U.S. patent application number 13/551007 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-24 for cleaning system and method for beverage appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to CONAIR CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is JOSEPH J. LASKOWSKI, LEANDRO P. RIZZUTO. Invention is credited to JOSEPH J. LASKOWSKI, LEANDRO P. RIZZUTO.
Application Number | 20130019903 13/551007 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47554900 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130019903 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RIZZUTO; LEANDRO P. ; et
al. |
January 24, 2013 |
CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BEVERAGE APPLIANCE
Abstract
The beverage appliance of the present invention includes a
venturi having a steam inlet and a milk inlet. The steam inlet and
milk inlet each include a solenoid valve configurable between an
open state and a closed state. The solenoid valves are electrically
coupled to a processor and are controllable through first and
second switches. In operation, upon activation of the first switch,
the solenoid valves are controlled to their open states to deliver
milk and steam to the venturi to produce frothed milk. When a
desired amount of frothed milk has been dispensed, the user
deactivates the first switch and the processor controls only the
milk inlet solenoid valve to its closed state. The steam inlet
solenoid valve remains in its open state for a predetermined amount
of time such that a burst of steam only is forced through the
venturi and distribution lines to purge them of milk.
Inventors: |
RIZZUTO; LEANDRO P.;
(Sheridan, WY) ; LASKOWSKI; JOSEPH J.; (Derby,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RIZZUTO; LEANDRO P.
LASKOWSKI; JOSEPH J. |
Sheridan
Derby |
WY
CT |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CONAIR CORPORATION
Stamford
CT
|
Family ID: |
47554900 |
Appl. No.: |
13/551007 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61509298 |
Jul 19, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/22.15 ;
99/280; 99/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/46 20130101;
A47J 31/4489 20130101; A47J 31/60 20130101; A47J 31/4485
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/22.15 ;
99/293; 99/280 |
International
Class: |
B08B 9/00 20060101
B08B009/00; A47J 31/60 20060101 A47J031/60; A47J 31/46 20060101
A47J031/46 |
Claims
1. A brewed beverage appliance, comprising: a housing; a steam
source; a milk reservoir; a brewed beverage dispensing spout; a
frothed milk dispensing spout; a milk frothing unit fluidly coupled
to said frothed milk dispensing spout, said milk frothing unit
having a steam inlet for receiving steam from said steam source and
a milk inlet for receiving milk from said milk reservoir; a first
valve associated with said milk inlet and controllable between an
open state and a closed state to control a flow of milk to said
milk frothing unit; a second valve associated with said steam inlet
and controllable between an open state and a closed state to
control a flow of steam to said milk frothing unit.
2. The brewed beverage appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a
processor electrically coupled to said first and said second valves
and configured to control said first and second valves between said
open and closed states.
3. The brewed beverage appliance of claim 2, wherein: said
processor is configured to control said first valve and said second
valve to said open states to permit said flow of milk and said flow
of steam into said milk frothing unit to produce frothed milk; and
wherein said processor operates according to a control algorithm
such that when a desired quantity of frothed milk is dispensed from
said frothed milk dispensing spout, said first valve is controlled
to said closed state and said second valve is maintained in said
open state for a predetermined amount of time to cleanse said milk
frothing unit and milk dispensing spout.
4. The brewed beverage appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a
first switch electrically coupled to said first valve for manually
controlling said first valve between said open and closed states;
and a second switch electrically coupled to said second valve for
manually controlling said second valve between said open and closed
states.
5. A cleaning system for a brewed beverage appliance, comprising: a
venturi having a steam inlet for receiving steam from a steam
source and a milk inlet for receiving milk from a milk reservoir; a
first solenoid valve associated with said milk inlet and
configurable between an open state and a closed state; a second
solenoid valve associated with said steam inlet and configurable
between an open state and a closed state; and a processor
electrically coupled to said first and second solenoid valves, said
processor configured to control said first and second solenoid
valves between said open and closed states.
6. The cleaning system of claim 5, further comprising: a first
switch electrically coupled to said processor and configured to
control said first solenoid valve between said open and said closed
state; and a second switch electrically coupled to said processor
and configured to control said second solenoid valve between said
open and said closed state; wherein said first and said second
solenoid valves are controllable between said open and closed
states independently of one another through said first and said
second switches.
