on or within the grinder body102. As shown, the driveshaft112is mechanically coupled or attached to at least one burr (e.g., driven burr) of the burr set104. During use, the grinder motor114may thus be selectively activated to motivate or rotate the driven burr (e.g., via the driveshaft112) relative to a static burr.

It is noted that although a pair of circular “flat” burrs are illustrated in the figures, any suitable type or configuration of burrs may be provided, such as a conical burr configuration, as would be understood.

Returning generally toFIGS.1and2, downstream from the intake passage106, the grinder body102may define one or more outlet apertures116. Specifically, an outlet aperture116may be defined downstream from or below the burr set104. The coffee grounds generated from coffee beans at the burr set104may, thus, be output at the outlet aperture116.

In the illustrated embodiments, the grinder body102is supported on a pedestal or support frame118including a platform120disposed below the outlet aperture116. During use, a receptacle122(FIG.2), such as a catch cup or portafilter, may be selectively placed or disposed on the platform120to receive coffee grounds output through the outlet aperture116.

Referring generally toFIGS.1through3, an ion generator124may be attached to grinder body102. For instance, ion generator124may be fixed to and supported on grinder body102apart from outlet aperture116. As will be explained in greater detail below, ion generator124may be configured to produce ions for the grinder body102. Specifically, the ion generator124includes an ion source128in fluid communication with the grinder body102such that ions (e.g., positive or negative ions) may be produced outside of the grinder body102(e.g., outside of the intake passage106) and subsequently conveyed thereto.

In some embodiments, the ion generator124includes a body housing126the ion source128. Further housed within the body126may be one or more optional sub-systems, such as a vacuum system or ion optics. As shown, an airflow passage134may be defined within the body housing126. An air inlet136may be defined through the body housing126upstream from the airflow passage134, such as to permit air thereto, while an air outlet138is defined through the body housing126downstream from the airflow passage134. In the illustrated embodiments, the air inlet136includes a plurality of radial slots140, though it is understood that any suitable opening shape may be provided (e.g., to permit air therethrough).

The ion source128may be disposed along or otherwise in fluid communication with the airflow passage134. Moreover, the ion source128may be configured to produce ions or an ion beam, and can be made from various materials such as tungsten, graphite, or ceramics, as would be understood. In some embodiments, a heating element is provided on (or proximal to) the ion source128such that the ion source128may be heated to produce a stream of positive and negative ions. A voltage power supply may provide the energy necessary to accelerate the ions to high speeds (e.g., a threshold speed), which can be DC or AC supplied. A vacuum system may maintain a low-pressure environment inside the body to prevent interference from air molecules and to ensure that the ions can travel freely without colliding with other particles. In some implementations, the vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and one or more vacuum chambers configured to transport the positive ions or the negative ions. Ion optics may be used to manipulate (e.g., focus, collimate, etc.) an ion beam, which can include electrostatic lenses, which use electric fields to manipulate the ions, as is generally understood.

In certain embodiments, the ion generator124is disposed upstream from the outlet aperture116. Thus, ions may flow to the intake passage106to neutralize electricity prior to grounds being dispensed. As shown, the ion generator124may even further be disposed upstream from the burr set104(e.g., to provide ions to the received coffee beans). For instance, the ion generator124may be attached to the grinder body102at the intake passage106. Although both the ion generator124and the inlet aperture108may be in upstream fluid communication with the intake passage106, the ion generator124may be disposed apart from the inlet aperture108.

In the illustrated embodiments, an intermediary bracket is provided (e.g., as part of the grinder body102) and supports the body of the ion generator124. The intermediary bracket may define the inlet aperture108and a generator aperture132in fluid parallel with the inlet aperture108such that both may separate direct beans or ions, respectively, to the intake passage106. For instance, the inlet aperture108may be offset from the generator aperture132, which itself may be aligned with or downstream from the air outlet138, as shown. During use, the airflow passage134, which is defined outside of the grinder body102upstream from the outlet aperture116and in fluid parallel to the inlet aperture108, may thus direct the ions to the grinder body102apart from the inlet aperture108. Notably, ions provided by the ion generator124may neutralize or offset electricity otherwise generated during a grinding operation prior to the coffee grounds being output. In some embodiments, the introduction of ions prior to grinding may advantageously prevent the accumulation or clumping of grounds within the grinder body102.

