Abstract:
A brewing device comprising a brewing system; a handle assembly coupled to the brewing system and containing a source of compressed fluid; and a valve system, coupled to the handle, to selectively place the source of compressed fluid in fluid communication with the brewing system.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/141,226 filed Dec. 29, 2008, entitled PORTABLE BREWING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING AND OPERATING and having Stephen James O&#39;Brien, Jacques Gagne, Stephen Hoober, Benjamin Pei-Ming Chia; Yi Chuan Liao; Donna Liao; Ray Gradwohl; and Kenneth Robertson listed as inventors; and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/137,533, filed Jun. 11, 2008 which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/934,294, filed Jun. 11, 2007. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to an apparatus and method for brewing beverages. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable apparatus for brewing beverages by passing heated liquid through a collection of ground beans. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    First consumed in the ninth century, the beverage coffee has spread throughout the globe to be one of the largest traded commodities in modern times. Several devices have been developed to prepare the coffee beverage that typically requires brewing ground roasted coffee beans. 
         [0004]    One such device is a percolating device that forces boiling water into a chamber above a filter by pressurized steam. The water then passes through the grounds due to gravity, repeating the process until shut off by an internal timer or, more commonly, a thermostat that turns off the heater when the entire pot reaches a certain temperature. 
         [0005]    Coffee may also be brewed by steeping in a device such as a coffee press in which ground coffee beans and hot water are combined and left to brew for a few minutes. A plunger is then depressed to separate the coffee grounds from the water. Because the coffee grounds are in direct contact with the water, all the coffee oils remain in the beverage, making it stronger and leaving more sediment than in coffee made by an percolating device. 
         [0006]    An espresso device produces one of the more popular coffee beverages. The espresso device forces heated pressurized water through ground coffee beans. As a result of brewing under high pressure the coffee beverage produced by this device, an espresso beverage, is more concentrated than the coffee beverage produce by the percolator device or the coffee press device. Additionally, the espresso device produces a much desired crema. 
         [0007]    The science and physical requirements for producing a good espresso are well known to those versed in the art. They include high pressures of approximately 130 psi-240 psi. Water temperature typically in a range of 197° F.-205° F., and the coffee beans freshly roasted and ground within at least two weeks of the brewing process. Espresso is obtained by traversing hot water through coffee grounds for no longer than 25-30 seconds. Failure to meet any of these requirements can result in an express beverage that may be lacking in taste, too bitter to the taste, or that may be lacking sufficient crema in part or in whole. The water temperature can be controlled. Since the heated water typically is prepared close to the natural boiling point of water at sea level, it can be used to deliver a consistent pressure required to produce a good espresso. Most espresso machines, however, are heavy and bulky due to the high-pressure water pumps and pipes, pressure bypass valves and other engineering requirements incorporated into the device. 
         [0008]    Whereas the coffee press and percolating devices can be made small and portable, espresso-based beverages are increasingly popular and are typically made with large, non-portable equipment. There is a need, therefore, for an espresso device with an acceptable footprint and operation that facilitates portability of the same. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0009]    A brewing apparatus, comprising a brewing system; a handle assembly coupled to the brewing system and containing a source of compressed fluid; and a valve system, coupled to the handle, to selectively place the source of compressed fluid in fluid communication with the brewing system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the a portable brewing device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a frame of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the portable brewing device shown in  FIG. 1  taken along lines  3 - 3 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view demonstrating the operation of a back-flow-valve shown in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of vessels of a fluid injection assembly shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a fluid injection assembly shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the fluid propagation control system shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a handle assembly, shown in  FIG. 3 , taken along lines  7 - 7 , demonstrating the position of components contained therein with a trigger assembly placed in a first trigger configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a handle assembly, shown in  FIG. 3 , demonstrating the position