U.S. patent application number 15/025890 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-18 for apparatus and method for frothing milk.
The applicant listed for this patent is Breville Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Daniel Robert CORKIN, Robert GRASSIA, Nicholas James MCCOLL.
Application Number | 20160235243 15/025890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52741639 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160235243 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GRASSIA; Robert ; et
al. |
August 18, 2016 |
Apparatus and Method for Frothing Milk
Abstract
A jug for use with a frothing apparatus. The jug comprising: a
vessel body for holding a liquid to be heated; a handle attached to
the vessel body, the handle for holding the jug; a user interface
for receiving an operation-related user input; a communication
means adapted to communicate data associated with the jug to the
frothing apparatus; and a controller for controlling the user
interface and the communication means. In an embodiment, The
frothing apparatus comprises: a steam heater, a steam nozzle, and a
steam path providing fluid communication from the steam heater to
the steam nozzle for delivering heating steam to the jug;
communication means adapted to receive operating data from a
cooperating communication means associated with the jug, the data
comprising an operation-related user input; and a controller for
controlling operation of the steam heater and the steam path based
on the operation-related user input.
Inventors: |
GRASSIA; Robert; (Summer
Hill, AU) ; MCCOLL; Nicholas James; (Randwick,
AU) ; CORKIN; Daniel Robert; (Panania, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Breville Pty Limited |
Alexandia, |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
52741639 |
Appl. No.: |
15/025890 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
September 30, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2014/000947 |
371 Date: |
March 30, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/4489
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/44 20060101
A47J031/44 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2013 |
AU |
2013903770 |
Feb 28, 2014 |
AU |
2014900665 |
Aug 7, 2014 |
AU |
2014903059 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A steaming jug for use with a frothing apparatus, the jug
including: a vessel body for holding a liquid to be heated; a inlet
port for releasably coupling to a steamer spigot of the frothing
apparatus that is in fluid flow communication with a steam source
to provide a steam mixture to the liquid in the jug; the inlet port
having a valve.
22. The jug according to claim 21, wherein: a latch assembly
releasably couples the jug to the frothing apparatus; the latch
assembly having a latch element and a tension spring that biases a
head portion of the latch element into latching engagement with a
radially extending flange formed on the steamer spigot.
23. The jug according to claim 22, wherein a solenoid is activated
to disengage the head portion from the flange.
24. The jug according to claim 23, wherein the tension spring
biases the head to an engaged configuration.
25. The jug according to claim 22, wherein: the steamer spigot is
partially contained within an overflow valve body having an
overflow valve; a through opening in a side wall of the overflow
valve body allows discharge from either the overflow valve or the
steamer spigot when in a released configuration.
26. The jug according to claim 25, wherein: with the latch assembly
disengaged from flange formed on the steamer spigot a second
compression spring axially biases steamer spigot as the jug is
moved away from the fixed overflow valve body.
27. The jug according to claim 21, wherein: a base is adapted to
receive the steaming jug; an upper surface of the base has a hinged
cover portion that is selectively raised and lowered; the cover
portion is configured to divert steam discharge from the spigot
when in a raised configuration.
28. The jug according to claim 27, wherein the cover portion is
hinged about its lower end and is biased to the raised
configuration by a spring.
29. The jug according to claim 21, wherein: a base is adapted to
receive the steaming jug; the jug having an alignment groove on the
underside of a jug that cooperates with a raised alignment feature
on the base.
30. The jug according to claim 21, wherein the inlet port a ball
valve.
31. The jug according to claim 30, wherein the ball valve is
located between a valve seat and the perforated steam nozzle.
32. The jug according to claim 30, wherein the ball valve is
associated with an actuating shaft that is rotated from the closed
position to the open position by the action of a push pin.
33. The jug according to claim 32, wherein the push pin is actuated
by a processor controlled solenoid; the solenoid having an output
pin that engages a first end of the push pin.
34. The jug according to claim 33, wherein the second end of the
push pin acts on a lever or cam to rotate the actuating shaft.
35. The jug according to claim 34, wherein the lever or cam is
biased into a closed position by a bias element.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to milk frothing and more particularly
to methods and apparatus for milk frothing in an espresso making
machine having a steam wand.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification
should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art
is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in
the field.
[0003] Steamed milk is used in the preparation of drinks such as
latte, cappuccino and other hot beverages. When steamed milk is
prepared in a jug, steam or a mixture of steam and air is generally
introduced into the milk through a wand. However, the construction
of a wand incorporating a temperature sensor such as a thermistor
and also adapted to convey steam or a steam and air mixture is
somewhat complicated and a system incorporating such a sand would
benefit from simplification.
[0004] A steam wand has an end that is submersible into a container
of milk. The wand injects steam or a mixture of steam and air into
the milk. The end product is a milk froth. A milk froth has a
target temperature and troth texture. Different milk froth textures
are required for different beverages. Texture refers to the air
content and bubble size distribution in a froth. Achieving the
correct temperature and texture M the finished froth product
requires either a skilled operator or a frothing device that is at
least partially automated. The content of the Applicant's PCT
patent application, WIPO publication numbers WO 2012/151629 is
incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an
apparatus for milk frothing.
[0006] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
coffee making and/or milk frothing apparatus that includes: a steam
source and an air source coupled to an air injector module for
mixing the air and steam.
[0007] Preferably, a solenoid controls release of steam flow to a
steam wand via an air injector module.
[0008] Preferably, the air injector module includes a primary steam
flow path, an air injection path and an outflow. More preferably,
the air injection module can incorporate a venturi. Most
preferably, the air injection flow path can receive pressured air
delivered by an air pump. Further, the mixing device ma be a simple
T-piece device, or a T-piece venturi, that combines two fluid flow
paths.
[0009] Preferably, a pressure sensor is coupled to the air ingress
flow path. The pressure sensor may provide pressure measurements to
the processor module.
