Patent Publication Number: US-10772456-B2

Title: Device and system for brewing infused beverages

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a divisional application of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/845,946, filed on Dec. 18, 2018, which was a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/421,362, filed on Feb. 12, 2015 and patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,867,491, which was a 371 Nationalized Application of International Serial No. PCT/US2013/055348, filed on Aug. 16, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. U.S. 61/742,688, filed on Aug. 16, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to beverage brewing systems that utilize pressure, temperature, and flow of a solvent through a solute. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The creation of brewed or infused beverages through the infusion of a solvent with a solute contained within a filter media has been performed for over one hundred years. Over time it has come to be understood that the modification of brewing variables, such as infusion temperature, pressure, and flow rate of solvent through solute, change the resulting beverage&#39;s chemical composition and taste. Thus, many brewing systems have been developed that seek to enable flavor modification through selective modulation of one or more brewing variables. However, few, if any, brewing systems facilitate dynamic, i.e., within the brewing cycle, modulation of one or more of these variables during an infusion. Of those that do, modulation of one or more variables during an infusion results in unintended changes to other brewing variables. This lack of independent variable control makes the optimization and modification of infused beverages difficult. 
     For instance, currently available brewing systems that enable users to modify pressure during an infusion rely on back pressure generated in a brewing chamber by a resistive media typically composed of a filter and solute. In one configuration, brew chamber pressure modification is achieved by modulating the resistance of said resistive solute media while holding pumping energy constant. While this does result in a change in infusion pressure, it also changes the infusion flow rate. In another conventionally available system, the user modifies infusion pressure through the variation of solvent pumping force while keeping the resistance of the resistive media constant. This too results in an increase in infusion pressure and simultaneous change in infusion flow rate. Thus, in conventional systems, the variables of pressure and flow rate during the infusion process are dependent upon each other. As pressure and flow rate are both known to affect the chemical composition of the brewed infusion, there is an apparent need for a brewing system that affords independent modulation of infusion pressure and flow rate enabling the user to optimize infused solution chemical composition and produce consistent beverages. 
     Some known devices that are configured to modify one or more brewing variables to provide dynamic pressure control, but, again, lack control over flow rate independent of the pressure control. Specifically, said devices enable the user to create and execute brew formulas which modulate brew pressure and temperature with respect to time. This is performed through the use of a pressure sensor to monitor the infusion pressure within a brew chamber and modulating the pumping force of a water pump such that the desired infusion pressure is achieved in the brew chamber. Temperature control of infusion water is performed by utilizing a proportional mixing valve that is controlled by a controller to mix hot and cold water. While the aforementioned device may be capable of providing dynamic temperature and pressure control, it does so at the expense of the ability to regulate flow rate of the exiting infused beverage. The varying exiting flow rate disadvantageously creates inconsistent beverage output, which is costly for many retailers of beverages. The inconsistencies also are problematic for retailers and consumers, alike, as both the taste of the beverage and the amount of the beverage may change at each brewing cycle. Thus, flow rate, total dispensed volume, and ultimately beverage taste are dependent on variables such as fluctuations in solute particle size, packing density, solute quantity, along with filter media resistivity. As such, this makes it highly difficult to duplicate the flavor of an extraction even if the same brew formula of infusion pressure and temperature with respect to time are used. 
     It is well understood that infusion temperature also affects chemical composition of an infused beverage solution. Thus, an operator may find it advantageous to modify brewing infusion temperature during the brewing process to optimize flavor. Current brewing systems utilize boilers and brewing chambers with large thermal masses that are designed to provide consistent brewing temperature thus prohibiting the use of variable infusion temperatures to create optimal flavor. Therefore, a beverage brewing system that affords precise, accurate and dynamic temperature control would enable optimization of beverage flavor and is needed. 
     As previously explained, there is an acute need for a brewing system that affords the brewer independent, dynamic variation of brewing variables of temperature, pressure and flow rate during the production of infused beverages. Furthermore, there is a need for a brewing system that mitigates and/or eliminates the impact of external factors such as solute particle size variations and solute compaction on the beverage flavor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system and method of brewing beverages that satisfies the outlined need, facilitating dynamic, independent control of pressure, temperature and flow rate of solvent through solute contained within a filter during the infusion process. An exemplary brewing system is composed of a Solvent Flow Management System (SFMS) configured such that a desired flow rate is maintained regardless of pressure variations in the brewing chamber or other areas. This SFMS is operably connected to a Solvent Temperature Management System (STMS) that selectively and dynamically modulates (i.e., keep constant or change) the infusion temperature. The STMS is operably connected to a brewing chamber where solute resides within a filtering device and the infusion occurs. Operably connected to the brewing chamber is a Solution Pressure Management System (SPMS) which facilitates dynamic modulation of pressure within said brewing chamber. 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a system and method for brewing beverages with independently controlled flow rate, temperature, and pressure, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
     With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, an infused beverage brewing assembly that includes a solvent flow management system operable to receive a solvent and selectively and dynamically modulate a flow of the solvent, a solvent temperature modulation system that is in fluid communication with the solvent flow management system through at least one solvent conduit, the solvent temperature modulation system operable to selectively and dynamically modulate the temperature of the solvent, a brewing chamber for housing a solute disposed to receive the solvent to produce an infused beverage. The brewing chamber is in fluid communication with the solvent temperature modulation system through at least one resulting solvent conduit. The beverage assembly also includes an outlet for discharging the infused beverage and an electronic control system communicatively coupled to, and operable to independently modulate, the solvent flow management system and the solvent temperature modulation system. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes an infusion pressure regulation system that is in fluid communication with, and downstream of, the brewing chamber through an infused solution conduit. The electronic control system is communicatively coupled to, and operable to independently, selectively, and dynamically modulate, the infusion pressure regulation system. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the electronic control system is operable to monitor one of a plurality of solvent characteristic variables at a location downstream of the solvent flow management system, the solvent temperature modulation system, and the an infusion pressure regulation system. This may occur through the use of one or more sensors operable receive solvent or infused beverage conditions. 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the electronic control system is operable to independently and dynamically modulate at least one of the solvent flow management system, the solvent temperature modulation system, and the an infusion pressure regulation system after receiving the one of the plurality of solvent characteristic variables. This enables the complete control of the infusion process, which is also not available with known infused brewing assemblies. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes an infused beverage formula that includes at least one defined infused beverage parameter corresponding to one of a plurality of solvent characteristic variables. The infused beverage formula is advantageously accessible by the electronic control system, such that the solvent flow management system, the solvent temperature modulation system, or the an infusion pressure regulation system is modulated to adjust the one of the plurality of solvent characteristic variables to correspond to a at least one defined infused beverage parameter. The defined infused beverage parameter may include flow rate, temperature, dispensed volume, etc. 
