Patent Description:
Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

A number of factors have been discovered, such as related to the coffee beans, growing conditions, storage conditions, roasting process, grinding process, brewing process, and/or environmental conditions during these processes (e.g., temperature, humidity, air pressure, time, etc.) as well as other factors, to dramatically impact the quality of the resulting coffee drink or beverage. In every roasted coffee bean, there are approximately <NUM>,<NUM> different aromas and flavors. Through the milling of the grinding process, the cell structure in the coffee bean is broken up. Flavor, color, and aromatic substances are released and can be dissolved more easily and quickly upon contact with water. Depending on the grind - coarse or very fine - the surface of the coffee changes, and many different flavors become soluble. Volatile aromas are immediately released, and these aromas combine with oxygen (or other gases) and provide the intense coffee smell during grinding. It has been discovered that achieving the correct grind characteristics greatly enhances the flavor of the resulting brewed coffee beverage. The overall coffee experience can be enhanced based on the fragrance of the ground coffee beans and the aroma of the ground coffee when infused with hot water during brewing along with the acidity, body, flavor, sweetness, balance, and aftertaste of the resulting coffee beverage.

A unique grinder system has been developed to take into account one or more factors so as to optimize the grind size to facilitate brewing of a good tasting cup of coffee or other beverage. For example, to make a delicious cup of espresso, approximately <NUM> grams of espresso beans need to be ground to the proper coarseness or grind size (i.e., espresso grind) so that the ground beans are exposed to the hot water during the brewing process for the proper amount of time (e.g., about <NUM> seconds). If the ground beans are too coarse, the water will flow too quickly through the grounds such that the flavors, aromatics, etc. are under extracted from the grounds. Under extracted coffee typically has a sour, acidic, and/or salty taste which is undesirable. On the other hand, when the beans are ground too finely, the water flows too slowly through the ground beans so as to lead to over extraction. Over extraction during brewing can undesirably lead to coffee having a bitter and/or hollow taste.

Different types of grinders provide different grind size or coarseness distributions. Typically, but not always, burr type grinders have a more uniform grind as compared to blade type grinders. Burr grinders usually grind the beans at lower temperatures as compared to blade grinders. Brewing methods and the type of desired coffee also impacts target coffee grind sizes and brewing times. Just to name a few examples, there are espresso, AEROPRESS®, pour over, CHEMEX® , cold brew, and French press grind sizes. The type of bean can also impact the desired grind size as well as the type of roast (e.g., light roast, dark roast, etc.). Temperature, humidity, and other factors can further impact the desired grind size.

The unique grinder system and technique described herein accounts for these and other factors so as to set the proper grind size. In one example, depending on these factors, the user is provided with a grind code, and the user manually enters the grind code to set up the grinder. For instance, the bag of coffee beans may include a single code or a table/chart of multiple codes, such as in the form of letters and/or numbers, based on the desired coffee beverage (e.g., espresso). The user turns a knob on the grinder to the designated code and grinds the coffee. In other examples, the grinder can automatically set the grind conditions through non-evident or non-human readable codes, such as bar codes, RFID tags, and/or Quick Response (QR) codes, as well as by sensing other variables like the temperature and humidity with sensors inside or around the grinder. The grinder system in one example communicates over a network to retrieve the grinding parameters, such as grind size, grind time, grind speed, grind temperature, and the like, from a database based on the code, and grinds the coffee according to these parameters. In other examples, a combination manual and automatic approach is used. It should be recognized that this system and technique can be adapted for use in other beverages, like tea, and in other areas such as for spices.

This unique coffee grinder system can be easily operated to provide an optimal grind profile. In accordance with some forms, the present disclosure provides a coffee grinder control system having an adjustable bean grinder including grinding elements movable to a plurality of positions to alter the grind size and grind profile of coffee ground by the adjustable bean grinder, and a sensor which detects the position of the grinding elements to allow a user to accurately position the grinding elements. In certain embodiments, the coffee grinder control system is configured to position the grinding elements at a plurality of preset positions. The coffee grinder control system may include a sensor gear driven by manipulation of the grinding elements. In accordance with certain inventive embodiments, the grinding elements include burrs. In some forms the coffee grinder control system includes a position indicator in communication with the sensor, wherein the position indicator displays the position of the grinding elements.

The coffee grinder control system further includes a motor configured to adjust the position of the grinding elements. In some forms, the motor is a stepper motor. In certain embodiments the motor is configured to provide tactile feedback.

The coffee grinder control system includes a control unit operably connected to the sensor and the adjustable bean grinder, the control unit is configured to receive input from a user and adjust position of the grinding elements. In some forms, the control unit includes a touch screen.

In accordance with certain embodiments the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements for various types of coffee based on one or more of the following characteristics of the coffee: type, agtron score, brand, origin, botanical variety, roast profile, age, moisture content, water activity, processing method, and/or weight. In some forms, the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following factors: age of the grinding elements, type of grinding elements, burr style, and/or burr age. In some forms, the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following environmental factors: ambient temperature, altitude, humidity, water quality, water dissolved solids, water hardness, and/or water alkalinity. In certain forms, the grinding elements are positioned to produce a coffee grind for use in a selected coffee brewer. For example, in some forms the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following characteristics of the selected coffee brewer: type, boiler temperature, brew water temperature, pressure(s), flow rate, and/or control parameter status. In some forms the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following characteristics of the desired liquid coffee brew: volume, weight, brew time, dissolved solids, coffee extraction percentage, and quality.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

The reference numerals in the following description have been organized to aid the reader in quickly identifying the drawings where various components are first shown. In particular, the drawing in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. For example, an element identified by a "<NUM>" series reference numeral will likely first appear in <FIG>, an element identified by a "<NUM>" series reference numeral will likely first appear in <FIG>, and so on.

<FIG> illustrates one example of a coffee grinder control system <NUM> having an adjustment mechanism <NUM>. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> in the illustrated example includes an upper adjustment rod <NUM>. An adjustment knob <NUM>, which is used to manually control the adjustment mechanism <NUM>, is attached to one end of the upper adjustment rod <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the upper adjustment rod <NUM> has a drive gear <NUM> and a spindle <NUM>. A sensor gear <NUM> threadedly engages the drive gear <NUM> so as to rotate in unison with the drive gear <NUM>. A sensor <NUM> is operatively connected to the drive gear <NUM> via a sensor spindle <NUM> that is connected to the sensor gear <NUM>. In one example, the sensor <NUM> is in the form of a mechanical dial that displays a grind code, such as a numeric, alphabetical, and/or iconic code, to the user. As mentioned before, this code is indicative of the desired grinding parameters, such as a desired grind size, grind speed, grind temperature, etc., for the coffee beans to be ground. In another example, the sensor <NUM> includes an electronic sensor, such as an electronic and/or optical encoder, that is configured to sense the rotation of the adjustment knob <NUM>. In one variation, the sensor <NUM> is configured to interpret rotation of the upper adjustment rod <NUM> to determine the position of one or more grinding elements within the attached coffee grinder. The sensor <NUM> can be configured differently and/or positioned elsewhere in the system <NUM>. For instance, the sensor <NUM> can include a linear sensor, such as an optical sensor or proximity sensor, positioned along the adjustment mechanism <NUM> to sense the relative length of the adjustment mechanism <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> in the illustrated example is operatively connected to one or more sensor lines <NUM> that are operatively connected to a display, controller, and/or computer, as will be explained in the further examples shown in the subsequent drawings. In one form, the sensor lines <NUM> are electrical or fiber optic wires connected to a display that shows the corresponding grind code based on the rotation of the knob <NUM>. In another form, the sensor lines <NUM> are in the form of a wireless connection that transmits data regarding the position of the upper adjustment rod <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper adjustment rod <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM>. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> in the illustrated example further includes a coupler <NUM> with a threaded opening <NUM> that is threadedly coupled to the threaded portion <NUM> and a lower adjustment rod <NUM> coupled to the coupler <NUM>. Together, the upper adjustment rod <NUM>, the coupler <NUM>, and the lower adjustment rod <NUM> form an adjustment rod assembly <NUM>. As shown, the threaded portion <NUM> of the upper adjustment rod <NUM> threadedly engages internal threading inside the coupler <NUM>. The lower adjustment rod <NUM> is rotationally fixed such that rotation of upper adjustment rod <NUM> via the knob <NUM> causes linear movement of lower adjustment rod <NUM> along a first longitudinal axis <NUM>. In other words, the user is able to extend or retract the lower adjustment rod <NUM> by turning the knob <NUM>. As will be described below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower adjustment rod <NUM> is operably connected to one or more grinding elements of the coffee grinder such that extension and retraction of the adjustment mechanism <NUM> causes movement of the grinding elements so as to alter the grind size and/or grind profile of the resulting coffee grind. It is envisioned that other types of adjustment mechanisms <NUM> can be used in other examples. For instance, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> can include one or more hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or electrical type actuators. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> can be manually adjusted by the user through other types of interfaces besides the knob <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, a lever, switch, and/or button can be used to actuate the adjustment mechanism <NUM>. In one particular example, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> includes an electrical linear actuator that is actuated by depressing a button.