In some embodiments, the ion generator124includes an ion sensor144, such an electric charge detector that is configured to detect the type of static charge (e.g., in the air or at a corresponding portion of the grinder apparatus100). As an example, an ion sensor144may be disposed downstream from the burr set104(e.g., at or proximal to the outlet aperture116) to detect polarity of the coffee grounds being dispensed. In the illustrated embodiments, the ion sensor144is disposed below the burr set104. As an additional or alternative example, the ion sensor144may be disposed upstream from the burr set104(e.g., at or proximal to the intake passage106, such as along the air outlet138) to detect polarity within the intake passage106.

The electric charge detector or ion sensor144may include one or more probes and detection circuitry. A probe is the sensing element used to collect electric charges from the surrounding air. For example, the probe may include a conductive (e.g., metal) pin or plate. The detection circuitry is configured to receive an electrical signal from the probe and to provide an output signal. For example, the detection circuitry may include an amplification circuitry such as operational amplifier (op-amp) or a field-effect transistor (FET) amplifier.

In exemplary embodiments, an ion fan146is provided in fluid communication with the ion generator124. In particular, ion fan146may be rotatably disposed in fluid communication with the ion source128to motivate ions therefrom. For instance, the ion fan146may be disposed upstream from the outlet aperture116. In turn, ions from the ion source128may notably be propelled or accelerated to interact with coffee grounds prior to the coffee grounds exiting the grinder apparatus100. Additionally or alternatively, the coffee grounds may notably be agitated (e.g., to prevent the formation of aggregates or accumulation of coffee grounds within the grinder apparatus100.

In certain embodiments, the ion fan146is further disposed upstream from the burr set104or intake passage106. For instance, the ion fan146may be disposed along the airflow passage134. Ions may thus be propelled to interact with coffee beans prior to being ground. Moreover, ion fan146may notably be held outside of intake passage106and avoid directly contacting the falling of coffee beans to the burr set104.

Generally, the ion fan146may be provided as any suitable fan or air-motivating member. In the illustrated embodiments, the ion fan146is shown as an axial fan rotatably mounted within the body housing126of the ion generator124. Nonetheless, in additional or alternative embodiments, the ion fan146may include or be provided as a centrifugal fan, mixed-flow fan, cross-flow fan, etc., as would be understood. A fan motor (not pictured) may be included to motivate fan rotation, as would be understood. The ion fan146may be provided as a single-speed fan or, alternatively, as a variable speed fan in which the speed of fan rotation, and thereby the velocity of air motivated by the same, may be varied according to one or more predetermined factors.

In certain embodiments, a controller148is included with the ion generator124or grinder apparatus100in general (e.g., to execute or direct grinding operations for the grinder apparatus100). For instance, the controller148may be attached (e.g., directly or, alternatively, indirectly) in operative (e.g., wired or wireless) communication with the grinder motor114, ion generator124, ion sensor144, ion fan146, or one or more other elements of the grinder apparatus100.

Turning especially toFIG.4, controller148may include one or more processors150and one or more memory devices152(i.e., memory). The one or more processors150can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, a FPGA, a microcontroller, etc.) and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory device152can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory device, magnetic disks, etc., and combinations thereof. The memory devices152can store data154and instructions156that are executed by the processor150to cause grinder apparatus100to perform operations. The memory devices152may also include data154, such as captured image data, notification or message data, etc., that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by processor150.

It is noted that, although not pictured, a suitable power source (e.g., battery, AC voltage port, etc.) could be provided in electrical communication with grinder apparatus100to electrically power the same (e.g., as is generally understood).

The controller148can also include one or more user input components160that receives user input. For example, the user input component160can be a touch-sensitive component (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen or a touch pad) that is sensitive to the touch of a user input object (e.g., a finger or a stylus). The touch-sensitive component can optionally serve to implement a virtual keyboard. Other example user input components160include a microphone, a tactile or physical button, a traditional keyboard, or other means by which a user can provide user input.