[0010] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
removable drip tray haying a temperature sensor.
[0011] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided as
jug for steaming milk. The jug may enable milk to be steamed via a
detachable spigot through which steam or steam and air are
introduced into the jug.
[0012] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided as
milk steaming jug having a port for receiving a spigot, the spigot
adapted to carry steam or a steam and air mixture and inject same
into an interior of the jug.
[0013] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided as
coffee making machine to have a spigot that carries a steam or
steam and air mixture, the spigot being insertable into a
cooperating jug baying a port for receiving the spigot.
[0014] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
coffee making machine having a spigot for conveying a steam or a
steam and air mixture to a cooperating jug.
[0015] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
steamed milk making machine to have a spigot that carries a steam
or steam and air mixture, the spigot being insertable into a
cooperating jug having a port for receiving the spigot.
[0016] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
steamed milk making machine having a spigot for conveying a steam
or a steam and air mixture to a cooperating jug, the machine also
having a temperature sensor that makes contact with an exterior of
the jug when the jug is affixed to the spigot.
[0017] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
method and apparatus for creating, steam and air mixtures within
the steam boiler of an espresso machine.
[0018] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
remote accessory such as a milk frothing jug that can provide user
inputs to and feedback from a milk frothing process.
[0019] Preferably, the remote appliance can communicate with a
respective appliance. The remote appliance may communicate With the
respective appliance by way of wireless and/or wired communication.
The remote appliance may include a temperature sensor for
monitoring temperature associated with the remote appliance. Data
indicative of the temperature may be transmitted to the
appliance.
[0020] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an
apparatus for making espresso coffee, the apparatus including:
[0021] a body having a steam vessel and a pressurised air source
and a steam wand; the steam vessel having a heating element for
providing a steam source; the pressurised air source coupled to
steam vessel for delivering an air supply to the steam vessel; the
steam wand being coupled to the steam vessel via an air-steam flow
path there between for receiving an air-steam source; an output
control valve, located in the steam flow path, controls the steam
source there through; [0022] an electronic controller module within
the body; the electronic controller module adapted to control
operation of the heating element, pressurised air source and output
control valve; [0023] a removable jug device including a processor
element wirelessly couplable to the controller module; the jug
device including a temperature sensor element for measuring
temperature of fluid within the jug; temperature sensor element
being coupled to processor element for enabling the processor
element to transmit a signal indicative of a measured temperature
to the control module; the steam wand delivers an air-steam mixture
to the fluid; [0024] a user interface module coupled to the
controller module for providing user input to the controller
module; the control module receives user input of a selected
temperature and selected texture; the control module, using the
selected texture, determines a mixture of air and steam to specify
an air-steam flow; the control module controls the pressurised air
source and Output control valve to deliver the specified air-steam
flow during a frothing cycle; the control module receives the
signal indicative of the measured temperature and closes the
discharge valve when the measured temperature reaches the selected
temperature to end the frothing cycle.
[0025] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an
apparatus for making espresso coffee, the apparatus including:
[0026] a body having a steam vessel and a pressurised air source
and a steam wand; the steam vessel having a heating element for
providing a steam source; the pressurised air source coupled to
steam vessel for delivering an air supply to the steam vessel; the
steam wand being coupled to the steam vessel via an air-steam flow
path there between for receiving an air-steam source; an output
control valve, located in the steam flow path, controls the steam
source there through; [0027] an electronic controller module within
the body; the electronic controller module adapted to control
operation of the heating element, pressurised air source and output
control valve; [0028] a removable jug device including a processor
element wirelessly couplable to the controller module; the jug
device including a temperature sensor element for measuring
temperature of fluid within the jug; temperature sensor element
being coupled to processor element for enabling the processor
element to transmit a signal indicative of a measured temperature
to the control module; the steam wand delivers an air-steam mixture
to the fluid; [0029] a user interface module coupled to the
controller module for providing user input to the controller
module; the control module receives user input of a selected
temperature and selected texture; the user interface including a
variable user input for specifying the selected texture; the
variable user input directly regulates the operation of an air pump
that provides the pressurised air source; the variable user input
provides a feedback signal to the controller for indicating the
selected texture; the control module activates the pressurised air
source and output control valve to deliver the specified air-steam
flow during a frothing cycle; the control module receives the
signal indicative of the measured temperature and closes the
discharge valve when the measured temperature reaches the selected
temperature to end the frothing cycle.
[0030] The apparatus may have a removable jug device that includes
secondary user interface forming a portion of the user interface
for enabling user input of the selected temperature and/or the
selected texture.
[0031] The apparatus may have steam wand that is associated with a
position sensor that can indicate when the steam wand is returned
to an upright home position; such that a cleaning cycle is
initiated only when the steam wand is in the upright home
position.
[0032] The apparatus may have an output control valve that
selectively operates as either fully closed, open to an overflow
path or open to air-steam flow path. The overflow path ma be in
communication with a drip tray.
[0033] The apparatus may have a output control valve that is in the
form of as 3/2 solenoid output control valve; the valve having a
valve sensor that transmits a signal indicative of a valve position
to the controller module; the controller module causing the valve
position to be indicated on the user interface.
[0034] The apparatus may have a variable user input that is used to
specify the selected texture. The apparatus may enable user
selection of temperature and/or texture that can be adjusted during
the frothing cycle. The pressurised air source may be continuously
adjusted by the controller module during a frothing cycle to
provide differing quantities of an from full flow rate to no
flow.
[0035] The apparatus may have pressurised air source that is
supplied by a positive displacement pump that delivers pressurised
air to the boiler.
[0036] The apparatus may have a gas mixer located in the air-steam
flow path for enhancing combining of the discharged air and
steam.