During use, the user in one example views a grind code (e.g., the number "<NUM>") printed on the packaging of the coffee beans to be ground. To set the code in the system <NUM>, the user then rotates the knob <NUM> either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This in turn causes the upper adjustment rod <NUM> to rotate which in turn rotates the drive gear <NUM> and the sensor gear <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> detects the rotation of the knob <NUM> via the rotation of the sensor gear, and the corresponding grind code is displayed on the sensor <NUM> and/or on a separate display operatively coupled to the sensor lines <NUM>. The user continues to rotate the knob <NUM> until the sensor <NUM> and/or display shows the corresponding grind code found on the coffee bean packaging (e.g., "<NUM>"). As the upper adjustment rod <NUM> rotates, the lower adjustment rod <NUM> extends or retracts along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. This longitudinal movement of the lower adjustment rod <NUM> changes the gap or spacing between the grinder elements which in turn adjusts the grind size or coarseness of the ground coffee beans. Once the corresponding grind code is set, the user can then grind the coffee beans using the system. Through the grind code entered through the knob <NUM> and sensor <NUM>, other grind parameters, such as grind speed, grind temperature, and time, can alternatively or additionally be controlled to facilitate optimal coffee grinding.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a coffee grinder control system <NUM> that automatically or semiautomatically controls the grinding process of the coffee beans based on one or more parameters. The system in <FIG> has an adjustment mechanism <NUM> that changes the grid size or coarseness of the coffee ground by the system <NUM>. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> includes an upper adjustment rod <NUM> that is operatively coupled to a coffee grinder <NUM>. Like before, rotation of the upper adjustment rod <NUM> causes adjustment of one or more grinding elements of the attached coffee grinder <NUM>, thereby among other things altering the size and/or profile of the resulting coffee grind. The upper adjustment rod <NUM> has a drive gear <NUM> that is secured to and rotates with a spindle <NUM>. The drive gear <NUM> threadedly engages a sensor gear <NUM>, and a motor <NUM> is operably connected to the sensor gear <NUM> through a sensor spindle <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is configured to rotate the upper adjustment rod <NUM> through the sensor gear <NUM> and the drive gear <NUM>. In one example, the motor <NUM> includes a stepper motor. To control the extension and retraction of the adjustment mechanism <NUM>, the system <NUM> has a sensor <NUM> that senses the rotation of the upper adjustment rod <NUM> through the sensor gear <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> in one variation is configured to interpret rotation of the upper adjustment rod <NUM> to determine the position of the one or more grinding elements within the attached coffee grinder <NUM>. In one form, the sensor <NUM> can include an output device, such as a speaker and/or display, for providing information like the grind code and/or operational status. The sensor <NUM> can be configured differently and/or positioned elsewhere in the system <NUM>. For instance, the sensor <NUM> can include a linear sensor, such as an optical sensor or proximity sensor, positioned along the adjustment mechanism <NUM> to sense the relative length of the adjustment mechanism <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> in the illustrated example is operatively connected to one or more sensor lines <NUM> that are operatively connected to a display, controller, and/or computer, as will be explained below. In one form, the sensor lines <NUM> are electrical or fiber optic wires connected to a display that shows the corresponding grind code or other operational parameters. In another form, the sensor lines <NUM> are in the form of a wireless connection that transmits data.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper adjustment rod <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM>. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> in the illustrated example further includes a coupler <NUM> threadedly coupled to the threaded portion <NUM> and a lower adjustment rod <NUM> coupled to the coupler <NUM>. As shown, the threaded portion <NUM> of the upper adjustment rod <NUM> threadedly engages internal threading inside the coupler <NUM>. The lower adjustment rod <NUM> is rotationally fixed such that rotation of upper adjustment rod <NUM> via the motor <NUM> causes linear movement of the lower adjustment rod <NUM> along a first longitudinal axis <NUM>. In other words, the system <NUM> is able to extend or retract the lower adjustment rod <NUM> through the motor <NUM>.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, the coffee grinder control system <NUM> includes a control unit <NUM> operatively connected to the sensor <NUM> through the sensor lines <NUM>. In one form, the control unit <NUM> is in the form of an electronic controller, and in another form, the control unit <NUM> includes a computer. In certain embodiments, the control unit <NUM> includes one or more input/output (I/O) devices <NUM>, such as a touch screen, speaker, microphone, and/or display, to name just a few examples. Through the sensor lines <NUM> the control unit <NUM> is able to control the movement of the adjustment mechanism <NUM> via the motor <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> is able to monitor the relative length and/or position of the adjustment mechanism <NUM> via the sensor <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is further operatively connected to the coffee grinder <NUM> through one or more grinder communication or control lines <NUM>. The grinder communication lines <NUM> in one form include electrical wires, but the grinder communication lines <NUM> can include fiber optic cables, wireless communication links, and other data communication systems. The control unit <NUM> via the grinder control lines <NUM> controls and senses the operation of the coffee grinder <NUM>. For instance, the control unit <NUM> in one variation is able to control and sense the operational speed of the grinding elements in the coffee grinder <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> in other examples is configured to sense other parameters inside and/or outside of the coffee grinder such as environmental conditions like temperature, air pressure, and humidity.

The lower adjustment rod <NUM> is operably connected to one or more grinding elements of the coffee grinder <NUM> such that extension and retraction of the adjustment mechanism <NUM> causes movement of the grinding elements so as to alter the grind size and/or grind profile of the resulting coffee grind. It is envisioned that other types of adjustment mechanisms <NUM> can be used in other examples. For instance, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> can include one or more hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or electrical type actuators. In one particular example, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> includes an electrical linear actuator that is actuated by the control unit <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the adjustment rod <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM> which engages a threaded opening <NUM> in a coupler <NUM> such that rotation of upper adjustment rod <NUM> causes linear movement of the lower adjustment rod <NUM> along a longitudinal axis <NUM>. Together, the upper adjustment rod <NUM>, the coupler <NUM>, and the lower adjustment rod <NUM> form an adjustment rod assembly <NUM>. As shown, a linkage <NUM> is connected between the lower adjustment rod <NUM> and the grinder <NUM>. As will be explained below with reference to <FIG>, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> is operably connected to one or more grinding elements of the coffee grinder <NUM> via the linkage <NUM> such that movement of the adjustment mechanism <NUM> causes movement of one or more of the grinding elements in the grinder.

Other than being controlled via the control unit <NUM> and the motor <NUM>, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> in <FIG> generally operates in a fashion similar to the adjustment mechanism <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The coupler <NUM> and the lower adjustment rod <NUM> are rotationally fixed relative to the upper adjustment rod <NUM>. During operation, the user can manually enter a grind code appropriate for the coffee beans, coffee type, conditions, and/or other parameters into the control unit via the I/O device <NUM>. For instance, the user can review the appropriate grind code on the packaging of the coffee beans (or via a website), and the user can type in the corresponding numeric, alphanumeric, or other code (e.g., "<NUM>") into the control unit <NUM>. In another variation, the control unit <NUM> automatically retrieves the grind code by scanning a bar code, QR code, and/or a code from an RFID tag on or associated with the coffee bean packaging. To set the grind size appropriate for the entered grind code, the control unit <NUM> sends a signal to the motor <NUM> via the sensor lines <NUM> so as to activate the motor <NUM>. Via the gears <NUM>, <NUM>, the motor <NUM> rotates the upper adjustment rod <NUM>. As noted before, the upper adjustment rod <NUM> is rotatable about the longitudinal axis <NUM>, and the lower adjustment rod <NUM> is rotationally fixed. When the motor <NUM> rotates the upper adjustment rod <NUM>, the threaded engagement between the threaded portion <NUM> of the upper adjustment rod <NUM> and the coupler <NUM> causes the lower adjustment rod <NUM> to move (i.e., extend or retract) along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. This resulting extension or retraction of the adjustment mechanism <NUM> causes the relative position of the grind or grinding elements in the grinder <NUM> to move via the linkage <NUM>. At the same time, the sensor <NUM> monitors the relative location of the grinding elements by tracking the rotation of the sensor gear <NUM> and communicates this position data to the control unit <NUM> via the sensor lines <NUM>. Once the proper spacing of the grinding elements is achieved indicative of the desired grind size, the control unit <NUM> stops or otherwise deactivates the motor <NUM>. Via the I/O device <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> can then for example indicate that the grinder is set up properly and is ready to grind the coffee beans. During grinding, the control unit <NUM> via the control lines <NUM> controls the operation of the grinder <NUM> to the parameters appropriate for the grind code. For instance, the control unit <NUM> can control grind speed, grind time, and temperature during grinding.