     Also in accordance with the invention, an infused beverage brewing assembly is provided that includes a solvent flow management system operable to receive and convey a solvent, a solvent temperature management system that is in fluid communication with the solvent flow management system. The solvent temperature system is operable to modulate the temperature of the solvent. The infused beverage brewing assembly also includes a brewing chamber for housing a solute disposed to receive the solvent to produce an infused beverage resulting from an infusion process, the brewing chamber being in fluid communication with either the solvent flow management system or the solvent temperature management system. The infused beverage brewing assembly additionally includes an infusion pressure regulation system that is at least partially located downstream of the brewing chamber and an outlet for discharging the infused beverage. The outlet is in fluid communication with the brewing chamber and the infusion pressure regulation system is advantageously operable to selectively and dynamically increase an infusion process pressure beyond/greater than a pressure created upstream in the brewing chamber caused by a flow of the solvent through the solute. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the infusion process pressure is selectively defined. Each parameter may be “defined” to particular value. As such, “defined” entails purposely manifesting a selected value, as opposed to adjusting a parameter without a specific set point guiding the adjustment. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic control system that is operated to monitor and modulate a performance of the solvent flow management system, the solvent temperature management system, and the infusion pressure regulation system such that infusion process parameters of at least one of an infusion temperature, an infusion pressure, an infusion flow rate, a dispensed beverage volume, and an infusion duration are appreciably controlled and dynamically modulated during the infusion process. “Appreciably controlled,” as it relates to performance of the brewing system, is defined as being controlled to a minimum extent that said control is capable of making a quantifiable difference in the end result or effect over having no purposeful control. 
     In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the infusion temperature with respect to the dispensed beverage volume, the infusion pressure with respect to the dispensed beverage volume, and the infusion duration with respect to the dispensed beverage volume are stored in data storage medium for recall and replication through the electronic control system. In alternative embodiments, the infusion temperature with respect to the infusion duration, the infusion pressure with respect to the infusion duration, and the dispensed beverage volume with respect to the infusion duration are stored in data storage medium for recall and replication through the electronic control system. 
     In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the solvent flow management system is controlled by a programmable logic controller capable of selectively and dynamically modulating solvent flow at a defined pre-programmed rate. Further, the solvent temperature management system may also be controlled the programmable logic controller and operable to provide the solvent to the brewing chamber at a defined dynamically adjustable temperature during the infusion process. 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the programmable logic controller modifies a plurality of pumping rates of solvents of different temperatures such that their sum flow rate, sum temperature, and sum pumped volume is equivalent to that desired by a user. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the solvent temperature management system is operable to provide solvent to the brewing chamber at a minimum temperature range of approximately 50° C. to 100° C., with a change in temperature at a minimum rate of approximately at least one of 10° C./s and 10° C./mL. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the infusion pressure regulation system operates to increase and decrease the infusion process pressure at a minimum rate of approximately 1 bar/s, in addition to being operable to provide either a minimum increase of 5 bar greater than the pressure created upstream in the brewing chamber caused by the flow of the solvent through the solute or an infusion process pressure of at least 10 Bar. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a recirculation conduit, wherein the solvent downstream of the solvent temperature management system is selectively re-circulated through the solvent temperature management system prior to entering the brewing chamber. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the solvent flow management system and the solvent temperature management system are inseparable in that the solvent flow management system conveys a minimum of two fluids of different temperatures and rates which, when combined, produce a resulting solvent at a desired temperature and a desired flow rate. 
     In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes a solute modification system communicatively coupled to the electronic control system, the solute modification system is operable to adjust either the solute particle size, through an electronic grinder, or the solute compaction, through a compaction tool, e.g., a press. Said modification is configured to ensure consistent flavor of brewed beverages by modifying solute resistivity to ensure formula specified parameters are manifested during a brew. Additionally, it may be configured to further ensure consistency of flavor by monitoring SPMS performance during execution of a brew formula and modifying the amount of solute resistance to maintain equal SPMS performance for each execution of a brew formula. For instance, if a brewing system is executing the same brew formula multiple times in a row and finds that SPMS has to increase the amount of back pressure it adds in relation to previous infusions, solute modification system will increase amount of resistance provided by solute during the infusion by decreasing size of solute particles and/or increasing the compaction of solute particles such that future infusions require SPMS to modify pressure to the same extent as an earlier brew formula execution or as specified within the brew formula. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, adjustment of said solvent modification system may be performed in an automated fashion controlled by an algorithm such as a proportional integral derivative algorithm. 