[0037] The apparatus may further includes one or more of the
following sensors coupled to the controller module; a boiler
temperature sensor for monitoring temperature within boiler; a
boiler humidity sensor for monitoring humidity within the boiler; a
pressure sensor for monitoring pressure within the boiler; a level
sensor for monitoring fluid level within the boiler; and a pressure
sensor for monitoring temperature of flow in the air-steam flow
path; one or more of the following sensors providing a signal for
selective display on the user interface.
[0038] The apparatus may have a processor element of the removable
jug device that is connected to the controller module via a
wireless interface. The wireless interface may be bi-directional.
The wireless interface ma use a near field communication protocol.
Electrical power can be wirelessly communicated to the removable
jug device.
[0039] The removable jug device can includes a second user
interface that includes user inputs to selectively define operation
parameters relating to the finished frothed product and sensing
devices such as a temperature sensor.
[0040] User adjustable input parameters may include froth amount
and/or froth volume and/or froth temperature and/or selecting flow
start and/or selecting flow start stop.
[0041] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
jug for use with a frothing apparatus, the jug comprising: [0042] a
vessel body for holding a liquid to be heated; [0043] a handle
attached to the vessel body, the handle for holding the jug; [0044]
a user interface for receiving an operation-related user input;
[0045] a communication means adapted to communicate data associated
with jug to the frothing apparatus; and [0046] a controller for
controlling the user interface and the communication means.
[0047] The jug may further comprise a temperature sensor adapted to
measure a temperature of the liquid or of a wall of the vessel
body.
[0048] The jug may further comprise a power means adapted to
provide power for operation of the user interface, the
communication means and the temperature sensor. The power means may
comprise a power storage, and wherein the power storage is
chargeable via wireless transmitted power signals received via the
communication means.
[0049] The communication means may comprise a wireless
communication means. The wireless communication means may comprise
a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and wherein the frothing
apparatus is adapted to receive the communicated data via a
cooperating radio frequency (RF) transceiver. The communication
means may be bidirectional, and the communication means maybe
adapted to receive data from a group consisting of: frothing
apparatus status data, heating process status data, and wireless
transmitted power signals.
[0050] Data associated with the jug may be selected from a group
consisting of: the operation-related user input and the measured
temperature. The operation-related user input may be selected from
a group consisting of: a temperature setting, a froth setting, a
start selection and a stop selection. The operation-related user
input may comprise an additional user input received after heating
of the liquid has commenced.
[0051] The handle may carry the user interface, the communication
means, the temperature sensor, the power means and associated
electrical and/or electronic components; and wherein the handle is
removably attached to the vessel body of the jug.
[0052] The user interface may comprise a display, and wherein the
display is adapted to display information associated with the
operation-related user input and/or data received via the
communication means from the frothing apparatus.
[0053] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
frothing apparatus adapted to cooperate with a jug for heating a
liquid in the jug, the frothing apparatus comprising: [0054] a
steam heater, a steam nozzle, and a steam path providing fluid
communication from the steam heater to the steam nozzle for
delivering heating steam to the jug; [0055] communication means
adapted to receive operating data from a cooperating communication
means associated with the jug, the data comprising an
operation-related user input; and [0056] a controller for
controlling operation of the steam heater and the steam path based
on the operation-related user input.
[0057] The operating data may further comprise, measured
temperature data, wherein the controller is adapted to control the
operation of the steam heater and the steam path based on the
measured temperature data.
[0058] The frothing apparatus may further comprise a pressurised
air source coupled to the steam heater for delivering an air supply
to one or more of the steam beater, the steam path or the steam
nozzle for adding froth to the liquid being heated.
[0059] The operation-related user input may be selected from a
group consisting of; a temperature setting, a froth setting, a
start selection and a stop selection.
[0060] The communication means may comprise a wireless
communication means. The wireless communication means may comprise
a radio frequency (RF) transceiver. The communication means may be
bidirectional, wherein the communication means is adapted to send
data to the jug, the sent data selected from a group consisting of
frothing apparatus status data, heating process status data, and
wireless transmitted power signals.
[0061] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an
espresso making machine comprising a frothing apparatus as
disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings m which:
[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an espresso making machine
incorporating a steamer spigot;
[0064] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the jug used with the
espresso making machine in FIG. 1;
[0065] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a milk steaming
jug and cooperating milk steaming spigot;
[0066] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a steamer spigot
inserted into a steamer jug having a check valve;
[0067] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a steamer spigot and
steamer jug showing the spigot disconnected from the steam source,
but connected to the jug;
[0068] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a steamer spigot and
steamer jug, with the spigot disconnected from the jug and the
steam source;
[0069] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a section of a coffee
machine illustrating steamer spigot, its cover, the jug alignment
feature and protruding temperature sensor;
[0070] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-section of a jug with alignment
groove in contact with an alignment feature and temperature
sensor;
[0071] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the interaction
between a steamer jug and retractable spigot cover;
[0072] FIG. 10 shows cross sections in elevation and plan view of a
jug and spigot arrangement incorporating a ball valve, shown in the
closed position;
[0073] FIG. 11 shows cross sections in elevation and plan view of a
jug and spigot arrangement incorporating a ball valve, shown in the
open position;
[0074] FIG. 12 is schematic diagram of an espresso making machine