An example of grinder system <NUM> and operational technique showing how the <FIG> system <NUM> and the <FIG> system adjust grind size will now be described with reference to <FIG>. While this technique for setting grind size will be described with reference to a burr type grinder, this technique can be adapted for use with other types of grinders like blade type grinders. Like in the <FIG> and <FIG> examples, the grinder system <NUM> has an adjustment mechanism <NUM> with an upper adjustment rod <NUM> having a spindle <NUM> that is axially rotated. For the sake of brevity as well as clarity, these common components and functions will not be described again in great detail, but please refer to the earlier discussion of those features. Rotation of the upper adjustment rod <NUM> can be achieved either by manual rotation of a knob <NUM> (like in <FIG>), or by automatic rotation by a motor (like in <FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, a coupler <NUM> is fixed to the upper adjustment rod <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> threadedly couples the upper control rod <NUM> to a threaded portion <NUM> of a lower control rod <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> includes a threaded opening <NUM> to which the threaded portion <NUM> of the lower control rod <NUM> is threadedly engaged. Together, the upper adjustment rod <NUM>, the coupler <NUM>, and the lower adjustment rod <NUM> form an adjustment rod assembly <NUM>. The lower adjustment rod <NUM> is coupled to a lever or linkage <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the upper adjustment rod <NUM> causes the threaded portion <NUM> of the lower adjustment rod <NUM>, which is rotationally fixed, to move in a longitudinal direction. As the upper adjustment rod <NUM> rotates, the threaded connection between the coupler <NUM> and the threaded portion <NUM> causes the lower adjustment rod <NUM> to move towards or extend away from the upper adjustment rod <NUM>. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> is configured such that movement of the lower adjustment rod <NUM> causes lever or linkage <NUM> to pivot. This pivoting motion of the lever <NUM> causes the motor <NUM> to move in a longitudinal or linear direction.

The grinder <NUM> includes a lower grinding element <NUM> rotatably attached to a motor <NUM>. The grinder <NUM> further has an upper grinding element <NUM> that is generally fixed and positioned proximal to the lower grinding element <NUM>. In other examples, the upper grinding element <NUM> is able to rotate. The upper grinding element <NUM> has a first grinding surface <NUM> opposing a second grinding surface <NUM> on the lower grinding element <NUM>. In use, motor <NUM> causes rotational movement of lower grinding element <NUM> trapping and crushing a substrate (e.g., coffee beans) between the lower grinding element <NUM> and the upper grinding element <NUM>. Movement of the motor <NUM> and the lower grinding element toward the upper grinding element <NUM> reduces a burr gap or distance <NUM> between the first grinding surface <NUM> and the second grinding surface <NUM>. A relatively small distance <NUM> between the first grinding surface <NUM> and the second grinding surface <NUM> results in finer coffee grinds, and a relatively large distance <NUM> between the first grinding surface <NUM> and the second grinding surface <NUM> results in larger and coarser coffee grinds. As noted before, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> is configured such that movement of the lower adjustment rod <NUM> causes lever or linkage <NUM> to pivot. This pivoting motion of the lever <NUM> causes the motor <NUM> to move in a longitudinal or linear direction. The lower grinding element <NUM>, which is attached to the motor <NUM>, in turn moves in this longitudinal direction, thereby adjusting the distance <NUM> between the first grinding surface <NUM> and the second grinding surface <NUM>. Again, reducing the distance <NUM> between the first grinding surface <NUM> and the second grinding surface <NUM> results in finer coffee grounds, and increasing the distance <NUM> between the first grinding surface <NUM> and the second grinding surface <NUM> results in larger or coarser coffee grounds.

A coffee grinder control system <NUM>, such as for use in conjunction with the automatic system <NUM> of <FIG>, will now be described with reference to <FIG>. This system <NUM> is configured to automatically update and refresh the operational parameters and other grind code related information. As shown, a grinder network connection <NUM> operatively connects the control system <NUM> with a communication network, such as the Internet. A server network connection <NUM> operatively connects a server <NUM>, which includes a database that stores the operational parameters associated with the kind codes, to the network <NUM>. Through the network <NUM>, the control system <NUM> is able to communicate with the server <NUM>. In this way the coffee grinder control system <NUM> can transmit and receive information to and from the network <NUM> and/or server <NUM>. For example, a user may enter in one or more variables into the coffee grinder control system <NUM> (see, <FIG>). Variables may be entered by, for example, using the control unit. In some forms the coffee grinder control system is configured to scan a product packaging, for example by scanning a label, a bar code, or a Quick Response (QR) code. The coffee grinder control system <NUM> then communicates over the network <NUM> with the server <NUM> to receive instructions for optimizing the grind settings for the specific coffee. In some forms, the coffee grinder control system <NUM> retrieves information from the network <NUM> and/or server <NUM> to optimize the position of the grinding elements <NUM>, <NUM> for various types of coffee based on one or more of the following characteristics of the coffee: type, agtron score, brand, origin, botanical variety, roast profile, age, moisture content, water activity, processing method, and/or weight. In some forms, the coffee grinder control system retrieves information from the network <NUM> and/or server <NUM> to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following factors: age of the grinding elements, type of grinding elements, burr style, and/or burr age. In some forms, the coffee grinder control system retrieves information from the network <NUM> and/or server <NUM> to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following environmental factors: ambient temperature, altitude, humidity, water quality, water dissolved solids, water hardness, and/or water alkalinity. In certain forms, the grinding elements are positioned to produce a coffee grind for use in a selected coffee brewer. For example in some forms, the coffee grinder control system retrieves information from the network <NUM> and/or server <NUM> to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following characteristics of the selected coffee brewer: type, boiler temperature, brew water temperature, pressure(s), flow rate, and/or control parameter status. In some forms, the coffee grinder control system retrieves information from the network <NUM> and/or server <NUM> to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following characteristics of the desired liquid coffee brew: volume, weight, brew time, dissolved solids, coffee extraction percentage, and quality.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a coffee grinder <NUM> for use with the coffee grinder control systems described previously with respect to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The coffee grinder <NUM> includes an upper grinding element <NUM> and a lower grinding element <NUM>. Lower grinding element <NUM> is driven by a motor <NUM> to rotate around a central axis <NUM>. Upper grinding element <NUM> has a first grinding surface <NUM>. Lower grinding element <NUM> has a second grinding surface <NUM> opposing the first grinding surface <NUM>. First opening <NUM> is defined by inner edge <NUM> of the upper grinding element <NUM>. A second opening <NUM> is defined by an upper grinding element lateral edge <NUM> and a lower grinding element lateral edge <NUM>. The coffee grinder is configured such that the space between the first grinding surface and the second grinding surface decreases towards the lateral edges of the grinding elements. The closest point <NUM> between the first grinding surface and the second grinding surface forms a distance or burr gap <NUM> that determines how fine or coarse the resulting grind will be. In use the coffee follows grinding path <NUM>, through the first opening <NUM>, and out the second opening <NUM>. As discussed herein, the present disclosure provides a mechanism for adjusting the position of the lower grinding element <NUM> relative to the upper grinding element <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> illustrating a technique for adjusting a coffee grinder. As noted before, a number of factors are considered when setting the process properties, parameters, and variables for grinding coffee. Table <NUM>, which is provided below, identifies just a few of these properties, parameters, and/or variables.