     In the instance of a beverage brewing system having only SFMS, STMS coupled to a brew chamber, a pressure sensor monitoring infusion pressure may be utilized to track variances in generated infusion pressure for the same brew formula. Said variances may be processed by a control system which modifies performance of a communicatively coupled solute modification system which may modify particle size and/or compaction as previously described in order to maintain a specified infusion pressure. In accordance with a further feature, the present invention also discloses a system for creating an infused beverage, the system including (1) a solvent flow management system configured to flow a solvent through a plurality of conduits in an infused beverage assembly, (2) a solvent temperature modulation system configured to modulate the temperature of the solvent, (3) a brewing chamber in which infusion of a solute and the solvent occurs to generate an infused beverage, the brewing chamber having an infusion process pressure and in fluid communication with at least one of the solvent flow management system and the solvent temperature modulation system, (4) an infusion pressure regulation system at least partially located downstream of the brewing chamber, the infusion pressure regulation system configured to selectively define and dynamically increase the infusion process pressure greater than a pressure created upstream in the brewing chamber caused by a flow of the solvent through the solute, and (5) an outlet for discharging the infused beverage. 
     Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale. 
     Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The word “system,” as used herein, is defined as one or more devices or components that form a network for performing or distributing something or operating for a common purpose. The word “correspond” or its equivalent is defined as being similar or equivalent in character, quantity, origin, structure or function 
     As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. The terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program,” “computer program,” or “software application” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram depicting an independently controlled beverage brewing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram depicting an independently controlled beverage brewing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram depicting an independently controlled beverage brewing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary perspective view of an independently controlled beverage brewing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a process flow diagram depicting an exemplary process of programming the beverage brewing system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a process flow diagram depicting an exemplary process of operating the beverage brewing system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary brewing system  100  is shown. The brewing system  100  includes a solvent flow management system “SFMS”  110 , operably connected to a solvent temperature management system “STMS”  120 . The STMS  120  is operably connected to the brewing/infusion chamber  130 . The infusion chamber  130  is operably connected to a solution/infusion pressure management/regulation system “SPMS”  140 . In operation, a solvent  111  enters the SFMS  110  where it is pumped at a chosen and selectively modulated rate throughout system  100 . It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the brewing system  100  operates normally under conditions of constant flow (i.e., movement) through the solvent conduits. The term “conduit” is defined as any channel through which something is conveyed. In one embodiment, the conduit may start and terminate where it enters and leaves, respectively, from one component to another within the brewing system  100 . In other embodiments, the conduit may start at the beginning of the infusion process (e.g., SFMS) and may terminate at the end of the infusion process (e.g., outlet). The solvent  111  then enters the STMS  120  where it is selectively, whether manually by a user or automated with a control system, thermally modulated to a chosen temperature. Subsequently, the solvent  111  enters the infusion chamber  130  where it comes in contact with the solute  131 , thereby creating an infused solution  112 . The “infused solution” may be considered any mixture of a single or multi-phase liquid substance. Particulate matter may be removed via a filter  132 . The infused solution  112  passes through a SPMS  140 . The SPMS  140  selectively modulates the infusion pressure in infusion chamber  130 . The infused solution  112  is then dispensed into container  150 . 
     According to another embodiment, the control system  160  is used to independently and automatically monitor and or modify solvent characteristic variables including, but not limited to, flow rate, temperature and pressure of the infusion in accordance with the user-programmed specifications. The control system  160  is operable to modify the flow rate of solvent  111  by accordingly adjusting the SFMS  110 . Additionally, control system  160  modulates solvent temperature through modulating STMS  120 . Furthermore, the control system  160  may also adjust the pressure of the infusion by adjusting SPMS  140 . During an infusion process, one or more of the aforementioned infusion parameters may be selectively modified during said infusion. This dynamic modification of said variables may be utilized to modify chemicals and/or dissolved solids infused into the resulting solution  112  producing a preferred beverage customizable by the user. 
     The parameters required to produce said preferred beverage may be created by a user remotely or on-site. Furthermore, said parameters may be stored as programs or brewing formulas in the control system  160 , via a memory, and then may be recalled as desired to reproduce the preferred beverage. The control system  160  may be programmed to provide optimal infusion for numerous solutes or multiple preferred infusions with the same solute. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, to ensure accuracy and precision during the infusion process, feedback sensors, not shown, such as thermocouples, pressure meters, and flow meters may be positioned throughout brewing system  100 . These sensors prove feedback to the appropriate control devices affording them the necessary data to modulate aspects of brewing system  100  to ensure programmed infusion conditions are achieved and maintained with consistency, if desired. 
     The control system  160  may track performance data such as the number, volume, and/or infusion parameters of infused beverages produced by the brewing system  100 . This data may be combined with any recorded system errors or data that could be used to recommend and/or perform system maintenance. Data recorded by control system  160  may be accessed on-site or remotely. 
     As will be commonly understood, the brewing system  100  may be reconfigured such that SFMS  110  and STMS  120  are reversed such that solvent  111  initially flows into STMS  120 , where solvent is thermally modulated to the appropriate or desired temperature. Subsequently, the thermally modulated solvent  111  would enter SFMS  110  then flow into infusion chamber  130 . The infusion chamber  130  may be any structural housing wherein a solute is capable of being disposed. 