7. The cleaning system of claim 5, wherein: said processor is
configured to maintain said second solenoid valve in said open
position for a predetermined duration after said first solenoid
valve is controlled to its closed state.
8. A method of cleaning a brewed beverage appliance having a milk
frothing unit including a frothed milk dispensing spout in fluid
communication with a venturi, said venturi having a steam inlet for
receiving steam from a steam source and a milk inlet for receiving
milk from a milk reservoir, said method comprising the steps of:
initiating a flow of milk from said milk reservoir and a flow of
steam from said steam source through said venturi and out of said
frothed milk dispensing spout; ceasing said flow of milk though
said venturi; and maintaining said flow of steam through said
venturi for a predetermined period of time.
9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of:
ceasing said flow of steam through said venturi.
10. The method according to claim 8, wherein: a milk value controls
an ingress of milk to said venturi; a steam valve controls an
ingress of milk to said venturi; and said steps of initiating,
ceasing and maintaining said flows of milk and steam through said
venturi are carried out automatically by a processor electrically
coupled to said milk valve and said steam valve.
11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: initiating
a flow of steam only through said venturi and out of said
dispensing spout.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 61/509,298, filed on Jul. 19, 2011, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the field of beverage appliances,
and, in particular, to a cappuccino coffee maker having an
automatic cleaning feature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Beverage appliances, such as cappuccino makers have, in the
past, had problems in their use: the milk delivery lines and other
components through which milk is routed in the making of a beverage
are prone to contamination and bacteria growth unless they are
periodically cleaned/flushed. Existing machines, however, often
rely on a user to remember to periodically clean the machine, and
require cumbersome manual steps to effect such cleaning. In
addition, the design of existing machines requires at least partial
disassembly in order to clean the milk delivery lines and other
components that are contacted by the milk. The present invention
solves these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The beverage appliance of the present invention includes a
venturi having a steam inlet and a milk inlet. The steam inlet and
milk inlet each include a solenoid valve configurable between an
open state and a closed state. The solenoid valves are electrically
coupled to a processor and are controllable through first and
second switches. In operation, upon activation of the first switch,
the processor sends a signal to control both solenoid valves to
their open states, simultaneously, to deliver milk and steam,
respectively, to the venturi to produce frothed milk. When a
desired amount of frothed milk has been dispensed into a user's
cup, the user deactivates the first switch and the processor
controls only the milk inlet solenoid valve to its closed state.
The steam inlet solenoid valve remains in its open state for a
predetermined amount of time such that a burst of steam only is
forced through the venturi and distribution lines to purge them of
milk.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cappuccino maker, and
shows the removable container both in its installed position and
removed from the unit.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the milk container, with the
top partially removed.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a front elevation of our cappuccino maker, partly
broken away.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a side elevation, partially broken away, taken on
line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a top plan view, partially broken away, taken on
line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a vertical section, taken through the venturi,
showing how the hot steam and milk are brought together and
mixed.
[0011] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a modification of
our invention in which the venturi frothing unit, together with the
milk container, are detachable from the cappuccino maker.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a venturi and
automatic cleaning system for use with the beverage appliance of
FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a front, elevational view of a brewed beverage
appliance having an automatic cleaning system in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a right-side, elevational view of the brewed
beverage appliance of FIG. 9.
[0015] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, right-side view of a milk frothing
unit and automatic cleaning system of the brewed beverage appliance
of FIG. 9.
[0016] FIG. 12 is cross-sectional, front view of the brewed
beverage appliance of FIG. 9.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a cross-section, right-side view of the brewed
beverage appliance of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The cappuccino coffee maker 1 according to the present
invention includes the usual housing 2 and dispensing area 3. The
dispensing area includes two proximate dispensing spouts, a coffee
(espresso) spout 5 and a steamed milk spout 7. The two spouts are
close enough together so that both can be directed to a cappuccino
cup at the same time. The unit also includes a coffee basket 11
with handle 13, an on-off switch 15 with indicator light 17, a
steam adjustment knob 19 and a water inlet 21. These work in the
customary way. In an embodiment, such as that described below in
connection with FIG. 8, the steam adjustment known 19 may be a
first switch.