The technique in <FIG> will now be described with reference to the systems shown in to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In stage <NUM>, a user enters one or more variables as outlined above into the coffee grinder control system via the I/O device <NUM>. In another example, the user simply enters a grinder code that incorporates one or more of these variables. Such entering may be performed using the control unit <NUM>, for example in embodiments utilizing automatic adjustments or by using a reference guide to determine the correct manual adjustment parameters. In stage <NUM>, the lower grinding element <NUM>, <NUM> is moved to adjust the distance <NUM> between the upper <NUM> and lower <NUM> grinding surfaces. In embodiments utilizing manual adjustments, the user may rotate the knob <NUM>, <NUM> or other implement. In other embodiments the control unit <NUM> and sensor <NUM> cause movement of the lower grinding element <NUM>, <NUM> as discussed above. In stage <NUM>, coffee is passed between the upper and lower grinding elements and ground to produce the desired coffee grind.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate another example of a coffee grinder control system <NUM>. It should be recognized that the coffee grinder control system <NUM> in <FIG> can be used with the previously discussed coffee grinder systems. Like before, the coffee grinder control system <NUM> uses a bottom-up burr control mechanism so as to control grind size. As shown, the coffee grinder control system <NUM> includes a main controller board or controller <NUM>, a coffee grinder <NUM>, a sensor board <NUM>, a grinder power board <NUM>, and an input/output device ("I/O device") <NUM>. The coffee grinder <NUM>, sensor board <NUM>, grinder power board <NUM>, and I/O device <NUM> are each operatively connected to the controller <NUM> such as through wires or wirelessly. It should be recognized that these components can be operatively connected together in other ways. The controller <NUM> along with the other components are connected to a power source, like an electrical outlet, to receive power.

By receiving information from a number of sources, like the sensor board <NUM>, grinder power board <NUM>, and I/O device <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is able to control the grind size of the coffee ground by the coffee grinder <NUM>. Among other things, the controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and a clock <NUM>. It should be recognized that the controller <NUM> can include other components. The memory <NUM> and clock <NUM> are operatively connected to the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> in one variation receives inputs from at least the coffee grinder <NUM>, sensor board <NUM>, grinder power board <NUM>, and I/O device <NUM> so as to provide output signals for controlling the grind size.

The sensor board <NUM> is designed to sense the relative position of a grinder motor lever or linkage that positions the motor of the coffee grinder <NUM>. Through the sensor board <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the controller <NUM> is able to infer the distance or burr gap <NUM> between the upper grinding element <NUM> and lower grinding element <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). In one form, the sensor board <NUM> includes a proximity sensor. In one particular form, the sensor board <NUM> includes a magnetic type sensor.

The I/O device <NUM> can include a wide variety of devices such as knobs, buttons, displays, indicator lights, microphones, and/or speakers. In one form, the I/O device <NUM> includes a knob and dial of the type described before in the earlier examples. In another form, the I/O device <NUM> includes a touchscreen. Information from the server <NUM> and processor <NUM>, such as the coffee bean and other information discussed previously, can be stored in memory <NUM>. Among other things, the processor <NUM> via the clock <NUM> can control the grind time of the coffee grinder <NUM> through the grinder power board <NUM>. The grinder power board <NUM> provides power to the motor of the coffee grinder <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the grinder power board <NUM> has a motor control relay <NUM> that controls power supplied to the motor.

Referring to <FIG>, the coffee grinder <NUM> of the coffee grinder control system <NUM> includes a motor system <NUM> to provide power for grinding the coffee and an adjustment mechanism <NUM> configured to adjust the grind size for the ground coffee. The motor system <NUM> includes a grinder housing <NUM> and a motor <NUM> slidably received in the grinder housing <NUM> in a telescoping manner. In one example, the motor <NUM> is an electric motor that rotates the lower grinding element <NUM> to grind the coffee. The grinder housing <NUM> has an adjustment bracket <NUM> to which the 810is engaged, a fulcrum bracket <NUM> to which the adjustment mechanism <NUM> is pivotally attached, and a guide protrusion <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> includes a knob <NUM>, an adjustment rod <NUM>, and a lever arm <NUM>. At one end, the adjustment rod <NUM> has threading <NUM> to which the knob <NUM> is threadedly secured, and at the opposite end, the adjustment rod <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the lever arm <NUM>. The adjustment rod <NUM> extends through the adjustment bracket <NUM> in a sliding manner. As indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>, the knob <NUM> is able to rotate relative to the adjustment rod <NUM>. The knob <NUM> engages the adjustment bracket <NUM> of the grinder housing <NUM> so as to adjust the effective length of the adjustment rod <NUM>. In other words, by rotating the knob <NUM>, the adjustment rod <NUM> is able to extend and retract relative to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the coffee grinder <NUM>. One end of the lever arm <NUM> is coupled to the adjustment rod <NUM>, and the opposite end of the lever arm <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the fulcrum bracket <NUM> of the grinder housing <NUM>. Between the ends, the coffee grinder <NUM> has a motor support <NUM> that contacts the lever arm <NUM> to support and move the motor <NUM>. To provide fine grind control, the lever arm <NUM> is in the form of a class <NUM> lever with the adjustment rod <NUM>, fulcrum bracket <NUM>, and motor support <NUM>, but the adjustment mechanism <NUM> in other examples can include other types of levers (e.g., class <NUM> or <NUM>) or other types of mechanisms. For instance, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> in other variations can include a screw type drive for adjusting the relative position of the motor <NUM> in the coffee grinder <NUM>.

The sensor board <NUM> measures the movement or location of the lever arm <NUM> relative to the grinder housing <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the sensor board <NUM> is housed in a sensor housing <NUM>. The sensor housing <NUM> is connected to the grinder housing <NUM> in a fixed manner via the guide protrusion <NUM> so that the sensor housing <NUM> along with the sensor board <NUM> remain generally stationary relative to the grinder housing <NUM>. In one form, the guide protrusion <NUM> includes a fastener, such as a screw, that is secured to the sensor housing <NUM> via a nut. It should be recognized that the sensor housing <NUM> can be secured to the grinder housing <NUM> in other manners. The lever arm <NUM> extends through the sensor housing <NUM>. The guide protrusion <NUM> along with the sensor housing <NUM> help to guide the lever arm <NUM> during pivoting.

The coffee grinder control system <NUM> further has a sensor harness <NUM> that operatively connects the sensor board <NUM> to the controller <NUM>. In one form, the sensor harness <NUM> includes electrical wires, and in another form, the sensor harness <NUM> includes fiber optic cables. In the illustrated example, the sensor board <NUM> detects the relative position and/or motion of the lever arm <NUM> via magnetic sensing techniques. As shown, a magnet holder <NUM> that holds a magnet <NUM> is slidably disposed in the sensor housing <NUM>. The magnet holder <NUM> is attached to the lever arm <NUM> such that as the magnet holder <NUM> along with the magnet <NUM> move with the lever arm <NUM>. In one form, the magnet <NUM> is a permanent magnet, and more specifically, a rare earth magnet. The sensor board <NUM> in one variation senses changes in the strength and/or polarity of the magnetic field from the magnet <NUM> to sense the relative position and/or movement of the lever arm <NUM>. With this information, the controller <NUM> is able to determine the burr gap or distance <NUM> between the lower grinding element <NUM> and upper grinding element <NUM>.

Perspective and top views of one example of the sensor housing <NUM> are respectively shown in <FIG>. In one form, the sensor housing <NUM> is made of a non-magnetic material such as plastic. As can be seen, the sensor housing <NUM> has a sensor slot <NUM> where the sensor board <NUM> is secured and a lever arm slot <NUM> through which the lever arm <NUM> extends. The sensor housing <NUM> also defines a guide protrusion cavity <NUM> where the guide protrusion <NUM> is secured and a holder cavity <NUM> where the magnet holder <NUM> is slidably disposed. Looking at <FIG>, the sensor housing <NUM> at the guide protrusion cavity <NUM> defines a bolt hole <NUM> through which a nut or other fastener extends to be secured with a bolt or other securing structure.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the magnet holder <NUM>. In one form, the magnet holder <NUM> is made of a non-magnetic material such as plastic. The magnet holder <NUM> defines a magnet <NUM> where the magnet cavity <NUM> is secured. The magnet holder <NUM> further has a notch <NUM> where the magnet holder <NUM> is clipped or otherwise secured to the lever arm <NUM>. It should be recognized that the magnet holder <NUM> can be secured to the lever arm <NUM> in other ways such as via an adhesive or fastener. The configuration of the sensor housing <NUM> and magnet holder <NUM> as well as the other components of the coffee grinder control system <NUM> can be easily retrofitted as an aftermarket product to coffee grinders from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

As noted before, the coffee grinder control system <NUM> generally operates in a similar fashion as the previously described examples. Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the user via the I/O device <NUM> enters one or more variables (e.g., bean type, drink style, etc.) and/or a code into the coffee grinder control system <NUM> in stage <NUM>. Based on the input from the I/O device <NUM> and other information, such as from the server <NUM> (<FIG>), the processor <NUM> of the controller <NUM> calculates the grind settings, such as the burr gap, motor speed, and grind time, for the coffee grinder <NUM>. Through the I/O device <NUM>, the controller <NUM> displays or otherwise provides the burr gap value to user.