     A preferred beverage may be produced by the incorporation of one or more of the dynamically adjustable systems, i.e., the SFMS  110 , the STMS  120 , and the SPMS  140 . Said another way, any of the system  100  components, e.g., SFMS  110 , are operable to adjust solvent/infusion parameters during an infusion process. In other embodiments, a beverage may be produced by a brewing system  100  that incorporates a non-dynamically controlled SPMS  140  and a dynamically controlled SFMS  110  and a STMS  120 . Alternately, the brewing system  100  may include a non-dynamically controlled SFMS  110  and SPMS  140  and a dynamically controlled STMS  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a schematic diagram of a beverage brewing system  200  in an alternate configuration is shown. In said configuration, solvents  202  and  201  are pumped by two SFMS  210 , the SMFS being operably connected to two STMS  220 . After passing through the STMS  220 , the thermally regulated solvents  202  and  201  combine to create a resulting solvent  203  of a resulting temperature. The resulting solvent  203  then passes into the brewing/infusion chamber  230 , through a resulting solvent conduit—which may or may not be considered to be the same as a solvent conduit—where infusion of solute  232  and solvent  203  occurs. The result of the infusion of the solute  232  and solvent generates an infused solution  204 . The infused solution  204  then passes through an infused solution conduit—which may or may not be considered to be the same as the solvent conduit or resulting solvent conduit—to a SPMS  240  and then exits the assembly through an outlet to a receptacle  250 . 
     In the brewing system  200  shown in the figuration of  FIG. 2 , the SFMS  210  is composed of independently controlled pumping units  211  and  212 , with the pump  212  receiving solvent  202  and the pump  211  receiving solvent  201 . Said pumps  211 ,  212  work in tandem to provide an additive flow rate that is equivalent to the total desired infusion flow rate in the brewing chamber  230 . For example, if the desired infusion flow rate is 1 cc/sec, the pump  211  may pump at 0.7 cc/sec and the pump  212  may pump at 0.3 cc/sec. The SFMS  210  may be independently controlled or coupled to control system  280 , thereby modulating the pumps  211 ,  212  to achieve a required flow rate of solvents  201 ,  202  based on total desired flow rate of resulting solvent  203  and the desired infusion temperature as explained below. 
     In one embodiment, the SFMS  210  is operably connected to the STMS  220  where the solvent  202  is thermally modulated by a thermal modulator  222  and the solvent  201  is thermally modulated by a thermal modulator  221 , such that the range of infusion temperatures desired by the user may be produced through their selective combination. Thermal modulations provided by thermal modulators  221 ,  222  dictate the solvent temperature range available for an infusion. For example, if a user desires to perform the infusion between 20° C. and 100° C. then thermal modulator  221  may yield solvent  201  at a temperature of 20° C. or lower and thermal modulator  222  may yield solvent  202  at a temperature of 100° C. or higher. In practice, to achieve infusion temperatures within this range, the SFMS  210  will selectively pump solvents  201 ,  202  through the STMS  220  at a rate that satisfies the desired overall infusion flow rate and temperature of the resulting solvent  203 . For example, assuming a negligible thermal loss from the brewing chamber  230  and system conduits, if the user desires an infusion flow rate of 1 cc/sec and an infusion temperature of 90° C., the solvent  201  may be modulated to 100° C. and the solvent  202  may be modulated to 20° C. The pump  212  will flow solvent  202  at a rate of ⅛ cc/sec and pump  211  will flow solvent  201  at a rate of ⅞ cc/sec. In order to improve accuracy of the infusion temperature, the specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity of brewing chamber  230  and system conduits may be accounted for when determining solvents&#39;  201 ,  202  flow rates. The STMS  220  may also be connected to the control system  280 , which may modulate and/or monitor temperature of the respective solvents  201 ,  202 , as necessary. Solvent temperatures and/or data from the STMS may be utilized by control system  280  to modulate the performance of the SFMS, thereby advantageously achieving a desired infusion temperature and infusion flow rate. 
     The STMS  220  is operably connected to the brewing chamber  230 . In one embodiment, the brewing chamber  230  is composed of a chamber housing  231  and a filter system  233  designed to contain a solute  232 . The brew chamber housing  231  may be designed with a removable section that readily facilitates the insertion or removal of the solute  232 . In order to facilitate rapid, accurate, and dramatic fluctuations in infusion temperatures, the brew chamber  230  is optimally designed with a minimal specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity. Within the brewing chamber  230 , the resulting solvent  203  contacts the solute  232  thereby creating a solution  204 . 
     Operably connected to brewing chamber  230  is a SPMS  240  which selectively modulates infusion pressure via the addition of flow resistance generated by at least one pressure regulation component, e.g., a valve  242 . As the filter  233  and the solute  232  may create a resistance to flow, a pressure monitoring device  241  is inserted antecedent to the solute  232 , the pressure monitoring device  241  operably connected to the solvent  203  to enable accurate infusion pressure measurement. In order to increase infusion pressure (i.e., infusion process pressure) greater than that provided by solute  232  and filter  233 , the valve  242  may be selectively activated increasing solution  204  flow resistance thereby increasing infusion pressure. Once activated, the valve  242  may be selectively deactivated, decreasing flow resistance and thus infusion pressure. 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in order to control the infusion pressure in accordance with the present invention, the valve  242  is of a class that is not activated based on a defined or determined pressure differential across the valve  242 , e.g., blowoff valve. Said another way, the valve  242  is such that the flow of the solvent through the solute is not contingent on a pressure differential across the pressure regulation component. Rather, it is activated or utilized to dictate the infusion pressure independent of pressure differential across itself. As such, the at least one pressure regulation component  242  is operably unaffected by a pressure differential across the at least one pressure regulation component during the infusion process. Any other known infusion systems that may utilize a valve downstream, are solely utilizing this valve  242  as a means to relieve pressure in the lines, thereby are always operably affected by a pressure differential across itself. Therefore, the present invention provides a user the advantage of dictating the infusion pressure independent of releasing the infused solution and controlling other system parameters. 