in which a steam and air mixture is produced in, and dispensed
from, a steam boiler;
[0075] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an espresso making machine
that dispenses a user varied mixture of steam and air to a frothing
wand;
[0076] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an espresso making machine
in which a steam and air mixture is produced in, and dispensed
from, a steam boiler;
[0077] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment espresso
making machine;
[0078] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment
espresso making machine;
[0079] FIG. 17 is a flow chart for a method of frothing milk;
[0080] FIG. 18 is a graph depicting a transducer control cycle;
[0081] FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B show an embodiment milk frother
apparatus;
[0082] FIG. 20A through FIG. 20F show configurations of an
embodiment milk frother apparatus;
[0083] FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B show an embodiment milk frother
apparatus;
[0084] FIG. 22A through FIG. 22F show configurations of an
embodiment milk frother apparatus;
[0085] FIG. 23 shows an example embodiment drip tray having an in
milt temperature sensor;
[0086] FIG. 24 shows the drip tray of FIG. 23, having the
temperature sensing apparatus in a raised configuration;
[0087] FIG. 25 shows the drip tray of FIG. 23, having the
temperature sensing apparatus in a lowered configuration (biased
upwards);
[0088] FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B show an embodiment coffee making
and/or milk frothing apparatus, having a removable drip tray;
[0089] FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B show an embodiment coffee making
and/or milk frothing apparatus, having a removable drip tray;
[0090] FIG. 28 shows an embodiment removable drip tray having a
coupling element comprising an electrical coupling and waste
water/steam coupling;
[0091] FIG. 29 shows an enlarged view of the coupling element of
the drip tray of FIG. 28;
[0092] FIG. 30A shows an embodiment jug for frothing milk, shown
with a detached handle;
[0093] FIG. 30B shows an enlarged partial cross section view of the
embodiment jug of FIG. 30A;
[0094] FIG. 31A shows an embodiment jug for frothing milk, shown
with an attached handle;
[0095] FIG. 31B shows an enlarged partial cross section view of the
embodiment jug of FIG. 31A;
[0096] FIG. 32A shows an embodiment handle for a jug of FIG. 30A;
and
[0097] FIG. 32B shows the embodiment handle of FIG. 32A;
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0098] Steamer Jug
[0099] As shown in the example of FIG. 1, an espresso making
machine 100 comprises a water tank 101 that is associated with a
pump 102 that supplies water to a heat exchanger 103 in a steam
boiler 104. Water thus pre-heated by the heat exchanger 103 is
supplied to a second boiler 105 that provides hot water to a group
head 107 or group element 106. Hot water discharged from the group
head 107 is used to brew espresso coffee 108. It will be
appreciated that other arrangements maybe utilised to brew
coffee.
[0100] The water tank 101 is also associated with a second pump 109
that supplies water to the steam boiler 104. The steam boiler 104
discharges to a solenoid controlled valve 110. Steam discharged
from the valve 110 flows through a venturi 111. The supply of steam
passing through the venture 111 may be augmented with a flow of air
either drawn through the venturi's suction port 113 or otherwise
augmented with an air pump 112 that discharges into the venturi's
suction port 113. A one-way valve 114 prevents back flow into the
optional air pump 112. Accordingly, steam or a mixture of steam and
air that is used to steam milk located in a jug 116 is discharged
from the venturi 111 via a steam discharge 115.
[0101] It will be appreciated that the above referenced example is
controlled from a main printed circuit board or other form of
controller 117 that receives the various inputs and signals from
the espresso making machine 100 and provides the necessary output
signals to power and control the device. The controller 117 also
operates one or more graphic user displays and indicators that are
present generally on the front surface of the espresso making
machine 100. Such displays may include a graphic display associated
with the device's coffee grinder and tamping auger assembly 118, a
display 119 associated with the steam or steam and air mixture
produced by the espresso making machine 100 and another display or
display area 120 associated with the other functions performed by
the espresso making machine 100.
[0102] The espresso making machine 100 has an externally mounted
steam lever 121 that can be activated by a user. When the lever 121
is activated, the processor or controller 117 causes either steam
or a steam and air mixture to flow through the steam discharge 115
to a steamer spigot 122. The spigot 122 is adapted to be removably
coupled to a removable milk steaming jug 116.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 2, a steamer jug 116 as illustrated in FIG.
1 comprises a metallic (or at least partially metallic) open-ended
body 200 having a handle 201. A lower portion of the body 200 is
covered by a base 203 through which protrudes a port or inlet 202.
The base may be polymeric or metal or other suitable material. The
port 202 is sized and shaped to receive a steamer spigot. The part
also retains a check valve or one-way flow valve 204. In some
embodiments the body 200 and base 203 are integrally formed of the
same material.
[0104] Aspects of the construction of the steamer spigot 300 are
illustrated in FIG. 3. As suggested by FIG. 3 through FIG. 6, a
spigot body 301 is partially contained within an overflow valve
body 302. In preferred embodiments, the overflow valve body 302 is
affixed to an overflow valve 303.
[0105] The overflow valve body 302 or valve 303 are preferably
affixed to the coffee making or steam making machine. The overflow
valve 303 has a tapered nozzle 304 that mates with a tapered nozzle
seat 305 formed within a distal end of the spigot body 301. A
groove 306 is located adjacent to the tapered nozzle 304 and
receives an O-ring 307 that enhances the seal between the tapered
nozzle 304 and tapered nozzle seat 305. A proximal and cylindrical
end 308 of the spigot body 301 is removably received within the
valve body 309 which is itself removably retained by the jug body
200. The valve body 309 carries within it a valve, seat 310. The
valve seat 310 has (for example) a cylindrical, internal bearing
surface 311 that receives the shaft 312 of a reciprocating valve
sealing member 313. Other check valve types may be used, The valve
body 309 is received within a spigot receiving socket 316 that is
integral with the metallic jug body 200. The open-end 317 of the
spigot receiving socket is accessible through the port 202 that
passes through the jug base 203. An opposite or submerged end of
the socket 316 is capped with a steam nozzle 314 having one or more
through openings 315.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 4 the jug's steamer socket 400
semi-permanently retains the valve body 401.
[0107] It is held in place by friction or mechanical means and
stays in place when the spigot body 301 is withdrawn from it.