of components contained therein with a trigger assembly placed in a first trigger configuration; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a handle assembly, shown in  FIG. 7  demonstrating the position of components contained therein with a trigger assembly placed in a second trigger configuration; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a handle assembly, shown in  FIG. 4 , demonstrating the position of components contained therein with a trigger assembly placed in a second trigger configuration; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a handle assembly, shown in  FIG. 7 , demonstrating the position of components contained therein with a trigger assembly placed in a third trigger configuration; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 12   FIG. 11  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a handle assembly, shown in  FIG. 3 , demonstrating the position of components contained therein with a trigger assembly placed in a third trigger configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Referring to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shown is a portable brewing apparatus  10  that includes a brewing system  12 , a handle assembly  14  an annular frame  16  having a central throughway  17  and a shaft  18 . Shaft  18  is integral with annular frame  16  and a body  19  that defines a bulwark of handle assembly  14 . Shaft  16  extends between frame  16  and handle assembly  14 . Annular frame  16 , shaft  18  and body  19  are typically formed from a metal that may be machined or die-cast, such as aluminum, steel and the like. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , brewing system  12  includes a collection assembly  20  and a fluid injection assembly  22  each of which is mounted to frame  16 , using a bayonet mounting system. Collection assembly  20  and fluid injection assembly  22  are mounted to opposing sides of annular frame  16 . Collection assembly  20  includes a hemispherically-shaped wall  24  extending from a circular opening  26  terminating opposite to frame  16 , defining a collection chamber  28 . Circular opening  26  is in superimposition with central throughway  17 . Disposed within both central throughway  17  and circular opening  24  is a receptacle  30 . Receptacle  30  extends from an annular shoulder  32  and terminates in a nadir surface  34  spaced-apart from circular opening  24 . Annular shoulder  32  has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of central throughway  17 . In this manner, annular frame  16  supports annular shoulder  32  so that nadir surface  34  is disposed within collection chamber  28 , spaced-apart from wall  26  when receptacle  30  is seated in collection assembly  20 . Nadir surface  34  includes a plurality of through-holes (not shown). Typically hemispherically-shaped wall  24  is formed from a lightweight material, such as plastic and receptacle  30  is formed from metal, such as, aluminum, steel and the like. Formed into wall  24 , opposite to circular opening  26 , is a fluid exhaust port  36 . Fluid exhaust port  36  may be configured to facilitate removal, from collection chamber  28 , of liquid passing through nadir surface  32 . To that end, fluid exhaust port  36  may be any shape desired, including shapes that are be compatible with well known espresso brewing device accessories and is typically formed from a metal, such as aluminum, steel and the like. A rubber sleeve  38  covers portion of wall  24 . Wall  24  and receptacle  30  are formed from any suitable material such as aluminum, steel, plastic and the like. 
         [0025]    Referring to both  FIGS. 3 and 4 , fluid injection assembly  22  includes a pair of hemispherically-shaped bodies, cover  40  and pressure vessel  42 , having complementary shapes. Cover  40  defines a recess  44  and is shaped and sized appropriately with respect to pressure vessel  42  so that pressure vessel  42  is received therein. Cover  40  is typically formed from plastic and pressure vessel  42  is typically formed from a metal, such as, aluminum, steel and the like. Pressure vessel  42  includes an annular surface  46  that defines an opening  48 . Extending from annular surface  46  are a plurality of spaced-apart projections  50  configured to facilitate coupling of pressure vessel  42  to annular frame  16  using a bayonet mounting technique. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , also included in with fluid injection assembly  22  is a fluid propagation control system (FPC)  52  configured to cover the entire cross-section area of opening  48  when in superimposition therewith. FPC system  52  includes a showerhead  54 , a fluid manifold  56  and a flexible membrane  58  disposed between fluid manifold  56  and showerhead  54 . First and second FPC O-rings  60  and  62  are included with FPC system  52 . O-rings  60  and  62 , as with any O-rings mentioned below, may be fabricated from any suitable material such as buna-N, silicone and the like. 
         [0027]    Referring to both  FIGS. 3 and 6 , showerhead  56  includes a circular shoulder  64  and extends therefrom terminating in a circular screen portion  66  having a plurality of through holes that allows fluid, such as heated water, to pass therethrough and impinge upon nadir surface  34 . Seccond FPC O-ring  62  is positioned against shoulder  64 . 