     In one embodiment, the pressure regulation component, e.g., valve  242 , may be a needle valve. In other embodiments, the valve  242  may include a butterfly valve, a globe valve, a pinch valve, or any other flow impeding device capable of regulating pressure within brewing chamber  230 . Ideal valves are impervious to particulate matter, oils, and other dissolved solids that may exist in infused solution, possess a minimal internal volume, are readily cleaned, and possess a minimal thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. In practice, the pressure monitoring device  241  is used to monitor the infusion pressure, which, in turn, modulates the valve  242  to adjust infusion pressure. The SPMS  240  may be connected to a control system  280  which may modulate the valve  242  based on inputs from the pressure monitoring device  241  to achieve a desired infusion pressure. Operably connected to the SPMS  240  is solution receptacle  250  which receives the solution  204  once it exits beverage brewing system  200 . 
     As will be commonly understood, the brewing system  200  may be reconfigured such that SFMS  210  and STMS  220  are reversed such that solvents  201 ,  202  initially flow into STMS  220  where they are heated to the appropriate temperature, before subsequently entering the SFMS  210 , and then flowing into brewing/infusion chamber  230 . 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control system  280  is used to independently and automatically modify flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the infusion. The control system  280  modifies flow rate of solvents  201 ,  202  by accordingly adjusting the SFMS  210 . Additionally, the control system  280  modulates the solvent temperature through modulation of STMS  220 . Furthermore, the control system  280  adjusts pressure of the infusion by adjusting SPMS  240 . For example, during an infusion process, the control system  280  may selectively modify one or more of the aforementioned infusion parameters in accordance with user&#39;s desires. This dynamic modification may be utilized to modify chemicals and/or dissolved solids infused into the resulting solution producing a preferred beverage by the user or a consumer. The parameters required to produce said preferred beverage may be stored as programs or brewing formulas in control system  280  and recalled as desired to reproduce and replicate the preferred beverage formula. As such, the infused beverage formulate may be any recipe or formulation made up of infusion process parameters. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , another schematic diagram is shown depicting a beverage brewing system  300  in accordance with an alternate embodiment of present invention. The beverage brewing system  300  is adapted to enable the brewing system to produce infused beverages while also producing steam for frothing beverages and enabling the selective dispensing of thermally modulated solvent without its passage through the brewing chamber. 
     As shown, the solvent  301  is pumped by SFMS  310 , which may include solvent pumps  311 ,  312 , (operable equivalents of solvent pump  211  and  212 ) and is in fluid communication with the STMS  320 . STMS  320  in the present embodiment is configured to selectively thermally modulate one of the solvent flows from the SFMS  310  or other solvent sources, i.e., a boiler. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, thermal modulation of one solvent dictates that the minimum temperature for an infusion will be that of solvent  301 . The STMS  320  is operable to selectively heat the solvent  301  pumped from solvent pumps  311 ,  312  through the use of a heat exchanger  323 . The heat exchanger  323  may be contained within a steam boiler  322  which is heated by a heating element  321  and supplied solvent from a boiler solvent supply line  324 . 
     A solvent recirculation system  326  is preferably in fluid connection with the heat exchanger  323 , such that it is connected downstream and upstream the steam boiler  322 . The solvent recirculation system  326  is operable to selectively recirculate the thermally modulated solvent  301  in order to maintain an optimal temperature. A solvent recirculation pump  327  may also be utilized to aid in the recirculation of the solvent  301 . The temperature of the solvent  301  may be monitored by a temperature measuring device  325 . The temperature measuring device  325  may be communicatively coupled to the recirculation pump  327 , through the use of a controller  380  or other means, to modulate its performance and maintain a desired temperature and/or a uniform temperature within the solvent conduits. In other embodiments, the temperature measuring device  325  may also be communicatively coupled to a valve downstream of the steam boiler that is operable to inhibit the flow of the solvent until a desired temperature is reached. 
     The system  300  may also utilize a steam dispensing system  370  that is in fluid communication with steam boiler  322 , through use of one or more conduits, and is preferably configured to facilitate in dispensing steam  371 . Dispensing of said steam  371  is controlled by a steam valve  372 , which is also in fluid communication with the steam boiler  322  and operable to control the flow of the steam  371 . The steam dispensing system  370  may also include a steam dispensing nozzle  373  that may be uniquely adapted to dispense steam  371  in a manner which is optimized for the frothing of beverages. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the steam boiler  322  is configured to supply steam  371  at a pressure controlled by a pressure switch or alternate equivalent (not shown). The steam boiler  322  may also be configured to maintain a sufficient volume solvent level through the use of a selectively operable fill valve and fluid level switches (not shown). 