[0108] The reciprocating valve 402 within the valve, body 401 is
supported by the valve seat 403. Because it is supported by the
cylindrical bearing surface 404 of the valve seat 403, the valve
reciprocates between open and closed or sealed orientations. A
compression spring 405 biases or urges the valve to close 402
because it is inserted between the enlarged distal head 406 of the
valve stem and a distal surface of the valve seat 403. The pressure
exerted by the steam or steam and air mixture exiting, the spigot
407 is enough to overcome the bias exerted by the spring 405 and to
drive the valve's head 408 out of engagement with the cooperating
valve seat 409. In preferred embodiments, the valve seat 409 is of
a spherical kind and the seat contacting surface of the valve's
head 408 is also of a spherical kind. The head 408 is sized to the
interior of the valve body 401 to maximise the forces acting on the
valve 402.
[0109] In FIG. 4, the open proximal end of the spigot 407 has a
circumferential groove containing an O-ring 450. The O-ring 450
creates a seal between the spigot 407 and the valve body 401 and
contributes friction that prevents the spigot 407 from being
prematurely ejected from the valve body 401.
[0110] When fully inserted, as suggested by FIG. 4, the tapered
nozzle 410 is in sealing engagement with the tapered nozzle socket
411 and the seal between them is further provided by or enhanced
with the nozzle's circumferential O-ring 412. Accordingly, steam or
a steam and air mixture entering from the distal end of the
overflow valve 413 will exert a force on the head 408 of the valve
402 and open it. The steam or steam and air mixture will thus enter
the interior of the valve body and be discharged into the interior
414 of the jug via the through openings 415 in the steam nozzle
416. An optional circumferential groove 417 around the exterior of
the valve body reduces excessive friction between the valve body
and the steamer socket, allowing it to be removed for cleaning,
maintenance or repair, but not when the nozzle is withdrawn.
[0111] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a compression spring 420 is
located between the overflow valve body 421 and the spigot. In this
example, a latch assembly 430 prevents the overflow valve body from
being inadvertently separated from the distal end of the
spigot.
[0112] The latch assembly 430 comprises a mechanical latch 431
having a pivot 432 located between the distal end 433 and the
working end or head 434 of the latch 431. A tension spring 437
urges the head 434 into engagement with a radially extending flange
435 formed on the, spigot. The solenoid 436 may be activated to
disengage the head 434 from the flange 435. The tension spring 437
returns the head 434 to the locked or engaged orientation.
[0113] An optional temperature sensor 438 (such as a NTC
thermistor) may be attached to or affixed to the espresso or steam
making machine 439 so that the sensor tip 440 makes contact with an
exterior surface 441 of the jug when the jug is seated. The
temperature sensor 438 may be biased toward the jug or urged in the
direction of the jug by, for example, a compression spring 442.
Temperature data is be conveyed to the controller 117 from the
temperature sensor 438. In some embodiments the data connection is
a wired connection from the sensor 438 to the controller 117. In
other embodiments the data connection is a wireless connection such
as a wireless RIF signal.
[0114] In some embodiments the temperature sensor 438 is attached
to or affixed to the jug 116 itself, and where the jug is
removable, the data connection is a wireless connection and the
data transmitter is located in, on or adjacent the jug.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 5, once the delivery of steam or steam and
air has ceased, the spigot 501 may be withdrawn from the overflow
valve body 500. A through opening 502 in the side wall of the
overflow valve body allows any discharge from either the nozzle or
the overflow valve 503 to be discharged. When the latch 504 is
disengaged from the spigots flange 505 the compression spring 506
reverts to its original shape as the jug and nozzle are displaced
away from the fixed overflow valve body 500. FIG. 5 also
illustrates that an exterior surface of the jug may incorporate a
small indentation 507 for receiving and increasing the surface area
of contact between the jug 508 and the tip of the temperature
sensor 509.
[0116] to As illustrated in FIG. 6, the jug 600 can be disengaged
from the spigot, simply by overcoming the friction imposed by the
spigot and/or its seal or O-ring 450.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 7, a coffee machine 700 has a base 701
adapted to receive a milk steaming jug 802 (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9).
The base 701 is adjacent to a sidewall 702 of the machine through
which the steamer spigot 703 protrudes. A retractable cover 704 is
provided to divert inadvertent discharge of steam from the spigot
703 when the spigot is not connected to a cooperating jug. The
cover 704 is biased upward by a spring 710 and pivots about its
lower end 705. The cover 704 covers the spigot's discharge opening
when it is in its upright orientation (as illustrated). An upper
surface of the machine's base 701 is also provided with a raised or
protruding alignment feature 706. In this example, the alignment,
feature 706 is a raised hump that is sized and shaped to cooperate
with an alignment groove 806 on the underside of a jug 802, as
shown in FIG. 8. In the embodiment shown, the raised alignment
feature 706 features an opening 707 through which protrudes a tip
of a temperature sensor 708 (such as a NTC thermistor).
[0118] As described elsewhere herein, the temperature sensor may
also form part of the jug or be attached to the jug, and as such be
separate from the espresso machine or from the milk frother.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 8, the stainless steel reservoir 801 of the
jug 802 has a necked or reduced diameter lower portion 803 that
receives a polymeric jug base cover 804. Although the lower surface
805 of the preferably metal reservoir is flat, the underside of the
cover 804 features a full width groove 8o6 that conforms in shape
to the alignment feature 706. Because the tip of the temperature
sensor 708 is preferably rounded, it slips into a through opening
807 in the alignment groove 806 so as to make contact with an
underside of the stainless steel bottom 805 of the jug's reservoir
801.