In stage <NUM>, the user rotates the knob <NUM> to adjust the burr gap <NUM> between the upper grinding element <NUM> and lower grinding element <NUM>. During this adjustment, the adjustment rod <NUM> extends or retracts in the longitudinal axis <NUM> which in turn causes the lever arm <NUM> to pivot about the fulcrum bracket <NUM> of the grinder housing <NUM>. The motor support <NUM>, which contacts the lever arm <NUM>, in turn moves. As noted before, the lower grinding element <NUM> is secured to the motor <NUM> (or motor <NUM> in <FIG>) such that the lower grinding element <NUM> moves as the motor <NUM> is moved by the lever arm <NUM>. The upper grinding element <NUM> remains stationary as the lower grinding element <NUM> moves such that the burr gap <NUM> is changed. At the same time, the controller <NUM> monitors the burr gap <NUM> through the sensor board <NUM>. With the magnet holder <NUM> secured to the lever arm <NUM>, the sensor board <NUM> is able to detect the relative position of the lever arm <NUM> which can be used to infer the burr gap <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can then display or otherwise provide the current burr gap reading (or corresponding code indicator) to the user so that the user can make sure that the burr gap is properly set. In another version, the I/O device <NUM> can provide a simplified output such as an indicator light (e.g., green light) or sound to indicate when the proper burr gap is set and/or accompanying instructions for setting the burr gap (e.g., "turn knob clockwise"). As noted for other examples, the controller <NUM> can automatically set and confirm the burr gap through the sensor board <NUM> without user action.

Once the burr gap or other parameters are set, the user can manually via the I/O device <NUM> or the coffee grinder control system <NUM> automatically initiate grinding of the coffee by the coffee grinder <NUM> in stage <NUM>. In one variation, the controller <NUM> includes an interlock feature that inhibits starting of grinding until the calculated burr gap is properly set. During grinding, the controller <NUM> can monitor and control operation of the motor <NUM> through the grinder power board <NUM>. For instance, the grind speed can be reduced so as to lower the temperature inside the coffee grinder <NUM>. With the clock <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can control the grind time and/or provide a countdown timer to the user with the I/O device <NUM>. Once the grind time is achieved, the controller <NUM> can turn off the motor <NUM> or the user can manually stop the motor <NUM> such as by pushing a stop button or by taking some other action via the I/O device <NUM>.

A technique for determining the grind settings for the previously discussed systems will now be described. As noted before, a number of variables are considered when determining the grind setting. For example, some of these factors impacting the grind setting include coffee type (i.e., a specific product from a roaster), shot type (expressed as a particular target ratio and time), dry coffee dose, coffee age (in days, calculated from a user-input roast date), portafilter basket diameter, and temperature as well as a user-specified offset, if so desired. Based on these factors, a grind setting, which for example can be expressed in microns of burr gap, can be provided for the particular coffee. In one form, these calculations be performed remotely by the server <NUM> and/or locally by the coffee grinder control system <NUM> (<FIG>).

The general equation for determining the grind setting or burr gap is represented by Equation <NUM> below. <MAT> where:.

Parameters (P) are variables designated by the user and/or automatically determined by the coffee grinder control system <NUM> (and/or the server <NUM>). The coefficients (W) are generally conversion factors that convert the parameters into units of the grinder burr gap settings (G). The grinder burr gap setting (G) corresponds to the desired burr gap <NUM> in the coffee grinder <NUM>. In one example, the grinder burr gap settings are measured in terms of microns, but other measurement units can be used.

One specific form or example applying this equation is provided below in Equation <NUM>. <MAT> where:.

Once more, the coefficients (W) are generally conversion factors, which convert the value of a particular parameter (P) into units of burr gap <NUM> (e.g., into microns). For example, WDoR = -<NUM> can be interpreted that for each after roasting the coffee, the grinder burr gap setting is reduced <NUM> microns. The POffset is a user-defined offset that shifts the output of the equation up or down by the amount the user wishes or automatically based on other data such as taste preferences and/or historical data. In this example, the coefficient for the offset is one (i.e., WOffset =<NUM>), but the WOffset can have other values in further examples. For instance, the user preference can be discounted by half with a WOffset = <NUM>. The WBias coefficient represents the y-intercept. The WBias is what the grinder burr gap setting would be if all parameters were equal to <NUM> which is usually never the case.

The default condition for Equation <NUM> in this example is that the espresso machine has a filter basket with a <NUM> diameter and the coffee drink requires a straight espresso shot. When a larger sized, <NUM> diameter basket is used in the particular espresso machine, the P58Basket parameter is set to one (<NUM>), and the burr gap setting is adjusted by the coefficient for the <NUM> basket (W58Basket). On the other hand, when a basket with a <NUM> diameter is used, the P58Basket parameter is set to zero (<NUM>). The PCapp and PLatte parameters are used to set the grinder burr set gap setting depending on the type of coffee drink required. For instance, when a standard espresso is requested, then both of these parameters are set to zero (i.e., PCapp =<NUM> and PLatte = <NUM>). When a latte is desired, the PCapp is set to <NUM> (i.e., PCapp = <NUM>), and the PLatte is set to one (i.e., Platte = <NUM>). As a result, the grinder burr gap is offset by the WLatte coefficient. The PCapp is set to one (i.e., PCapp = <NUM>), and the PLatte is set to zero (i.e., Platte = <NUM>) when a cappuccino is the desired beverage. It should be recognized that at most only one of these parameters (i.e., PCapp and PLatte) can be set to one (<NUM>) at the same time. In other words, PCapp and PLatte cannot be both set to one (<NUM>) at the same time.

It was discovered that the age of the coffee beans from roasting also impacted the grinder burr gap setting. Equation <NUM> accounts for this with the PDoR parameter and the WDoR coefficient. The grinder burr gap setting is offset by the WDoR coefficient for every day after the coffee beans have been roasted. It was also found that the mass (or weight) of the coffee shot impacted the desired grinder burr gap. This is accounted for by the PDose parameter and the WDose coefficient which adjust the grinder burr setting based on the mass of the coffee shot. With the PTemp parameter and the WTemp coefficient, the grinder burr gap setting can be adjusted based on the temperature of the coffee beans in the grinder.

The parameters can be manually entered via the I/O device <NUM> by the user in certain examples. Some or all of these parameters can be determined by the controller <NUM> in other examples. In other variations, a combination approach is used in which the user manually enters some of the parameters and the controller <NUM> senses or otherwise determines the remaining parameters and/or confirms those that were manually entered. For instance, the coffee grinder control system <NUM> in <FIG> can include sensors that determine when a <NUM> basket is used and the temperature of the coffee beans being ground.

The parameters can be updated and changed during the grinding process so as to readjust the grinder burr gap setting. For instance, temperature changes can be accounted for during the grinding process. It should be recognized that not all of these parameters in Equation <NUM> need to be used and/or additional parameters as well as coefficients can be used in other variations. For instance, the temperature factor for adjusting the grinder burr gap setting can be eliminated in certain situations. In another example, Equation <NUM> can incorporate speed of the grinder motor and/or grinding time that is monitored by the controller <NUM> via the grinder power board <NUM>.

Any particular coffee type has a unique set of values for each of these coefficients. In one form, these coefficients are determined experimentally, and in other forms, some of these coefficients can be determined anecdotally or based on experience. To determine the coefficients experimentally, a Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) statistical technique is used in one example. It should be recognized that other statistical modeling techniques can be used such as nonlinear regression, stepwise regression, polynomial regression, ridge regression, and/or Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) techniques.