[0019] The cappuccino coffee maker 1 also includes the usual
elements found in such a unit: a water supply coupled with heating
means to produce steam; means to run the steam through ground
coffee to produce espresso coffee; an outlet for the coffee; and
means to run steam through milk to froth it. It differs, however,
in that, inter alia, the milk supply can be removed from the unit
when desired to store the milk. Also, in our modification, the
steam line to the milk includes a make and break connection, with
self-closing valves, so that the milk frothing unit can also be
removed from the cappuccino maker.
[0020] The cappuccino coffee maker 1 includes a milk container 25
carrying milk 27. Container 25 is secured to housing 2 by latch 23
and the latch-receiving slot 35 on container top 29. A milk
delivery tube 31 is carried by top 29 and extends down into
container 25. It carries a seal 33 at its upper end. The tube 31 is
to deliver milk to a venturi frothing unit.
[0021] A venturi 41 is carried by the housing 2 and mounted just
above milk container 25. It acts as a milk-frothing unit and has a
steam inlet 43, to receive hot steam from the housing. The steam
enters one end of the venturi 41, passes through a narrow
aspirating portion 47, and leaves past a conical spring 53 (to
assist in frothing the milk) to frothed milk outlet 55. Milk
delivery tube 31 passes through spring-loaded seal 33 to its
connection with milk inlet 45 on venturi 41. This leads milk to the
narrow portion 47 of the venturi, the narrow portion acting as an
aspirator as is customary with venturis. The milk mixes with steam
in the narrow portion, frothing it, and the milk and steam pass
towards frothed milk outlet 55. Conical spring 53 is encountered
during that passage, which serves to further froth the milk. If
desired, a froth control, such as a needle valve, can be positioned
in the narrow portion 47 of venturi 41, to control the rate of flow
of steam through the venturi.
[0022] The frothed milk goes from outlet 55 to and through tube 57,
which leads to milk spout 7. This milk spout is positioned
proximate to coffee spout 5, thus providing convenience in serving
the cappuccino. Preferably spouts 5 and 7 are close enough together
so that both coffee and steamed milk can be delivered to a cup
without moving the cup.
[0023] When a user is finished using the cappuccino maker 1, the
milk container 25 can be removed from the unit by releasing latch
23. The container can them be placed in a refrigerator to preserve
the milk. At the next time of use, the container can again be
attached to the unit, with milk take up tube 31 connecting to the
venturi milk inlet through seal 33. In the interim, the milk has
been preserved from spoiling.
[0024] In a modification of our invention seen in FIG. 7, the milk
container 25 and the venturi unit are detachable as a unit. In this
instance, steam line 61 in the housing is connected to steam
connection 62 on the venturi system; and frothed milk connector 63
in the housing is connected to milk connection 65 on the venturi
system. These connections are preferably of the quick-acting and
self-closing type.
[0025] It will be appreciated that the present invention,
particularly as shown in FIG. 7, can be used to modify existing
espresso makers so that they can make cappuccino. This would be
accomplished by providing means for the espresso maker steam line
to also be used to steam and froth milk, and by providing means by
which this steam can be interconnected to a venturi frothing
unit.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 8, the cappuccino coffee maker 1 as
described in connection with FIGS. 1-6, may also include an
automatic cleaning system for cleaning/flushing the components of
the coffee maker 1 that come in contact with milk. As shown
therein, in an embodiment, milk inlet 45 of the venturi 41 and the
steam inlet 43 of the venturi 41 are configured with first and
second solenoid valves 70, 72, respectively. The solenoid valves
70, 72 may be referred to as a milk inlet solenoid valve 70 and a
steam inlet solenoid valve 72. The solenoid valves 70, 72 may be
general-purpose solenoid valves for food and beverage applications,
such as those known in the art, although other type of valves may
also be used without departing from the broader aspects of the
present invention.