     In an operable equivalent manner to the beverage brewing system  200  depicted in  FIG. 2 , the thermally modulated solvent  301  pumped by solvent pump  312  may be mixed with the solvent  301  pumped by the solvent pump  311  which has not been appreciably thermally modulated and thus is of a different temperature thereby creating a resulting solvent  301   a  of a resulting temperature. Depending on the desired temperature and flow rate, the SFMS pumps solvent  301  based on solvent temperatures measured by temperature measuring devices  325  and  325   a . The system  300  may also include a temperature measuring device  325   b  that measures the temperature of the resulting solvent  301   a . In one embodiment, the temperature measuring device  325   b  may provide feedback to a controller  380  that may modify performance of SFMS to ensure the resulting solvent  301   a  is maintained at the desired temperature. In other embodiments, the temperature measuring device  325   b  may be communicatively coupled to the heating element  321  or other system  300  components to operably modulate the resulting solvent  301   a  to a desired temperature. 
     Flow of the resulting solvent  301   a  to the brew chamber  330  is preferably controlled by a valve  328  that is operably configured to selectively prevent or inhibit the flow of the resulting solvent  301   a , facilitate flow of resulting solvent  301   a  to the brew chamber  330 , facilitate flow of the resulting solvent  301   a  to an external non-brew chamber location, and/or facilitate flow to a drain (not shown). The valve  328  may be manually operated or automatically operated by a controller  380 . In practice, when brewing system  300  is in its default state, the valve  328  is closed thereby preventing or otherwise inhibiting fluid flow. The active state of the system  300  may include, but is not necessarily limited to, when the user desires to dispense a specific temperature and/or volume of resulting solvent  301   a  without passing the solvent  301   a  through the brew chamber  330  or desires to pass the solvent  301   a  through the brewing chamber. Therefore, the active state may include modifying the valve  328  such that the solvent  301   a  is directed to flow out a dispensing spout  329  with the SFMS and the STMS providing the solvent  301   a  at the desired temperature, volume, and flow rate. Said independent control of system components is what advantageously gives the user optimum control not available with prior art brewing systems. 
     Alternately, the valve  328  may direct the solvent  301   a  to a drain (not shown), which will enable the flushing of solvent  301   a  or any gas within the system. The valve  328  may also be utilized to ensure solvent  301   a  is at a desired temperature prior to being directed to the brew chamber  330  for an infusion or dispensing spout  329  for dispensing. This is accomplished by a valve  328  directing solvent  301   a  to a drain until temperature measuring device  325   b  indicates that solvent  301   a  is the proper temperature. In other embodiments, the valve  328  may recirculate the solvent  301   a  to the steam boiler  322  or the recirculation pump  327 . When the solvent  301   a  is at the proper temperature then the valve  328  may switch to direct solvent  301   a  to the infusion chamber  330  or dispensing spout  329 . 
     When creating an infusion, i.e., the result of an infusion process, the solvent  301   a  passes through the valve  328  and is directed to the brewing chamber  330 . The brewing chamber may be composed of a chamber housing  331  that is preferably configured to readily facilitate the removal and replacement of a filter system  333 . In one embodiment, the chamber housing  331  is of a size slightly larger in dimensions than the filter system  333  to facilitate a taut and relatively unyielding coupling with one another. In an alternate embodiment, the internal volume of chamber housing  331  is roughly equivalent to that of solute  332  and filter system  333 . In other embodiments, the coupling with the housing  331  and filter system  333  may have dimensional variance with one another. The filter system  333  may include a solute  332  that is placed in fluid communication with the solvent  301   a  to facilitate infusion, thereby creating a solution  301   b  (a solvent  301   a /solute  332  mixture). In fluid communication with the brew chamber  330  is a SPMS  340 , which is the operable equivalent to the aforementioned SPMS  240 . The SPMS  340  may include a valve  342  and a pressure monitoring device  341 , e.g., a pump or valve. The valve  342  is configured to selectively resist flow of the solution  301   b  out of the brew chamber  330 , advantageously modulating the infusion pressure within brew chamber  330 . After the solution  301   b  passes through the valve  342  it exits the brewing system  300  to a removable cup  350  or an operable equivalent. 
     As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the configuration of brewing system  300  should take into account potential cavitations within said brewing system  300  which may diminish the performance of said brewing system. Thus it may be advantageous to configure said system  300  such that the solvent  301   a  and  301  are under constant positive pressure. 
     The control system  380 , which may be an operable equivalent to the control system  280  described and shown with reference to  FIG. 2 , is adapted to the brewing system  300  to be communicatively coupled to one or more devices in the system  300 . The control system  380  may modulate the performance of the SFMS  310 , the STMS  320 , and the SPMS  340  to ensure that the user&#39;s specifications for an extraction manifested during the infusion or dispensing of the solvent  301   a.    
     One benefit of the disclosed beverage brewing system  300  is the ability to substantially separate the brewing chamber  330  from the STMS  320  and SPMS  340  without adverse effects on infused solution quality. A system of the aforementioned configuration is preferably configure such that solvent  301   a  is produced proximate brewing chamber  330  thereby ensuring an accurate infusion temperature regardless brew chamber  330  to STMS  320  and SPMS  340  separation distance. Said separation preferably enables the minimization of the overall appearance of the beverage brewing system  300  to the viewing public, including the user. In practice, one methodology of minimizing brewing system appearance is positioning the STMS  320  and the SFMS  310  out of the user&#39;s view with the SPMS and brewing chamber  330  visible.  FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the visible portion of the aforementioned visually minimized system. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a visible brewing component  400  that may include a mechanical support  401  with a platform mounting plate  402 . The visible brewing component  400  may include a brew chamber  403 , which is an operable equivalent of the brew chamber  330  described and shown in reference to  FIG. 3 . The component  400  also includes a SPMS  410 , which is also an operable equivalent of the SPMS  340  described and shown in reference to  FIG. 3 . The component  400  may also include a steam dispensing nozzle  451  and a dispensing spout  450  which are also operable equivalents to those comparable components described and shown in reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     The component  400 , which may also be referred to as a body, may also include a user interface  421  housed in a user interface housing  420  that is preferably made in operable attachment to mechanical support  401  by hinge support  422  which may be configured to facilitate rotation about said hinge of an interface housing  420  indicated by a directional indicator  431  or reverse rotation indicated by a directional indicator  432 . An interface housing control lever  430  may be attached to interface housing  420  thereby aiding in the selective movement. A sensor means (not shown) may be utilized to detect motion of interface housing  420  about hinge support  422  which may be utilized to selectively activate components of said beverage brewing system. An exemplary use of said switching means is the actuation of steam dispensing valve (not shown) facilitating the dispensing of steam from steam dispensing nozzle  451 . Said dispensing may be initiated by movement in one direction resulting in manually controlled steam dispensing and movement in the other direction initiating an automated dispensing of steam that may be controlled with respect to temperature rise of a frothed beverage. 