In one example, MLR can be used on a data set that includes espresso shots made to encompass all reasonably expected values for each of the parameters. In one form, an optimized data set is used that allows each variable to be examined individually, for easier analysis, and which requires fewer data points to yield valid results. In another form, MLR over a non-optimized data set is used to obtain the coefficients. In this non-optimized data set approach, more data points are typically required in order to make sure that the data set encompassed all scenarios in terms of shot type, dose, days off roast, etc. which could be reasonably expected and to minimize any cross-talk, or noise between variables.

In one particular example, the MLR technique is used with an optimized data set. An initial baseline condition is set with the normal days off roast (PDoR) of <NUM> day, a weight (PDose) of <NUM> grams, a <NUM> basket being used, and a straight shot being provided for a particular baseline coffee bean (e.g., type/brand). In this particular example, the temperature is not considered a part of the model, but in other forms, a baseline temperature can also be set. Using this baseline, the coffee is ground by the coffee grinder <NUM> for a set, baseline time period (e.g., <NUM> seconds). A statistically significant sample for the grind size of the coffee ground by the coffee grinder <NUM> under these baseline conditions is then measured and determined. For example, the average grind size of the coffee can be used for MLR, but other measures can be used such as the median grind size or maximum grind size. This average grind size or other measure is then used as a proxy for the grinder burr gap size (G) for determining the coefficients. In one example, these baseline and other test conditions are repeated at least two times. During these tests, the time, output weight, and grind setting data can also be recorded. Other objective indicia can also be recorded along with subjective indicia such as taste of the brewed espresso.

In subsequent tests, only one of these variables is changed at a time. For example, the days off roast, weight, and basket size remain as the same baseline values, and the shot type is changed from a standard shot to a latte shot. This single variable test is performed at least two times. The other variables are varied from the baseline conditions and tested in a similar fashion one at a time. In other words, only one variable is varied from baseline conditions in each variable test. For instance, the baseline days off roast (e.g., <NUM> day), weight (e.g., <NUM> grams), and the shot type (e.g., standard shot) are set to the baseline values, and a basket size with a <NUM> diameter is used. Varying the basket size helps to verify that shot type and basket type are independent. If the shot type and basket type are found to be interdependent, then the model requires second order linear regression to properly scale the effect of shot type for each basket size. To calculate the bias coefficient (WBias), the slopes of the days off roast (WDoR) and dose weight (WDose) are used in a point slope formula to determine the intercept.

After these coefficients are determined, the coefficients and/or resulting equation can be stored on the server <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or in the memory <NUM> of the controller <NUM> (<FIG>). The controller <NUM> can for instance receive updates to these coefficients over the network <NUM> on an as needed basis and/or through push notifications. In one use case example, the user indicates whether a larger <NUM> basket (or other sized basket) is being used, the type of shot (i.e., espresso, cappuccino, latte, etc.), the days off roasting (DoR) for the coffee beans, and the weight of the dry coffee beans (Dose) for the shot along with any desired offset (POffset). The user can further indicate the coffee bean variety and/or brand which can also be used as a parameter. Some or all of this parameter data can be automatically entered by the controller <NUM>. For instance, the controller <NUM> can scan a barcode or RFID tag on the coffee packaging to determine the days from roasting as well as the coffee type. The processor <NUM> of the controller <NUM> can determine the weight of the coffee beans automatically through a scale that is operatively coupled to the controller <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> can determine the basket size through a sensor, barcode reader, and/or vision system located on the grinder.

Based on the parameters, the processor <NUM> of the controller <NUM> locally determines the grinder burr gap setting in one variation, and in another variation, the controller <NUM> sends the raw parameter information to the server <NUM> (<FIG>) that calculates and returns the burr gap setting to the controller <NUM>. As explained before, the controller <NUM> through the I/O device <NUM> provides to the user the burr gap setting or a code/symbol (e.g., a letter) indicative of the burr gap setting. The user then turns the knob <NUM> to the provided burr gap setting. Once more, the controller <NUM> in other variations can automatically set and control the burr gap setting before and during grinding. The user can then initiate the grinding with the grind settings through the I/O device <NUM> or the controller <NUM> can automatically initiate the grinding process. Once the appropriate grind time is reached, the user can manually stop the grinding and/or the controller <NUM> via the clock <NUM> can automatically stop the grinding at the appropriate time via the grinder power board <NUM>. With this technique, a consistent, high quality coffee drink can be achieved.

In accordance with certain inventive variants the present disclosure provides a coffee grinder control system which greatly facilitates a user's ability to position the grinding elements of an associated coffee grinder. In certain embodiments, the position of the grinding elements may be manually adjusted by the user, for example by operation of a rotating knob. In some forms such manual adjustments may be detected by the sensor. In certain embodiments, the sensor functions to encode the rotational movement of the adjustment rod to a signal which is transmitted to a control unit and/or a display. In some forms the sensor is configured to determine the relative position of the grinding elements.

In certain embodiments the sensor is operatively connected to a position indicator which is configured to display the relative position of the grinding elements to the user. In some forms the position indicator is indexed for desired grind characteristics and/or coffee brew styles (e.g. Turkish, espresso, moka, drip, and/or French press).

In some forms the coffee grinder of the present disclosure includes a motor. In certain embodiments the motor is operably connected to the sensor gear so as to drive the sensor gear. The motor may be any suitable motor known to one skilled in the art. In certain embodiments the motor is a stepper motor. In accordance with some forms the motor resistance provides tactile feedback for adjustment of the grinding elements.

In certain embodiments the coffee grinder of the present invention includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to allow users to easily select a desired grind profile. In some forms the control unit activates the motor connected to the sensor gear so as to increase the resistance of the motor and/or drive the sensor gear. In some forms the control unit is operably connected to the grinder, such that adjust of the position of the grinding elements is controlled by the control unit.

In certain embodiments the coffee grinder of the present disclosure is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements so as to produce a desired grind profile. In some forms the user inputs one or more variables. In accordance with certain embodiments the control unit is configured to scan product packaging or another input. In some forms the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements for various types of coffee based on one or more of the following characteristics of the coffee: type, agtron score, brand, origin, botanical variety, roast profile, age, moisture content, water activity, processing method, and/or weight. In some forms, the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following factors: age of the grinding elements, type of grinding elements, burr style, and/or burr age. In some forms, the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following environmental factors: ambient temperature, altitude, humidity, water quality, water dissolved solids, water hardness, and/or water alkalinity. In certain forms, the grinding elements are positioned to produce a coffee grind for use in a selected coffee brewer. For example in some forms the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following characteristics of the selected coffee brewer: type, boiler temperature, brew water temperature, pressure(s), flow rate, and/or control parameter status. In some forms the control unit is configured to optimize the position of the grinding elements based on one or more of the following characteristics of the desired liquid coffee brew: volume, weight, brew time, dissolved solids, coffee extraction percentage, and quality.

The language used in the claims and specification is to only have its plain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. The words in these definitions are to only have their plain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusive of all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster's dictionaries and Random House dictionaries. As used in the specification and claims, the following definitions apply to these terms and common variations thereof identified below.

"About" with reference to numerical values generally refers to plus or minus <NUM>% of the stated value. For example if the stated value is <NUM>, then use of the term "about <NUM>" generally means a range between <NUM> and <NUM>.

"Aftermarket Product" generally refers to one or more parts and/or accessories used in repair and/or enhancement of a product already made and sold by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). For example, aftermarket products can include spare parts, accessories, and/or components for motor vehicles.

"Burr Gap" generally refers to a space or height of the space between two grinding elements in a grinder. In one example, the burr gap is the smallest height of the space between two opposing grinder burrs where the ground substance, such as coffee, passes through when ground. The burr gap is generally representative to the resulting grind size of the substance being ground by the grinder.

"Cavity" generally refers to an empty space in a solid object. The cavity can be completely or partially surrounded by the solid object. For example, the cavity can be open to the surrounding environment.

"Coffee Grinder" or "Grinder" generally refers to a device configured to grind or crush coffee beans. The coffee grinder used in accordance with the present invention can be any suitable coffee grinder, for example a blade grinder, a burr grinder, and/or a disc or conical grinder. Blade grinders utilize rotating blades as grinding elements and may be adjusted for example, to alter the speed of the blades and/or the time grinding time. Burr, disc, and conical grinders each include two grinding elements and can be adjusted to alter the distance between the grinding elements. The resulting grind becomes larger and coarser when the relative distance between the grinding elements is increased. The resulting grind becomes finer when the relative distance between the grinding elements is decreased.