[0120] In other embodiments the jug does not include a cover, and
the base together with the features of the jug base (including the
aligning groove) are integrally formed with the jug, for example
from metal.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 9, a jug 802 is introduced onto the steam
nozzle 901 by locating the underside of the base cover 804 onto the
that upper surface of the coffee machine's base 701 so the jug
rests on the base 701. The jug 802 can then be slid along the
alignment feature 706. The spacing between the alignment feature
706 and the spigot 703 ensures that the spigot 703 will enter the
spigot receiving socket, as suggested by FIG. 4 through FIG. 6. As
the jug 802 approaches the spigot 703, the jug will depress the
spigot cover 704 so that it does not interfere with the engagement
between the spigot and the jug. When the jug is withdrawn, the
spigot cover 704 will return to its upright position as shown in
FIG. 7 owing to the bias element 710.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG, it, a jug 1000 for steaming
milk incorporates a valve body low in which is located a ball valve
1002. The ball valve 1002 is located between a valve seat 1003 and
the perforated steam nozzle 1004, The ball valve 1002 is associated
with an actuating shaft 1005 that is rotated from the open position
to the closed position by the action of a push pin 1006. The push
pin is actuated b a processor controlled solenoid 1007 having an
output pin 1008 that is adapted to enter an opening 1009 adjacent
to the valve body or spigot port 1010. The solenoid 1007 may be
carried by the steam spigot 1015.
[0123] The processor will not actuate the solenoid 1007 unless the
latch 1051 is engaged with the spigot When the output pin 1008 is
extended, it impinges on a proximal end of the push pin 1006. The
distal end of the push pin 1006 acts on a lever or cam or the like
associated with the rotating actuating shaft 1005. The lever or cam
1011 is biased into a closed position by a bias element 1012,
spring, leaf spring or the like. As shown in FIG. 11, actuation of
the solenoid 1007 causes an advancement of the actuating shaft 1008
which in turn advances the push pin 1006. The push pin rotates the
actuating shaft 1005 against the bias of the spring element 1012 to
place the preferably ceramic ball element of the ball valve 1002
into an open position wherein steam can exit the spigot, then pass
through the ball valve 1002 and nozzle 1004. The return of the push
pin 1006 to the closed position can be assisted by a second bias
element or compression spring 1013.
[0124] Milk Frothing Apparatus
[0125] As shown in FIG. 12, an espresso making machine 1100 has
within it a steam boiler 1101. In this example, the steam boiler um
has an internal heating element 1102 and an internal heat exchanger
1103 that may be used for heating or pre-heating hot water for
brewing purposes.
[0126] Water is introduced into the steam boiler not and is heated
by the heating element 1102 to produce steam. The temperature of
the contents of the steam boiler 1101 is monitored by a temperature
sensor 1104. such as an NTC thermistor that communicates with the
device's electronic controller 1105. In this example, the steam
boiler 1101 is also associated with a humidity sensor 1106 that
measures and communicates the humidity of the contents of the
boiler 1101 by sending a signal to the controller 1105. The
internal humidity of the steam boiler can be varied by introducing
pressurised atmospheric air into the steam boiler 1101.
[0127] In this example, an air pump 1107 under the control of the
controller 1105 delivers an air supply to a pressure controller
1108 that is also controlled by the controller 1105. The output of
the pressure controller 1108 is moderated by a flow control module
1109 in this example. Adjustment to the flow control module by the
controller 1105 will alter the air flow rate provided to the input
of the solenoid valve 1119. In the alternative the air pump 1107
can deliver its air supply to a pressure sensor 1108a that
communicates with the controller 1105. This allows the controller
1105 to regulate the pump 1107 in accordance with the output of the
sensor 1108a. A pressure sensor 1120 may also be associated with
the boiler 1101 and thus the boiler pressure may be monitored by
the controller 1105, used by the controller in process control and
also displayed on the display 1121. The pressure measured may also
be used by the processor 1105 to control the operation of the air
pump 1107 in response to the changing pressure conditions.
[0128] When the solenoid valve 1119 is open, pressurised air is
introduced into the steam boiler 1101. Accordingly, the air content
of the steam boiler not can be increased with the introduction of
pressurised air 1110 from the air pump or pressurised air source
1107. The operation of the air pump 1107, pressure controller 1108,
flow control module not and solenoid valve 1119 are controlled by
the controller 1105 in accordance with user adjustable settings and
by sensor devices such as the thermistor 1104 and the humidity
sensor 1106. The output 1124 of the steam boiler not is regulated
by, for example, a 3/2 solenoid output control valve 1111. The
boiler's output control valve 1111 is either fully closed, open to
an atmospheric overflow 1112 or directed to discharge via a
discharge line 1113 into the device's steam wand 1114. The pressure
of the boiler discharge line 1113 is measured by a pressure sensor
1122 and communicated to the controller 1105. The pressure sensor
1122 provides a signal which can be monitored by the controller,
used by the controller in process control and also to display
information on the display panel 1121 such as blockages in the wand
1114.
[0129] In some embodiments, the atmospheric discharge from the
steam boiler is into the device's drip tray 1117. The steam wand
1114 is associated with a temperature sensor 1115 (such as an NTC
thermistor) and/or an optional position sensor 1116.
[0130] In one example, user inputs from the user operated controls
1118 provide information to the controller 1105 about the desired
or target temperature and froth texture of the finished froth
product From this input or inputs 1118, the controller 1105
determines the optimal air flow provided to the boiler 1101 and
target temperature of the finished product. The controller 1105
then causes an opening of the output control valve 1111, causing
the contents of the boiler not to be discharged into and through
the wand 1114. The controller 1105 closes the output control valve
1111 when the correct temperature signal, as measured and
transmitted by the wand's temperature sensor 1115 indicates that
the correct final temperature has been reached. The position sensor
1116 output allows the controller 1105 to cause the delivery of a
purging dose of steam through the wand 1114 when the wand has been
returned, to a resting position, as is known in the art.