     The brew chamber  403  is configured to contain a filter system (not shown) within a removable filter housing  461 , both of which may be operable in an equivalent above-described manner. The filter housing  461  preferably has a filter system handle  460  attached thereto, which is configured to aid in its removal and replacement. In operable engagement with removable filter housing  461  is the SPMS  410  which is configured to modulate infusion pressure as described above. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a process flow diagram for the present invention. The process of brew formula creation begins in step  500 . Step  501  is the initialization of the brew formula creation mechanism. In this step the user will access software or alternate means of creating said brew formula. In step  502 , a formula name is created, preferably, said name is unique, distinctive and indicative of the solute to be used to create said brew. Steps  503 - 507  specify the brew parameters. In step  503  the temperature with respect to time is preferably specified. In step  504 , the pressure is preferably dictated with respect to time, and in step  505  the volume is specified with respect to time. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the aforementioned brew parameters may be specified with respect to other parameters as long as the parameters of temperature, solution flow rate and infusion pressure are specified. Additionally, said brew formula may include step  506 , the specification of filter area, and step  507 , the specification of solute parameters. Said solute parameters may include average solute particle size, compaction and any other pertinent information which may be useful to an operator when executing the brew formula. In step  508 , the aforementioned parameters are stored in a storage media known as a database. The process of brew formula creation is complete at step  508   a.    
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , a process flow diagram depicting an exemplary process of operating the beverage brewing system is shown. Electing to brew a beverage, a user starts at step  510 . In step  509 , a brewing formula is selected by the user. During step  511   a  solute is modified to the appropriate size based by a solute modification system according to a user&#39;s desires and/or information provided from a communicatively coupled control system  160 . During step  511  the solute is inserted in brewing/infusion chamber  130 . Subsequently, brew formula execution is initiated in step  512 . In step  514 , a signal is sent to the control system  160  of the brewing device  513  which is the operable equivalent to brewing device  100 . In Step  515 , the control system  160  causes solvent to enter brewing device  513 . During step  516 , the SFMS  110 ,  210 ,  310 , receives a control signal from control system  160 , causing flow of solvent at a rate dictated by the chosen brew formula. During step  517 , the STMS  120  receives a control signal from the control system  160  and thermally modulates the solvent in accordance with the brew formula. The infusion of solvent and solute within brew chamber  130  occurs during step  518 . During step  519 , the infused solution/beverage exits from said brewing chamber  130 . During step  520 , the solution traverses through the SPMS  140 , which receives a control signal from the control system  160 , resulting in pressure regulation during the infusion process. During step  521 , solution exits brewing device  513 . 
     As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, steps  516 ,  517 ,  518 ,  519 ,  520  may all occur concurrently. At the conclusion of step  521 , the removal of used solute from brewing chamber  130 , occurs during step  522 . After solute removal, the process concludes at step  523 . 
     The SFMS  110 ,  210 ,  310  is a system of moving fluid that provides accurate, metered, variable flow of solvent thought the brewing system. Applicable systems may include a pumping means capable of providing flow at pressures and rates equal to or greater than those required by the brewer. Exemplary pumps are preferably volumetric in operation however, gear pumps, piston pumps, rotary vane pumps or any others that satisfy the aforementioned criteria. Pumping means is preferably in operable connection with a solvent flow meter(s) or an equivalent mechanism that acts as a feedback mechanism ensuring the desired flow rate and volume is dispensed. Preferably, pumping is performed by a pump with 100% volumetric efficiency driven by a prime mover with feedback and/or position control such as a servo or stepper motors whereby the use of a flow meter is not required to achieve accurate flow rates. Additionally, the pumping means is capable of modulating and maintaining the required fluid flow rate during the brewing process regardless of system pressure. SFMS may be a self-controlled system or coupled to an external system controller that monitors and modulates performance. 
     The STMS,  120 ,  220 ,  320  is a system for providing rapidly variable, accurate and precise temperature solvent to the brewing chamber. Exemplary systems include instant or tankless solvent heating systems and the use of thermostatic mixing valves/systems. Regardless of the system utilized, an ideal STMS is capable of providing variations in temperature that are equal to or greater than those desired by the operator. Ideal STMS have the ability to provide solvent temperature modulations at a rate of at least 10° C./sec or 10° C./mL flow that contacts solute and provide a minimum accuracy of +/−3° C. during the infusion. An optimal system takes into account specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity of solvent conduits in operable connection to solute material when delivering solvent. 