         [0028]    Fluid manifold  56  has a circular shoulder region  68  with a first surface  70  facing away from showerhead  54  and a second surface  72  extending transversely to first surface  70 . Shoulder  68  is radially and symmetrically disposed about a membrane coupler  72  and has an opening  74 . Extending from membrane coupler  72  are a plurality of spaced-apart spokes  76 , each pair of which defines a passageway  78  through which fluid may traverse. A first annular recess  80  is formed into second surface  72  proximate to first surface  70 . A second annular recess  82  is formed in shoulder  68  opposite first surface  70  and extends away therefrom. First FPC O-ring  60  is disposed in first recess  80 . Circular shoulder  64  and first FPC O-ring  60  is disposed in second annular recess  80 . Fluid manifold  56  is typically fabricated from plastic, but may be fabricated from any suitable material such as aluminum, steel and the like. 
         [0029]    Flexible membrane  58  includes a centrally disposed detent  84  extending from a flexible region  86  and is received in opening  74  forming an interference fit with membrane coupler  72 . Flexible region  86  has sufficient area to be in superimposition with spokes  76  and passageways  78 . When FPC system  52  is disposed in opening  48  a chamber  88  is defined by FPC system  52  and pressure vessel  42 . 
         [0030]    With collection assembly  20  and fluid injection assembly  22  both mounted to annular frame  16 , a fluid-tight seal is formed by first FPC O-ring  60  and both pressure vessel  42  and second surface  72 ; and a fluid-tight seal is formed between second FPC O-ring  62  and both shoulders  80  and  32 . Fluid is allowed to ingress into chamber  88  by coupling one end of a flexible passageway  90 , which may be in the form of surgical tubing, to a coupling orifice  92  coupled to into annular frame  16 . Coupling orifice  92  places flexible passageway  90  in fluid communication with a channel  84  formed into neck  18 . As shown, coupling orifice  92  is positioned between pressure vessel  42  and PFC system  52  with flexible passageway  90  extending therefrom away from PFC system  52  juxtaposed against pressure vessel  42  and matching a profile thereof, terminating in backflow valve  96 . Backflow valve  96  is received within one end of flexible passageway  90 , disposed opposite to coupling orifice  92 , forming an interference fit therewith. To maintain fluid-tight integrity between annular frame  16  and coupling orifice  92  a gasket  98  is disposed therebetween that is formed from any suitable material such as buna-N, silicone and the like. 
         [0031]    Referring to both  FIGS. 3 and 7 , body  19  of handle assembly  14  defines a void  100  in which a pressure regulation system (PRS) is disposed. At one end of void  100 , disposed opposite to brewing system  12 , is an opening defined by a threaded surface  102 . A removable terminus  104  has a threaded surface  106  with a profile matching threaded surface  102  by which to couple and decouple terminus  104  with respect to body  19 . Both threaded surfaces  102  and  106  may be formed from the same materials used to form frame  19 , e.g., metal that may be machined or die-cast. PRS includes a fluid container  108  that extends from terminus  104 , terminating in a frangible seal  110 , disposed between neck  18  and terminus  104 , which typically houses compressed fluid and is formed from a metal, such as aluminum, steel and the like. Also included in PRS is a bulwark  112  coupled to body  19  with a plurality of fasteners, shown as screws  114 . Bulwark  112  may be formed from the same materials used to form frame  19 , e.g., metal that may be machined or die-cast. A portion of bulwark  112  facing frangible seal  110  includes a first bulwark recess  116  in which one end  117  of fluid container  108  is received. Extending from first bulwark recess  116  is a hollow piercing implement  118  having a channel  120 . When terminus  104  is threaded onto body  19  piercing implement  118  breaks frangible seal placing an inner chamber (not shown) of fluid container  108  in fluid communication with channel  120 . Surrounding end  117  is an O-ring  122  forming a fluid-tight seal between end  117  and bulwark  112 . 