In some embodiments, controller148includes a communications interface158such that grinder apparatus100can connect to and communicate over one or more networks (e.g., network162) with one or more network nodes. Communications interface158can be an onboard component of controller148or it can be a separate, off board component. In some implementations, the communications interface158may include for example, one or more of a communications controller, receiver, transceiver, transmitter, port, conductors, software and/or hardware for communicating data/information. Controller148can also include one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components for transmitting/receiving communications with other devices communicatively coupled with grinder apparatus100. Additionally or alternatively, one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components can be located off board controller148.

Network162can be any suitable type of network, such as a local area network (e.g., intranet), wide area network (e.g., internet), low power wireless networks [e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)], or some combination thereof and can include any number of wired or wireless links. In general, communication over network162can be carried via any type of wired or wireless connection, using a wide variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

In some embodiments, a remote server166, such as a web server, is in operable communication with grinder apparatus100. Additionally or alternatively, the server166can be used to host an information database. The server can be implemented using any suitable computing device(s). The remote server166may include a server controller168include one or more processors170and one or more memory devices172(i.e., memory). The one or more processors170can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, a FPGA, a microcontroller, etc.) and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory device172can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and combinations thereof. The memory devices172can store data174and instructions176which are executed by the processor170to cause remote server166to perform operations.

The memory devices172may also include data174that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by processor170. The data174can be stored in one or more databases. The one or more databases can be connected to remote server166by a high bandwidth LAN or WAN, or can also be connected to remote server166through network162. The one or more databases can be split up so that they are located in multiple locales.

Remote server166includes a communications interface178such that interactive remote server166can connect to and communicate over one or more networks (e.g., network162) with one or more network nodes. Communications interface178can be an onboard component or it can be a separate, off board component. In some implementations, the communication interface178may include for example, one or more of a communications controller, receiver, transceiver, transmitter, port, conductors, software and/or hardware for communicating data/information. In turn, remote server166can exchange data with one or more nodes over the network162. In particular, remote server166can exchange data with grinder apparatus100. It is understood that remote server166may further exchange data with any number of client devices over the network162. The client devices can be any suitable type of computing device, such as a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, laptop, desktop, integrated circuit, mobile device, smartphone, tablet, or other suitable computing device.

In certain embodiments, a user device164is communicatively coupled with network162such that user device164can communicate with grinder apparatus100. User device164can communicate directly with grinder apparatus100via network162. Alternatively, a user can communicate indirectly with grinder apparatus100by communicating via network162with remote server166, which in turn communicates with grinder apparatus100via network162. Moreover, a user can be in communication with user device164such that the user can communicate with grinder apparatus100via user device164.

User device164can be any type of device, such as, for example, a personal computing device (e.g., laptop or desktop), a mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone or tablet), a gaming console or controller, a wearable computing device, an embedded computing device, a remote, or any other suitable type of user computing device. User device164can include one or more user device controllers184. Device controller184can include one or more processors186and one or more memory devices188. The one or more processors186can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, a microprocessor, an ASIC, a FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.) and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected. The memory device (i.e., memory) can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and combinations thereof. The memory can store data and instructions which are executed by the processor186to cause user device164to perform operations. Device controller184may include a user device communications interface194such that user device164can connect to and communicate over one or more networks (e.g., network162) with one or more network nodes. Communications interface194can be an onboard component of device controller184or it can be a separate, off board component. In some implementations, the communications interface194may include for example, one or more of a communications controller, receiver, transceiver, transmitter, port, conductors, software and/or hardware for communicating data/information. Device controller184can also include one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components for transmitting/receiving communications with other devices communicatively coupled with user device164. Additionally or alternatively, one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components can be located off board device controller184.

The device controller184or user device164can also include one or more user input components196that receives user input. For example, the user input component196can be a touch-sensitive component (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen or a touch pad) that is sensitive to the touch of a user input object (e.g., a finger or a stylus). The touch-sensitive component can optionally serve to implement a virtual keyboard. Other example user input components include a microphone, a tactile or physical button, a traditional keyboard, or other means by which a user can provide user input.

In some implementations, the controller184can store or provide one or more user interfaces198, which may be associated with one or more applications. The one or more user interfaces198can be configured to receive inputs or provide data for presentation or display (e.g., image data, text data, audio data, one or more user interface elements, an augmented-reality experience, a virtual reality experience, or other data for display). The user interfaces198may be associated with one or more other computing systems (e.g., a server computing system or third party computing system). The user interfaces198can include a viewfinder interface, a search interface, a generative model interface, a social media interface, or a media content gallery interface.