     An ideal brewing chamber  130 ,  230 ,  330  is a system that is operably connected to the SFMS, STMS, and SPMS. It includes a chamber configured to facilitate contact of solution and solute creating an infused solution, selectively contain solute media, and allow said infused solution to exit said brew chamber. An ideal brewing chamber has a minimal specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity such that infusion temperature can be rapidly modified. Preferably it is configured such that the material contacting solvent has a thermal conductivity at or below 1 W/m*K, exemplary materials include the class of polymers of Polyetherimide (PEI) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Additionally, said brewing chamber is capable of withstanding pressures greater than those provided by the brewing system. 
     Operably connected to brewing chamber is a SPMS,  140 ,  240 ,  340 , that modulates the pressure within said brewing chamber by modifying infused solution flow resistance. The SPMS may include a pressure measuring device operably connected to solute within brew chamber and a valve that is capable of modulating infused solution flow resistance thus increasing pressure within brewing chamber. Exemplary valves include pressure regulators, needle, butterfly, globe and pinch valves or any other flow regulating device capable of regulating pressure within brew chamber. Ideal valves are impervious to particulate matter, oils, and other dissolved solids that may exist in infused solution. Furthermore, SPMS optimally contains a minimal internal volume and adjusts pressure within the chamber to an accuracy of at least +/−0.5 Bar and a minimum rate of pressure change greater than 1 Bar/sec. Additionally the internal volume should be readily cleaned. 
     An electronic control system  160 ,  280 ,  380 , is ideally used to selectively modulate and monitor performance of SFMS, STMS, and SPMS during the infusion process. Additionally, the control system is able to be pre-programmed with brewing “formulas” that may be tailored to different personal preferences and solute. These formulas may be recalled when desired thus minimizing the amount of labor, skill and time required to reproduce brewing results. The control system may include networking capabilities such as being connected to the Internet, thereby enabling remote system monitoring and transmission of brewing “formulas” to the brewing system. Preferably, the said control system will be capable of processing a multitude of user imputed variables to create an executable extraction. Said variables include pressure, flow rate, temperature, overall time, and dispensed volume. 
     As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the variables of flow rate, infusion time and dispensed infusion volume are not all independent variables, thus, the control system is preferably capable of affording the user the ability to select the two independent variables desired. For instance, the user may elect to dictate infusion flow rate with respect to infusion time thus making dispensed volume the dependent variable. Alternately, the user may elect to dictate dispensed volume with respect to time making flow rate a dependent variable determined by the control system. 
     Furthermore, the said control system is preferably capable of enabling the user to dynamically (i.e., during the brewing process) modify all the brew variables with respect to the other variables. For instance, the user may decide to dictate the variable of temperature with respect to pressure, time, or volume. Likewise, the pressure may be dictated with respect to time or volume or temperature. However, for the sake of simplicity, it is preferable for all the variables to be dictated with respect to the same parameter of either time or dispensed volume with absolute limits and rates of change governed by the capabilities of the STMS, SFMS, brew chamber, and SPMS. In the event that the feedback mechanisms indicate that the actual infusion deviated from any of the set values of the brew formula, an error message is preferably generated communicating the error to the user whereby the user may modify the brew formula or modify solute and or filter media to enable the brewing system to successfully execute the brew formula. 
     In the event that a brew formula is generated for a set volume and the user desires to increase the volume of solution brewed while maintaining the effective brew parameters, the control system is preferably capable of taking the original brew formula and modulating the dispensed flow rate in a temporary fashion thus, keeping total time constant, and also recommending an increase in filter media size to ensure the increased infusion volume is of consistent flavor with the original brew formula. 
     Benefits of the aforementioned system may be derived from inclusion of less than all three solution control systems: SFMS, STMS and SPMS. For instance a beverage brewing system may include a STMS and SFMS or an alternate configuration may include a SFMS and SPMS operably connected to a brewing chamber. 
     In this embodiment, flow rate of solvent is dictated and modified by the SFMS, temperature of solvent is modulated and controlled by the STMS and the pressure within the brewing chamber is modified by the SPMS. All of the aforementioned brewing variables are able to be independently varied by the user during the infusion. Additionally, due to the complexity of the aforementioned systems, it may be found advantageous to utilize a programmable controller to control and modify the aforementioned brewing variables of said brewing system. 
     While the disclosed beverage brewing/infusion system mitigates the impact effect variances in solute size and solute compaction have on the infusion flavor, it may be found useful to utilize data recorded by the control system to modify solute parameters such as solute size or solute compaction. The may be accomplished through a solute modification system, which may include a solute grinder and/or compaction tool operably connected with the brewing chamber where the solute is disposed. In one exemplary system, a control system, as described above, is communicatively coupled to a solute modification system, specifically a solute grinder, whereby sensor data from an infusion process may be utilized to modify performance of said grinder to improve the performance of the total system. One such example is utilizing pressure sensor data during an infusion process to modify the performance of a grinder to produce smaller or larger solute in order to ensure a consistent beverage flavor. 
     For instance, if a beverage is brewed/infused utilizing a formula and the SPMS  140 ,  240 ,  340  is unable to produce the pressure profile specified by the formula or SPMS requires excessive or inordinate levels of flow modulation, the control system may communicate with a solute grinder causing it to reduce or increase or decrease the size of solute disposed within the brew chamber. As will be obvious, assuming the same level of solute compaction and solute mass, a decrease in average solute particle size will result in higher solute resistance and an increase in average solute particle size will result in decreased resistance enabling lower infusion pressures. Likewise, the system may be configured to utilize control system data to modify solute compaction rather than average solute particle size.