[0131] Another embodiment is depicted in FIG. 13. In this example,
the controller 1200 receives a manual user input from a variable
potentiometer 1201 or the like that relates to a user preference
regarding final froth texture. The potentiometer 1201 directly
regulates the operation of an air pump 1202. The signal from the
potentiometer 1201 to the controller 1200 is used by the controller
1200 to provide optional feedback to the user regarding the
selected setting of the potentiometer 1201 on a display 1203 that
is driven by the controller 1200. In this example, the controller
1200 also receives inputs from a temperature sensor 1204 such as an
NTC thermistor associated with or located in or on the steam wand
1205. The controller 1200 also receives a signal input from a steam
wand position sensor 1206. As with the previous example, the
position sensor 1206 and temperature sensor 1204 allow the
controller 1200 to deliver a purging dose of steam through the wand
when the wand has been returned to a resting position, as is known
in the art.
[0132] In this example, the potentiometer 1201 regulates the output
of a DC-DC converter 1207 that is provided with a DC supply voltage
1208 from the controller 1200. The same voltage supply 1208 that is
used to supply the converter 1207, potentiometer 1201 and air pump
1202 also supplies voltage to a control valve such as a 3/2 type
boiler output solenoid 1209. Thus, the boiler output solenoid 1209
and air pump 1202 are switched on and off simultaneously from the
same output pin 1210 of the controller 1200, even though the amount
(flow rate and pressure) of an delivered by the pump 1202 is
controlled by the manual or user operated control via the
potentiometer 1201. When the boiler's output solenoid valve 1209 is
open, the contents of the steam boiler 1220 are discharged by the
valve 1209 into a venturi 1211.
[0133] The low pressure injector port 1212 of the venturi draws air
discharged by the pump 1202 through a one-way or check valve 1213
that prevents backflow into the pump 1202. The steam and air are
combined in the venturi 1211 and delivered through a common pipe or
tube 1214 to the wand 1205. Thus, the ratio of steam to air is
governed by both the performance of the venturi 1211 and the output
of the air pump 1202 as determined by the potentiometer 1201.
Because of the shared pin arrangement 1210, the controller 1200
causes the simultaneous shut-off of the boiler's discharge valve
1209 and air pump 1202 when the correct temperature has been
reached, as determined, by the wand's temperature sensor 1204
working in conjunction with the controller 1200.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 14, an espresso making machine 1300 has
within it a steam boiler 1301. In this example, the steam boiler
has an integrated heating element 1302. Water is introduced into
the steam boiler 1301 and is heated by the heating element to
produce steam. The temperature of the contents of the steam boiler
is monitored by a temperature sensor 1303 such as an NTC thermistor
that communicates with the device's electronic controller 1304. In
this example, the steam boiler is also associated with a humidity
sensor 1305 that measures and communicates the humidity of the
contents of the boiler to the controller 1304. A pressure sensor
1306 may also be associated with the boiler to monitor the internal
pressure and communication with the controller, so the controller
may display boiler pressure or status and control the heating
element 1302 operation in response to the changing pressure and/or
temperature conditions measured. A level sensor 1307 communicates
with the controller 1304 and allows the water level in the boiler
to be controlled to a level below that of the boiler's output
1308.
[0135] In this example, a pressurised air source 1309 which may be
a positive displacement type pump under the control of the
controller 1304 delivers an air supply directly to the boiler
1301.
[0136] Prior to or during the flow of steam out of the boiler, the
air content of the steam boiler can be increased with the
introduction of air from the air pump 1309. The operation of the
air pump 1309 is controlled by the controller 1304 throughout an
auto steam cycle in accordance with user adjustable settings and by
sensor devices such as the thermistor 1303, humidity sensor 1305 or
pressure sensors 1306, 1310.
[0137] The controller 1304 may provide, for example, a variable DC
voltage 1311 to control the motor, or PWM, AC frequency control, or
otherwise as required. The air source 1309 can be continuously
adjusted by the controller 1304 to provide differing quantities of
air to the system from full flow rate to no flow at all.
[0138] The output of the steam boiler is activated by, for example,
a 3/2 solenoid output control valve 1312. In the alternative, the
output valve 1312 ma be manually activated. In some embodiments a
manual output valve 1312 is a ceramic disk type valve with a
position sensor that transmits a position signal to the controller
1304 so that the controller may provide a graphic indication of the
valve's manually set position on the display 1322. The boiler's
output control valve 1312 is either fully closed, open to an
atmospheric overflow 1313 or directed to discharge via a steam
conduit 1314 into the device's steam wand 1315. In some
embodiments, the atmospheric discharge from the steam boiler is
into the device's drip tray 1316.
[0139] The controller activated opening of the output valve 1312,
causes the steam and are content of the boiler to be discharged
through an optional gas mixer 1326 and then through the wand 1315.
The mixer 1326 located along the steam discharge path better
combines the air and steam discharged from the boiler 1301. The
controller 1304 closes the output valve 1312 when the correct
temperature signal is received. The temperature is measured by the
temperature sensor 1321 associated with the milk jug 1318. In one
example as shown in FIG. 14 the measured temperature is transmitted
to the controller via a wireless communication channel that uses a
wireless communication method such as WIFI, Bluetooth or RFID which
allows for communication of data to the controller 1304.
[0140] In one example, user inputs from the user operated controls
1317 provide information to the controller 1304 about the desired
or target temperature and/or froth texture of the finished froth
product. From this input or inputs, the controller 1304 determines
the optimal air flow provided to the boiler and manages the control
temperature control mechanism that will result in the target
temperature of the finished product.
[0141] In some embodiments, the user interface 1317 is associated
with a remote accessory such as a milk frothing jug 1318 having a
processor 1324 that is connected via a wireless interface 1325 such
as RFID to the controller 1304 via a wireless receiver 1325a. In
sonic embodiments the data communication may be via a wired
interface.