         [0032]    A second bulwark recess  124  is formed in bulwark  112 , opposite to first bulwark recess  116 . PRS also includes a bearing member  126  and a valve body  128 . Bearing member  126  is fixedly attached to body  19  using any suitable means, such as fasteners (not shown) so as to be spaced-apart from bulwark  112 , facing second bulwark recess  124 . Positioned between bulwark  112  and bearing member  126  is valve body  128 . Valve body  128 , typically formed from a metal such as brass, bronze and the like, has a central throughway  130  extending along a longitudinal axis (not shown) thereof. Projections extend from opposed ends of valve body  128  and are radially and symmetrically disposed about central throughway  130 , defining first and second valve elements  132  and  134 . Bearing member  126 , typically formed from the same types of materials as frame  19 , e.g., metals that may be machined or die cast, includes a hollow bore  136  extending therethrough, and first valve element  132  is disposed within said hollow bore  136 . Surrounding first valve element  132  is an annular O-ring  138  forming a fluid tight seal between bearing member  126  and first valve element  132 . A pair of spaced-apart O-rings  140  and  142  surround second valve element  134 . O-rings  140  and  142  form a fluid-tight seal between second valve element  134  and bulwark  112 . A helical spring  146  is disposed around valve body  128  and resiliently biases the same so that valve element  134  is disposed within second bulwark recess  124 . The relative dimensions of valve element  134  and second bulwark recesses  124  are established so that substantially the entire volume of second bulwark recesses  124  is filled by valve element  134 . The relative dimensions of valve element  132  and central bore  136  are established so that a portion of the volume of central bore  136  is not filled by valve element  132  when helical spring  146  resiliently biases valve body  128  to have valve element  134  fill the volume of second bulwark recess  124 . In this position, referred to as the first trigger configuration, a pair of exhaust ports  148  and  150  are in fluid communication with channel  84  via central bore  136 . Ports  148  and  150  place central bore  136  in fluid communication with void  100 . To maintain a fluid-tight integrity of central bore  136 , an O-ring  101  is disposed between bearing member  126  a neck coupler  103  integrally formed with neck  18 . 
         [0033]    Referring to both  FIGS. 7 and 8 , also included in PRS, between fluid container  108  and second bulwark recess  124  is a pressure regulator  152 . Pressure regulator  152  includes a metal valve body  154 , typically formed from a metal such as brass, bronze and the like, machined to have a “T-channel”  156  extending along to orthogonal directions and a hollow recesses  158  in which a helical spring  160  is disposed within hollow recess  158 . Valve body  154  is disposed within a hollow chamber  162  of bulwark  112 , a plurality of O-rings  164 ,  165  and  166  surround body  154 . A metal sleeve  168 , typically formed from a metal such as brass, bronze and the like, is disposed within hollow recess  158  and is surrounded by an O-ring  170  to form a fluid-tight seal between sleeve  168  and bulwark  112 . O-ring  164  forms a fluid-tight seal between valve body  154  and bulwark  112 . Each of O-rings  165  and  166  forms a fluid-tight seal between valve body  154  and sleeve  168 . Sleeve  168  includes an aperture  172  that faces channel  120 . A first opening  174  of T-channel  156  faces aperture  172 . A second opening  176  of T-channel  156  is disposed opposite to recess  158  and faces away from helical spring  160 . Second opening  176  is in fluid communication with a pair of channels  178  and  180  formed into bulwark  112 . Channel  180  extends from second bulwark recess  124  and terminate in channel  178  and channel extends from channel  180  and terminates in second opening  176 . 