"Computer" generally refers to any computing device configured to compute a result from any number of input values or variables. A computer may include a processor for performing calculations to process input or output. A computer may include a memory for storing values to be processed by the processor, or for storing the results of previous processing. A computer may also be configured to accept input and output from a wide array of input and output devices for receiving or sending values. Such devices include other computers, keyboards, mice, visual displays, printers, industrial equipment, and systems or machinery of all types and sizes. For example, a computer can control a network interface to perform various network communications upon request. The network interface may be part of the computer, or characterized as separate and remote from the computer. A computer may be a single, physical, computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or may be composed of multiple devices of the same type such as a group of servers operating as one device in a networked cluster, or a heterogeneous combination of different computing devices operating as one computer and linked together by a communication network. The communication network connected to the computer may also be connected to a wider network such as the Internet. Thus, a computer may include one or more physical processors or other computing devices or circuitry, and may also include any suitable type of memory. A computer may also be a virtual computing platform having an unknown or fluctuating number of physical processors and memories or memory devices. A computer may thus be physically located in one geographical location or physically spread across several widely scattered locations with multiple processors linked together by a communication network to operate as a single computer. The concept of "computer" and "processor" within a computer or computing device also encompasses any such processor or computing device serving to make calculations or comparisons as part of a disclosed system. Processing operations related to threshold comparisons, rules comparisons, calculations, and the like occurring in a computer may occur, for example, on separate servers, the same server with separate processors, or on a virtual computing environment having an unknown number of physical processors as described above. A computer may be optionally coupled to one or more visual displays and/or may include an integrated visual display. Likewise, displays may be of the same type, or a heterogeneous combination of different visual devices. A computer may also include one or more operator input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, laser or infrared pointing device, or gyroscopic pointing device to name just a few representative examples. Also, besides a display, one or more other output devices may be included such as a printer, plotter, industrial manufacturing machine, 3D printer, and the like. As such, various display, input and output device arrangements are possible. Multiple computers or computing devices may be configured to communicate with one another or with other devices over wired or wireless communication links to form a communication network. Network communications may pass through various computers operating as network appliances such as switches, routers, firewalls or other network devices or interfaces before passing over other larger computer networks such as the internet. Communications can also be passed over the communication network as wireless data transmissions carried over electromagnetic waves through transmission lines or free space. Such communications include using WiFi or other Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or a cellular transmitter/receiver to transfer data. Such signals conform to any of a number of wireless or mobile telecommunications technology standards such as <NUM>. 11a/b/g/n, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the like.

"Controller" generally refers to a device, using mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic electronic techniques, and/or a microprocessor or computer, which monitors and physically alters the operating conditions of a given dynamical system. In one nonlimiting example, the controller can include an Allen Bradley brand Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A controller may include a processor for performing calculations to process input or output. A controller may include a memory for storing values to be processed by the processor, or for storing the results of previous processing. A controller may also be configured to accept input and output from a wide array of input and output devices for receiving or sending values. Such devices include other computers, keyboards, mice, visual displays, printers, industrial equipment, and systems or machinery of all types and sizes. For example, a controller can control a network or network interface to perform various network communications upon request. The network interface may be part of the controller, or characterized as separate and remote from the controller. A controller may be a single, physical, computing device such as a desktop computer, or a laptop computer, or may be composed of multiple devices of the same type such as a group of servers operating as one device in a networked cluster, or a heterogeneous combination of different computing devices operating as one controller and linked together by a communication network. The communication network connected to the controller may also be connected to a wider network such as the Internet. Thus a controller may include one or more physical processors or other computing devices or circuitry, and may also include any suitable type of memory. A controller may also be a virtual computing platform having an unknown or fluctuating number of physical processors and memories or memory devices. A controller may thus be physically located in one geographical location or physically spread across several widely scattered locations with multiple processors linked together by a communication network to operate as a single controller. Multiple controllers or computing devices may be configured to communicate with one another or with other devices over wired or wireless communication links to form a network. Network communications may pass through various controllers operating as network appliances such as switches, routers, firewalls or other network devices or interfaces before passing over other larger computer networks such as the Internet. Communications can also be passed over the network as wireless data transmissions carried over electromagnetic waves through transmission lines or free space. Such communications include using WiFi or other Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or a cellular transmitter/receiver to transfer data.

"Couple" or "Coupled" generally refers to an indirect and/or direct connection between the identified elements, components, and/or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

"Electric Motor" generally refers to an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Normally, but not always, electric motors operate through the interaction between one or more magnetic fields in the motor and winding currents to generate force in the form of rotation. Electric motors can be powered by direct current (DC) sources, such as from batteries, motor vehicles, and/or rectifiers, or by alternating current (AC) sources, such as a power grid, inverters, and/or electrical generators. An electric generator can (but not always) be mechanically identical to an electric motor, but operates in the reverse direction, accepting mechanical energy and converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

"Grind Size" or "Grind Coarseness" generally refers to the widest diameter of individual grains. For ground coffee, the grind size can be generally classified based on the desired grind type, as is shown in Table <NUM> below (e.g., +/- <NUM>% of the measurements shown).

"Hole" generally refers to a hollow portion through a solid body, wall or a surface. A hole may be any shape. For example, a hole may be, but is not limited to, circular, triangular, or rectangular. A hole may also have varying depths and may extend entirely through the solid body or surface or may extend through only one side of the solid body.

"Input Device" generally refers to any device coupled to a computer that is configured to receive input and deliver the input to a processor, memory, or other part of the computer. Such input devices can include keyboards, mice, trackballs, and touch sensitive pointing devices such as touchpads or touchscreens. Input devices also include any sensor or sensor array for detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, light, noise, vibration, humidity, and the like.

"Input/Output (I/O) Device" generally refers to any device or collection of devices coupled to a computing device that is configured to receive input and deliver the input to a processor, memory, or other part of the computing device and/or is controlled by the computing device to produce an output. The I/O device can include physically separate input and output devices, or the input and output devices can be combined together to form a single physical unit. Such input devices of the I/O device can include keyboards, mice, trackballs, and touch sensitive pointing devices such as touchpads or touchscreens. Input devices also include any sensor or sensor array for detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, light, noise, vibration, humidity, and the like. Examples of output devices for the I/O device include, but are not limited to, screens or monitors displaying graphical output, a projecting device projecting a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, or any kind of printer, plotter, or similar device producing either two-dimensional or three-dimensional representations of the output fixed in any tangible medium (e.g., a laser printer printing on paper, a lathe controlled to machine a piece of metal, or a three-dimensional printer producing an object). An output device may also produce intangible output such as, for example, data stored in a database, or electromagnetic energy transmitted through a medium or through free space such as audio produced by a speaker controlled by the computer, radio signals transmitted through free space, or pulses of light passing through a fiber-optic cable.

"Longitudinal" generally refers to the length or lengthwise dimension of an object, rather than across.

"Magnet" generally refers to a material or object that produces a magnetic field external to itself. Types of magnets include permanent magnets and electromagnets. By way of non-limiting examples, magnets in certain circumstances are able to attract (or repel) objects such as those made of iron or steel.

"Memory" generally refers to any storage system or device configured to retain data or information. Each memory may include one or more types of solid-state electronic memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, just to name a few. Memory may use any suitable storage technology, or combination of storage technologies, and may be volatile, nonvolatile, or a hybrid combination of volatile and nonvolatile varieties. By way of non-limiting example, each memory may include solid-state electronic Random Access Memory (RAM), Sequentially Accessible Memory (SAM) (such as the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) variety or the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) variety), Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), Electronically Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM).

Memory can refer to Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) or any variants, including Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Burst SRAM or Synch Burst SRAM (BSRAM), Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM DRAM), Enhanced DRAM (EDRAM), Extended Data Output RAM (EDO RAM), Extended Data Output DRAM (EDO DRAM), Burst Extended Data Output DRAM (BEDO DRAM), Single Data Rate Synchronous DRAM (SDR SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Direct Rambus DRAM (DRDRAM), or Extreme Data Rate DRAM (XDR DRAM).