As noted above, controller148of grinder apparatus100may be in operative communication with ion generator124, ion sensor144, or ion fan146. In some embodiments, controller148is configured to control (e.g., selectively vary) a polarity of ions produced by the ion generator124. Specifically, controller148may be configured to control the polarity of the output of the ions by directing the ion generator124based on one or more received detected conditions.

As an example, input signals for varying or selecting the polarity of ions output by the ion generator124may be based on input signals regarding detected polarity or charge conditions (e.g., received from the ion sensor144). In particular, the input signals may be provided as an electric field signal (e.g., described above). Thus, the polarity of ions produced by the ion generator124may be based on the detection output from the electric charge detector or ion sensor144. For instance, in response to detecting negative or positive static charges in the air, the ion generator124may switch a direction of an electric field inside the ion generator124to emit positive or negative ions to neutralize the static charges. Additionally or alternatively, in response to detecting negative or positive static charges in the air, the ion generator124may switch a source of the ion generator124to emit positive or negative ions to neutralize the static charges. In some implementations, the controller148may dynamically adjust the polarity of the ions, a flow rate of the ions, an amount of the ions emitted, or any other suitable characteristics of the ions depending on the output of the electric charge detector or ion sensor144. In some other implementations, a user of the grinder apparatus100may adjust one or more characteristics of the ions manually through an interface on the grinder apparatus100or another remote device (e.g., on a software application running on the user's smartphone).

As an additional or alternative example, input signals varying or selecting the polarity of ions output by the ion generator124may be based on input signals used for one or more determinations regarding one or more properties associated with the coffee beans being ground. In certain embodiments, the bean type may be determined. For instance, beans of different roast levels (e.g., relatively lighter or relatively darker roast levels), fruit-removal processing (e.g., natural, washed, or honey-processed beans), or geographic location of origins may be determined to typically result in either predominately positive or, alternatively, predominately negative ionization. In turn, a determination may be made regarding the bean type (e.g., roast level, fruit-removal processing, geographic origin, etc.). In some such embodiments, the controller148is configured to determine the bean type (e.g., based on one or more user inputs or detected attributes of the beans). For instance, a user may manually input the bean type (e.g., at the user device164), which may in turn be provided to the controller148(e.g., as a remote signal provided from the user device164, as described above). In some embodiments, a water content in the coffee bean may be determined.

Based on the determined one or more properties associated with the coffee beans (e.g., bean type), the controller148may selective positive or negative ions to be produced (e.g., by referencing a programmed chart, graph, or look-up table correlating one or more factors regarding bean type to ionization). Thus, the polarity of ions produced by the ion generator124may be based on the determined bean type. As an example, in response to determining a relatively dark roast (e.g., greater than a predetermined Agtron-color threshold), the ion generator124may be directed to emit negative ions. By contrast, in response to determining a relative light roast (e.g., less than or equal to a predetermined Agtron-color threshold), the ion generator124may be directed to produce positive ions. In some implementations, the controller148may dynamically adjust the polarity of the ions depending on the output of the electric charge detector or ion sensor144.

Separate from or in addition to varying polarity of ions, controller148may be configured to vary a rotational speed of the ion fan146. For instance, the controller148may be configured to control a rotational speed of the ion fan146from a plurality of rotational speeds between discrete maximum and minimum rotational speeds. The speeds may be manually varied (e.g., based on a direct user input) or automatically varied based on one or more detected conditions (e.g., rotational speed of the grinder motor114, bean type, etc.).

Turning now toFIGS.5through8, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus200that generates one or more types of ion beam210to neutralize the static electricity on the ground coffee. In some implementations, the ion beam210generator200may generate negative ions (e.g., negative ion beams210) on a first distal end212and positive ions (e.g., positive ion beams210) on a second distal end214. In some implementations, the ion beam generator200may direct at least one of the generated ion beams210towards the coffee ground. As an example, the majority of the ground coffee static may be positively charged. Therefore, the first distal end212of the ion beam generator200could generate negative ions to neutralize the positively charged coffee particles during coffee ground exiting the chute. As another example, dark roasted ground coffee may be negatively charged, and the second distal end214of the ion beam generator200could generate positive ions to neutralize the charged coffee particles during coffee ground exiting the chute.