[0027] The milk inlet solenoid valve 70 and the steam inlet
solenoid valve 72 are each in electrical communication with a
processor 74 contained within the housing 2 of the cappuccino
coffee maker 1. The processor 74 is configured to control the milk
inlet solenoid valve 70 between a first, open position, in which
milk is permitted to pass from the milk inlet 45 through the milk
inlet solenoid valve 70 and through the outlet 55, and a second,
closed position, in which milk is prevented from passing through
the milk inlet solenoid valve 70. Similarly, the processor 74 is
configured to control the steam inlet solenoid valve 72 between a
first, open position, in which steam is permitted to pass form the
steam inlet 43 through the steam inlet solenoid valve 72 and
through the outlet 55, and a second, closed position, in which
steam is prevented from passing through the steam inlet solenoid
valve 72.
[0028] As further shown in FIG. 8, the processor is electrically
coupled to two switches, a first switch 76 and a second switch 78.
During operation, once coffee is brewed and dispensed into a users
cup, a user may activate the first switch 76 from a control
panel/user interface to control the dispensing of frothed milk. In
particular, upon activation of the first switch 76 by a user, a
signal from the processor 74 controls both the milk inlet solenoid
valve 70 and the steam inlet solenoid valve 72 to their respective
open positions, simultaneously. Milk and steam are then permitted
to enter the venturi 41 where the milk mixes with steam, frothing
it, and the milk and steam pass towards frothed milk outlet 55.
Conical spring 53 is encountered during that passage, which serves
to further froth the milk. The frothed milk goes from outlet 55 to
and through tube 57, which leads to milk spout 7.
[0029] When the desired amount of frothed milk is dispensed into
the user's cup, the first switch 76 is deactivated by the user, and
a signal from the processor 74 closes the milk inlet solenoid valve
70, thereby preventing milk from entering the venturi 41 and
allowing steam only to enter the venturi 41 for a predetermined
amount of time, e.g., a few seconds, to purge the venturi 41,
outlet 55, milk spout 7, etc. of any residual milk. After the
predetermined amount of time has passed and the venturi 41, outlet
55, milk spout 7, etc. have been cleaned by the burst of steam, the
processor 74 sends a signal to close the steam inlet solenoid valve
72. In an embodiment, when not in use, both the milk inlet solenoid
valve 70 and the steam inlet solenoid valve 72 are in their closed
states.
[0030] Importantly, when the user deactivates the first switch 76
to stop the flow of frothed milk, the processor 74 retains the
steam inlet solenoid valve 72 in its open position for a
predetermined period of time so that a burst of steam is
automatically delivered to the venturi 41 and milk spout 7 to clean
these system components. As will be readily appreciated, this
automatic burst-of-steam cleaning feature ensures that residual
milk is removed from the venturi 41 and distribution system to
prevent milk line contamination and the growth of bacteria. In
contrast to existing cappuccino coffee makers, the present
invention ensures that the milk distribution system (including the
venturi 41, milk spout 7, etc.) is automatically cleaned every time
the milk delivery function is utilized, i.e., when a user activates
the first switch 76 to initiate the flow of milk. That is, upon
deactivation of the first switch 76, the burst-of-steam cleaning
feature is automatically initiated to purge the system of residual
milk. In this respect, the burst-of-steam cleaning feature is
transparent to a user and requires no manual activation or manual
cleaning. Accordingly, it is not necessary for a user to remember
to manually clean the milk delivery system; it is done
automatically without any extra steps by the user.
[0031] In an embodiment, if the coffee maker 1 is only utilized to
brew a cup of black coffee or espresso, i.e., where no milk is
being drawn from the milk container 25, the burst-of-steam cleaning
feature need not be utilized.
[0032] Another important feature of the present invention is that
with the addition of the second switch 78, the steam inlet solenoid
valve 72 may operate independently of the milk inlet solenoid valve
70. For example, in an embodiment, if the second switch 78 is
activated by the user, the processor 74 sends a signal to the steam
inlet solenoid valve 72 to control the steam inlet solenoid valve
72 to its open position. As a result, steam only enters the venturi
41 and milk spout 7, which may be used for preheating the beverage
container or heating/frothing other liquids that are not contained
in the milk container 25. Moreover, the second switch 78 may be
activated by user to further clean the venturi 41, outlet 55, spout
7 and other distribution components, as desired, such as to ensure
that the system is clean after longer periods of down-time.