         [0034]    Also included in PRS is a maximum pressure regulator (MPR)  182 . MPR  182  includes a hollow cylindrical sleeve  184 , typically formed from a metal such as brass, bronze and the like, disposed within a bore  186  of bulwark  112 . Cylindrical sleeve  184  includes apertures  185  and extends from bore  186 , terminating in an opening  188 . A venting cap  190 , formed from any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel, brass, bronze and the like, covers opening  188  and includes a tapered portion  192  that is inserted into sleeve  184 , as well as apertures (not shown) allowing venting into void  100 . An O-ring  194  surrounds sleeve  184  and forms a fluid-tight between bulwark  112  and sleeve  184 . A portion  196  of sleeve  184  extends from O-ring  194  and has a smaller outside diameter than the remaining portion of sleeve  184 . Disposed within sleeve  184  is a metal valve body  198  machined to have a “T-channel”  200  extending along to orthogonal directions and a hollow recesses  202  in which a helical spring  204  is disposed. Valve body  198  is disposed within sleeve  184 . A plurality of O-rings  205  and  206  surround body  198  forming a fluid-tight seal between sleeve  184  and valve body  198 . Formed into bulwark  112 , opposite to cover  190  is a frusto-conically shaped chamber  208  extending from bore  186  and terminating in an opening  210  that is in fluid communication with a butterfly valve  212 . Butterfly valve  212  places frusto-conically shaped chamber  208  in fluid communication with a throughway  214  that is in fluid communication with second bulwark recess  124 . 
         [0035]    Operation of PRS is controlled by movement of a trigger assembly  220  that includes a trigger element  222  connected to body  19  to rotate about pivot  223 . Trigger element  222  is coupled to a suitable linkage  224  that facilitates that reciprocates a partial distance between bearing member  126  and bulwark  112 . Linkage  224  is coupled to a detent  226  of valve body  128  to move in response to movement of linkage  224 . 
         [0036]    Trigger assembly  220  is biased to be maintained in a first trigger configuration without any force being applied to trigger element  222 . The trigger element  222  includes fastener opening  223  and is fastened to linkage  224  with a fastener, such as a screw  225 , which may be adjusted for calibration of switch position. In the first trigger configuration valve bodies  128 ,  154  and  196  are positioned as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As a result, fluid communication between channel  84  and void  100  is maintained via ports  148  and  150 , fluid communication between channel  84  and either channel  120  or throughway  214  is precluded. Channel  84  is isolated from channel  120  and throughway. 
         [0037]    Referring to both  FIGS. 9 and 10 , with trigger assembly  220  in a second trigger configuration, linkage  224  moves valve body  128  so that valve element  132  covers ports  148  and  150 . This isolates void  100  from channel  84  and defines a volume  228  between valve element  134  and second bulwark recess  124 . 
         [0038]    Referring to both  FIGS. 11 and 12 , with trigger assembly  220  in a third trigger configuration, linkage  224  moves valve body  128  so that valve element  132  central throughway is in fluid communication with channel  180  via chamber  228 . As a result, fluid from fluid container  108  is allowed to propagate through channel  84  and into brewing system  12 , shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 . In the third trigger configuration the fluid in channels  180 ,  178 ,  176  and  120  is provided a fluid path to brewing system  12 . MPR  182  operates to prevent over-pressurization of brewing system  12  by allowing venting of fluids in channels  84 ,  180 ,  178 ,  176 , central throughway  130  and chamber  228 , referred to as the fluid injection path, into void  100 . To that end, were the pressure in fluid injection path to exceed a desired level, valve body  196  would compress spring  204  and move away from frusto-conical chamber  208  allowing fluid to move through T-channel  200  and out through venting cap  190  into void  100 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 ,  15 ,  17  pressure regulator  152  allows fluid to fill and pressurize channels  180 ,  178 ,  176  and  120 . This results from piercing implement  118  fracturing frangible seal  110  of fluid container  108 . Specifically, fluid container  108  contains a compressed fluid, e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen and the like once frangible seal  110  is fractured, pressure regulator  152  is exposed to the compressed fluid. Spring  160  is configured to compress upon the pressure channels  180 ,  178 ,  176  reaching a desired level. At which point valve body  154  moves toward trigger element  222  so that O-ring  165  seals aperture  174 , effective isolating fluid container  198  from channels  180 ,  178 ,  176 , shown more clearly in  FIG. 12 . In the third trigger configuration, the pressurized fluid in channels  180 ,  178 ,  176  is allowed to propagate into brewing chamber, shown in  FIG. 3 . After the pressure decreases in channels  180 ,  178 ,  176 , valve element  154  moves away from trigger element  222  once again allowing compressed fluids from fluid container  108  to propagate into channels  180 ,  178  and  176 . Pressure regular  152  maintains a substantially constant pressure of fluid propagating into fluid injection assembly  22  by valve element  154  reciprocating back and forth, in this manner, while trigger assembly  220  is in the third trigger configuration. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , fluid container  108  includes compressed fluids, such as CO 2 , N 2 , ambient air gases, and the like, at pressure P 0 , communicates or is otherwise coupled to pressure regulator  152  to control flow of fluid from fluid container  108  valve element  134 . Pressure regulator  152  operates to maintain the pressure of fluid in channels  180 ,  178  and  176  in a range of 135 to 165 pounds per square inch (psi). Compressed fluid within fluid container  108  is maintained at a second pressure P 1 , to provide a baseline pressure for use in controlling the flow of liquid in fluid injection assembly  22  over the grounds in receptacle  30 , such as in coffee grounds. Thus, providing fluid at such a pressure would enable apparatus  10  to brew a substance such as espresso at the appropriate pressure required for a quality espresso brew. To that end, heated liquid, such as water, is introduced into fluid injection assembly by removing FPC  52 , exposing opening  48 . FPC system  523  includes grips  250  to facilitate removal of FPC system  52  from pressure vessel  42 . After the heated liquid is introduced, FPC system  52  is mounted to pressure vessel  42 , forming an interference fit therewith. The liquid is retained in the vessel by FPC system  52  until the brewing process occurs. 
         [0041]    During the brewing process, valve element  132  regulates fluid pressure in fluid injection assembly  22  by activation of trigger assembly  220 . In this fashion, a user of apparatus  10  may regulate the quantity of fluid, compressed gas from fluid container  108 , introduced into fluid injection assembly  22  to establish a second pressure P 2 , which may vary at different stages in the brewing process, where its pressure depends on several different factors in the process. To that end, trigger assembly  220  operations to activate different valving operations of valve elements  132  and  134 . MPR valve  182  vents fluids into void  100  in response to the pressure of fluid in fluid injection assembly  22  exceeding approximately 250 psi. Specifically, back flow valve  96  facilitates bidirectional fluid flow between chamber  228  and fluid injection assembly  22  to allow MPR valve  182  to operate as a safety feature and while facilitating a flow of fluid from fluid container  108  into fluid injection assembly  22 . To that end, back flow valve  96  is fabricated as a pressure sensitive back/bladder valve that includes two flexible bladder elements  230  and  232  mount to a body  234  that is inserted into tube  90 . Bladder elements an arcuate shape, central portions of which extend substantially equidistant from body  234  compressing together proximate to a central axis  236  of body  234 . Central portions are spaced apart from body  234  to facilitate separation of bladder  230  and  232  from central axis  236  forming an opening through which fluid may propagate when the pressure of the fluid is of a predetermined pressure. As designed bladder elements  230  and  232  separate from central axis  236  in the present of a fluid pressure of approximately 20 psi. Back flow valve  96  is formed from santopreme. 
         [0042]    Flexible membrane  58  functions to retain fluid, such as water, present in fluid injection assembly  22  until chamber  88  reaches a pressure P C  that exceeds a predetermined magnitude, e.g., between 135 psi to 145 psi. Once pressure P C  is obtained, flexible portion  86  moves away from fluid manifold  56  so that liquid may propagate through showerhead  54  and into collection assembly  20 . In this manner, coffer, such as espresso, may be brewed. For brewing espresso, it is desired that pressure P C  be consistently over the minimum pressure value in the chamber  88  for a duration of time sufficient to brew the water over the grounds, such as 20-25 seconds for example. The espresso may then be exhausted from collection assembly  20  through exhaust portion  36  and ultimately into a cup or other container. To assist a user trigger assembly  220  may have perceivable indicator, such as a click mechanism, that would aid the user of apparatus  10  in selecting a desired or optimal brewing results. 
         [0043]    It should be understood that the description set forth above are examples of the different embodiments of the present invention. Many modifications and changes may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the description set forth above. Rather, the scope should be determined by the claims including the full scope of equivalents.