The ion beam generator200includes a body216, an ion source218, a power supply220, a vacuum system222, and ion optics224. The body216may be an elongated body216with two distal ends. In some implementations, one distal end214emits positive ions and the other distal end212emits negative ions to remove negative static and positive static, respectively. For example, an electric field generator may create an electric field along the elongated body216, which separate the positive and negative ions to each distal end. In some other implementations, one distal end212may electively emit positive or negative ions to remove negative static and positive static in the environment. In some implementations, the body216may include brush tip. In some other implementations, the body216may include metal tip.

The ion source218produces the ion beam210, and can be made from various materials such as tungsten, graphite, or ceramics. In some implementations, the ion source218is heated to produce a stream of positive and negative ions. The voltage power supply220provides the energy necessary to accelerate the ions to high speeds (e.g., a threshold speed), which can be DC or AC supplied. The vacuum system222maintains a low-pressure environment inside the body216to prevent interference from air molecules and to ensure that the ions can travel freely without colliding with other particles. In some implementations, the vacuum system222includes a vacuum pump and one or more vacuum chambers configured to transport the positive ions and/or the negative ions. Ion optics224may be used to manipulate (e.g., focus, collimate, etc.) the ion beam210, which can include electrostatic lenses, which use electric fields to manipulate the ions.

In some implementations, the ion beam generator200may include an electric charge detector226that is configured to detect the type of static charge in the air (e.g., outside the apparatus) and provide a detection output. The electric charge detector226may include one or more probes and detection circuitry. A probe is the sensing element used to collect electric charges from the surrounding air. For example, the probe may include a sharp point made of a conductive material such as metal. The detection circuitry is configured to receive an electrical signal from the probe and to provide an output signal. For example, the detection circuitry may include an amplification circuitry such as operational amplifier (op-amp) or a field-effect transistor (FET) amplifier. In some implementations, the ion beam generator200may include a display230that is configured to output a visual output indicating the type of static charge in the air or on the coffee ground, so that a user of the ion beam generator200may utilize a proper distal end of the ion beam generator200to remove the static on the coffee ground.

In some implementations, the ion beam generator200may include a control circuitry232that is configured to control an output of the one or more ion beams210based on the detection output from the electric charge detector226. For example, the control circuitry232is configured to generate appropriate type of ions based on the detection result. As an example, in response to detecting negative or positive static charges in the air, the ion beam generator200may switch a direction of an electric field inside the ion beam generator200to emit positive or negative ions to neutralize the static charges. As another example, in response to detecting negative or positive static charges in the air, the ion beam generator200may switch a source of the ion beam generator200to emit positive or negative ions to neutralize the static charges. In some implementations, the control circuitry232may dynamically adjust the polarity of the ion beam210depending on the output of the electric charge detector226.

In some implementations, the electric charge detector226may be configured to detect a balance of the static and the emitted ions in the environment, and the control circuitry232may be configured to emit a proper composition of ions based on the detection result (e.g., detected balance). For example, by receiving the emitted ions at a first ion concentration, the static of the coffee ground may decrease over time. The electric charge detector226may detect such decrease, and the control circuitry232may emit ions at a second ion concentration that is lower than the first ion concentration. Accordingly, the static of the coffee ground may be reduced/eliminated in a dynamic manner.

In some implementations, the ion beam generator200may include a timer234that is configured to stop the emission of the ion beam210after a predetermined time period.

In some implementations, the ion beam generator200may include a remote control element236such as a wireless or Bluetooth communication module, where the ion beam generator200may communicate with and be controlled (e.g., turned on/off, emit ions with certain polarity, etc.) by an external device (e.g., a coffee grinder240or a smartphone242). For example, a coffee grinder240may be wirelessly connected with the ion beam generator200, and may be configured to turn on the ion beam generator200when a coffee-grinding process is initiated, and turn off the ion beam generator200when the coffee-grinding process is stopped.

In some implementations, the ion beam generator200may include one or more fixtures244configured to attach to a coffee grinder240.

This written description uses examples of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.