Memory can also refer to non-volatile storage technologies such as Non-Volatile Read Access memory (NVRAM), flash memory, non-volatile Static RAM (nvSRAM), Ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), Phase-change RAM (PRAM), Conductive-Bridging RAM (CBRAM), Silicon-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon (SONOS), Resistive RAM (RRAM), Domain Wall Memory (DWM) or "Racetrack" memory, Nano-RAM (NRAM), or Millipede memory. Other nonvolatile types of memory include optical disc memory (such as a DVD or CD ROM), a magnetically encoded hard disc or hard disc platter, floppy disc, tape, or cartridge media. The concept of a "memory" includes the use of any suitable storage technology or any combination of storage technologies.

"Motor" generally refers to a machine that supplies motive power for a device with moving parts. The motor can include rotor and linear type motors. The motor can be powered in any number of ways, such as via electricity, internal combustion, pneumatics, and/or hydraulic power sources. By way of non-limiting examples, the motor can include a servomotor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, a steam engine, a pneumatic piston, a hydraulic piston, and/or an internal combustion engine.

"Network" or "Computer Network" generally refers to a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. Computers can pass data to each other along data connections by transforming data into a collection of datagrams or packets. The connections between computers and the network may be established using either cables, optical fibers, or via electromagnetic transmissions such as for wireless network devices. Computers coupled to a network may be referred to as "nodes" or as "hosts" and may originate, broadcast, route, or accept data from the network. Nodes can include any computing device such as personal computers, phones, and servers as well as specialized computers that operate to maintain the flow of data across the network, referred to as "network devices". Two nodes can be considered "networked together" when one device is able to exchange information with another device, whether or not they have a direct connection to each other. Examples of wired network connections may include Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), coaxial cable lines, or optical fiber lines. The wireless connections may include BLUETOOTH®, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), infrared channel or satellite band, or any wireless local area network (Wi-Fi) such as those implemented using the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) <NUM> standards (e.g. <NUM>(a), <NUM>(b), <NUM>(g), or <NUM>(n) to name a few). Wireless links may also include or use any cellular network standards used to communicate among mobile devices including <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. The network standards may qualify as <NUM>, <NUM>, etc. by fulfilling a specification or standards such as the specifications maintained by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). For example, a network may be referred to as a "<NUM> network" if it meets the criteria in the International Mobile Telecommunications-<NUM> (IMT-<NUM>) specification regardless of what it may otherwise be referred to. A network may be referred to as a "<NUM> network" if it meets the requirements of the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMTAdvanced) specification. Examples of cellular network or other wireless standards include AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, and WiMAX-Advanced. Cellular network standards may use various channel access methods such as FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. Different types of data may be transmitted via different links and standards, or the same types of data may be transmitted via different links and standards. The geographical scope of the network may vary widely. Examples include a Body Area Network (BAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Local-Area Network (LAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet. A network may have any suitable network topology defining the number and use of the network connections. The network topology may be of any suitable form and may include point-to-point, bus, star, ring, mesh, or tree. A network may be an overlay network which is virtual and is configured as one or more layers that use or "lay on top of" other networks.

"Original Equipment Manufacturer" or "OEM" generally refers to an organization that makes finished devices from component parts bought from other organizations that are usually sold under their own brand in a consumer or commercial market.

"Output Device" generally refers to any device or collection of devices that is controlled by computer to produce an output. This includes any system, apparatus, or equipment receiving signals from a computer to control the device to generate or create some type of output. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, screens or monitors displaying graphical output, any projecting device projecting a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, any kind of printer, plotter, or similar device producing either two-dimensional or three-dimensional representations of the output fixed in any tangible medium (e.g. a laser printer printing on paper, a lathe controlled to machine a piece of metal, or a three-dimensional printer producing an object). An output device may also produce intangible output such as, for example, data stored in a database, or electromagnetic energy transmitted through a medium or through free space such as audio produced by a speaker controlled by the computer, radio signals transmitted through free space, or pulses of light passing through a fiber-optic cable.

"Processor" generally refers to one or more electronic components configured to operate as a single unit configured or programmed to process input to generate an output. Alternatively, when of a multi-component form, a processor may have one or more components located remotely relative to the others. One or more components of each processor may be of the electronic variety defining digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or both. In one example, each processor is of a conventional, integrated circuit microprocessor arrangement, such as one or more PENTIUM, i3, i5 or i7 processors supplied by INTEL Corporation of <NUM> Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, Calif. <NUM>, USA. In another example, the processor uses a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, such as an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) type processor developed and licensed by ARM Holdings of Cambridge, United Kingdom. In still yet other examples, the processor can include a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and/or an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), such as those using a K8, K10, Bulldozer, Bobcat, Jaguar, and Zen series architectures, supplied by Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) of Santa Clara, California.

Another example of a processor is an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). An ASIC is an Integrated Circuit (IC) customized to perform a specific series of logical operations for controlling the computer to perform specific tasks or functions. An ASIC is an example of a processor for a special purpose computer, rather than a processor configured for general-purpose use. An application-specific integrated circuit generally is not reprogrammable to perform other functions and may be programmed once when it is manufactured.

In another example, a processor may be of the "field programmable" type. Such processors may be programmed multiple times "in the field" to perform various specialized or general functions after they are manufactured. A field-programmable processor may include a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) in an integrated circuit in the processor. An FPGA may be programmed to perform a specific series of instructions which may be retained in nonvolatile memory cells in the FPGA. The FPGA may be configured by a customer or a designer using a Hardware Description Language (HDL). An FPGA may be reprogrammed using another computer to reconfigure the FPGA to implement a new set of commands or operating instructions. Such an operation may be executed in any suitable means such as by a firmware upgrade to the processor circuitry.

Just as the concept of a computer is not limited to a single physical device in a single location, so also the concept of a "processor" is not limited to a single physical logic circuit or package of circuits but includes one or more such circuits or circuit packages possibly contained within or across multiple computers in numerous physical locations. In a virtual computing environment, an unknown number of physical processors may be actively processing data, and the unknown number may automatically change over time as well.

The concept of a "processor" includes a device configured or programmed to make threshold comparisons, rules comparisons, calculations, or perform logical operations applying a rule to data yielding a logical result (e.g. "true" or "false"). Processing activities may occur in multiple single processors on separate servers, on multiple processors in a single server with separate processors, or on multiple processors physically remote from one another in separate computing devices.

"Sensor" generally refers to an object whose purpose is to detect events and/or changes in the environment of the sensor, and then provide a corresponding output. Sensors include transducers that provide various types of output, such as electrical and/or optical signals. By way of nonlimiting examples, the sensors can include pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, motion sensors, acceleration sensors, displacement sensors, force sensors, optical sensors, and/or electromagnetic sensors. In some examples, the sensors include barcode readers, RFID readers, and/or vision systems. In other examples, the sensor includes an encoder configured to detect and encode rotational movement. The sensor may be a conductive encoder, an optical encoder, an on-axis magnetic encoder, and/or an off-axis magnetic encoder. In some forms, the sensor can be configured to convert the rotation of the encoder gear to an output signal. The output signal can be digital or analog. The output signal of the sensor indicates the position of the encoder gear.

"Sensor" generally refers to an object whose purpose is to detect events and/or changes in the environment of the sensor, and then provide a corresponding output. Sensors include transducers that provide various types of output, such as electrical and/or optical signals. By way of nonlimiting examples, the sensors can include pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, motion sensors, acceleration sensors, displacement sensors, force sensors, optical sensors, and/or electromagnetic sensors. In some examples, the sensors include barcode readers, RFID readers, and/or vision systems.

"Server" generally refers to a computer or group of computers that provide(s) data to other computers. It may serve data to systems on a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) over the Internet.

"Transmit" generally refers to causing something to be transferred, communicated, conveyed, relayed, dispatched, or forwarded. The concept may or may not include the act of conveying something from a transmitting entity to a receiving entity. For example, a transmission may be received without knowledge as to who or what transmitted it. Likewise the transmission may be sent with or without knowledge of who or what is receiving it. To "transmit" may include, but is not limited to, the act of sending or broadcasting electromagnetic energy at any suitable frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum. Transmissions may include digital signals which may define various types of binary data such as datagrams, packets and the like. A transmission may also include analog signals.

It should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and the like as used in the description and/or the claims include the plural forms unless expressly discussed otherwise. For example, if the specification and/or claims refer to "a device" or "the device", it includes one or more of such devices.

It should be noted that directional terms, such as "up," "down," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," "radial," "circumferential," "horizontal," "vertical," etc., are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader's understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/or orientation.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a grinder including
one or more grinding elements that define a burr gap, and
an adjustment mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to adjust the burr gap between the one or more grinding elements, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to sense the burr gap.