[0033] As described above, the coffee maker 1 of the present
invention includes a removable milk container 25. As will be
readily appreciated, the removable milk container allows a user to
store the milk in a refrigerator or the like to maintain freshness
and inhibit the growth of bacteria. While substantially all of the
components that come in contact with milk are contained within the
housing 2 of the coffee maker 1 and thus may be cleaned using the
burst-of-steam automatic cleaning system described above, the other
components that come in contact with milk, such as tube 31 and seal
33 are housed in the removable milk container 25 which may be
removed from the coffee maker 1 and refrigerated to inhibit the
growth of bacteria thereon. When the time does come to clean the
milk container 25, seal 33 and tube 31 may be easily cleaned
therewith in the customary manner.
[0034] While the burst-of-steam, automatic cleaning system has been
described in connection with a cappuccino coffee maker, it is not
intended to be so limited in this regard. In particular, it is
intended that the automatic cleaning system may be used in
combination with any type of beverage appliance device or system in
which purging or cleaning of liquid distribution lines, such as for
delivering milk or other liquids, is desired.
[0035] For example, as shown in FIGS. 9-13, the automatic cleaning
system may utilized with any type of brewed beverage appliance
known in the art, such as a coffee maker 100. As shown therein, the
coffee maker 100 includes a housing having a coffee dispensing
spout 112 and a frothed milk dispensing spout 114. As shown in FIG.
9, the milk dispensing spout 114 may be adjacent to and separate
from the coffee dispensing spout 112. In an embodiment, the coffee
maker 100 may be of the single serve type in which heated water is
passed through a filter cup 116 filled with ground coffee.
[0036] As best shown in FIG. 11, the coffee maker 100 may include a
milk frothing unit 118 of the type hereinbefore described. In
particular, the milk frothing unit 118 may include a milk reservoir
120 and a steam source (not shown) in fluid communication with a
venturi 122. An outlet of the venturi 122 is in fluid communication
with the dispensing spout 114 to dispense frothed milk, milk, or
steam, as discussed above, into a user's cup. As shown therein, a
milk tube 124 extends from the milk reservoir 120 to an inlet of
the venturi 122. As described above, a pair of solenoid valves 126,
128 may control the flow of milk and steam, respectively, to the
venturi 122. As further described above, these solenoid valves 126,
128 are in electrical communication with a processor (not shown). A
pair of switches or knobs may also be electrically connected to the
processor to allow a user to manually control a flow of milk and/or
steam to the venturi 122 and out of the milk dispensing spout 114.
For example, the coffee maker may have a frothed milk dispensing
knob 130 accessible from the front of the device.
[0037] In use, a user may brew a beverage under dispensing spout
112. If frothed milk is desired, a user may then move his/her cup
under the frothed milk dispensing spout 114 and activate knob 130.
Activation of the knob 130 signals the processor to control the
solenoid valves 126, 128 to their open positions so that both milk
and steam enter the venturi 122 to produce frothed milk that is
dispensed into a user's cup through dispensing spout 112. When a
desired amount of frothed milk is dispensed, a user releases the
knob 130. In an embodiment, the processor operates according to a
control algorithm such that the solenoid valve regulating the flow
of milk to the venturi 122 is controlled to its closed position
upon release of the knob/switch 130, while the solenoid valve
regulating the flow of steam to the venturi 122 is maintained, for
a predetermined amount of time, in the open position to allow a
burst of steam to travel through the milk tube 124, venturi 122 and
spout 114 to cleanse/sterilize such components. Importantly, in
this manner, the components of the beverage appliance 100 that come
in contact with milk are automatically cleansed/sterilized every
time frothed milk is dispensed.
[0038] In an embodiment, a user may select a "steam only" mode, for
example, by pressing a button, and activate the knob 130 to
initiate a steam-only burst to further purge the system or to
heat/pre-heat a user's beverage in the manner described above.
[0039] Although this invention has been shown and described with
respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood
by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and
equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without
departing from the scope of the invention. In addition,
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the teachings of the invention without departing from
the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in
the above detailed description, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure.
* * * * *