[0142] The communication of data and optionally power between the
espresso making machine 11300 and the remote accessory 1318 is
controlled by the controller 1304. A power storage device 1319 such
as an internal capacitor or battery may be selectively charged when
within range. The remote accessory may have its own user interface
controls or inputs 1320 to define operation parameters relating to
the finished froth product and sensing devices such as a
temperature sensor 1321. The user adjustable input parameters may
include froth amount or volume, desired temperature, starting and
stopping steam flow or the like. The remote device may also allow
for parameters to be displayed on the machine's display 1322 and/or
the remote accessory device's own display 1323.
[0143] Details of a jug that includes a user control interface, a
temperature sensor and a data communication interface are provided
elsewhere herein with reference to FIG. 30 through FIG. 32.
[0144] The steam wand 1315 may be associated with a position sensor
1327 which allows for a cleaning cycle when returned to the initial
upright or the home position. The position sensor can also be used
in conjunction with other parameters such as operation time,
frequency of use or milk temperature to actively determine if a
cleaning cycle is required. When required the controller 1304
provides a signal to the solenoid or output valve 1312 to deliver a
purging dose of steam through the wand 1315 when the wand has been
returned to a resting position. A dose of hot water may also be
used m another embodiment for the purpose of cleaning.
[0145] In one example a pressure sensor 1310 may also be placed in
communication with the steam conduit 1314 after the solenoid valve
1312. This sensor 1310 will enable the processor to display or
indicate to the user an indication for when the steam wand requires
cleaning or to provide an additional command, signal or voltage to
the air pump for the delivery of additional air to unblock an
obstruction in the steam/air delivery path, or to counteract
changing back pressure on air/steam ratio performance.
[0146] By way of example only, an apparatus for making espresso
coffee can include: [0147] a body 1300 having a steam vessel 1301
and a pressurised air source 1309 and a steam wand 1315; the steam
vessel 1301 having a heating element 1302 for providing a steam
source; the pressurised air source 1309 coupled to steam vessel for
delivering an air supply to the steam vessel 1301; the steam wand
1315 being coupled to the steam vessel via an air-steam flow path
there between for receiving an air-steam source; an output control
valve 1312, located in the steam flow path, controls the steam
source there through; [0148] an electronic controller module 1304
within the body; the electronic controller module 1304 adapted to
control operation of the heating element, pressurised air source
and output control valve; [0149] a removable jug device 1318
including a processor element 1324 wirelessly couplable to the
controller module 1304; the jug device 1318 including a temperature
sensor element 1321 for measuring temperature of fluid within the
jug; temperature sensor element 1321 being coupled to processor
element for enabling the processor element to transmit a signal
indicative of a measured temperature to the control module; the
steam wand delivers an air-steam mixture to the fluid; [0150] a
user interface module 1317 coupled to the controller module for
providing user input to the controller module; the control module
receives user input of a selected temperature and selected texture;
the control module, using the selected texture, determines a
mixture of air and steam to specify an air-steam flow; the control
module controls the pressurised air source and output control valve
to deliver the specified air-steam flow during a frothing cycle;
the control module receives the signal indicative of the measured
temperature and closes the discharge valve when the measured
temperature reaches the selected temperature to end the frothing
cycle.
[0151] By way of example only, an apparatus for making espresso
coffee can include: [0152] a body 1300 having a steam vessel 1301
and a pressurised air source 1309 and a steam wand 1315; the steam
vessel 1301 having a heating element 1302 for providing a steam
source; the pressurised air source 1309 coupled to steam vessel for
delivering an air supply to the steam vessel 1301; the steam wand
1315 being coupled to the steam vessel via an air-steam flow path
there between for receiving an air-steam source; an output control
valve 1312, located in the steam flow path, controls the steam
source there through; [0153] an electronic controller module 1304
within the body; the electronic controller module 1304 adapted to
control operation of the heating element, pressurised air source
and output control valve; [0154] a removable jug device 1318
including a processor element 1324 wirelessly couplable to the
controller module 1304; the jug device 1318 including a temperature
sensor element 1321 for measuring temperature of fluid within the
jug; temperature sensor element 1321 being coupled to processor
element for enabling the processor element to transmit a signal
indicative of a measured temperature to the control module; the
steam wand delivers an air-steam mixture to the fluid; [0155] a
user interface module 1317 coupled to the controller module for
providing user input to the controller module; the control module
receives user input of a selected temperature and selected texture;
the user interface including a variable user input for specifying
the selected texture; the variable user input directly regulates
the operation of an air pump 1202 that provides the pressurised air
source; the variable user input provides a feedback signal to the
controller for indicating the selected texture; the control module
activates the pressurised air source and output control valve to
deliver the specified air-steam flow during a frothing cycle; the
control module receives the signal indicative of the measured
temperature and closes the discharge valve when the measured
temperature reaches the selected temperature to end the frothing
cycle.
[0156] Milk Frothing Apparatus with Controlled Airflow
[0157] In existing automatic milk froth systems it is difficult to
achieve a high quality frothed milk consistency and reliability.
Cleaning is an issue with existing temperature sensor construction
within the tip of the steam wand.
[0158] In an example embodiment air flow from a precisely
controlled source of pressurized air can be combined with the steam
path allowing adjustable frothing and texturing of milk. A steam
and air mixture is output through the steam wand that is
submergible in a milk jug. A heating and frothing cycle may be
dependent on temperature feedback of the milk as measured by a
temperature sensor (for example in the base of the jug or in the
base of the frothing apparatus itself). A user can select or
program profiles for different types of milk (i.e. full fat, skim,
soy, etc.). The resulting steam/air mix is then combined with milk
in a jug through the submergible steam wand. Addition of air cycle
stages are dependent on the feedback from, for example, a milk jug
sensor.
[0159] In some embodiments, a cleaning purge cycle is selectively
and/or automatically initiated. A cleaning steam pulse can be
applied when the steam wand is returned to a home position (e.g.
automatically using a spring loaded and dampened mechanism).
Cleaning can be automated using the biased steam wand and a
cleaning steam pulse. Sensor feedback of the wand position and/or
previous cycle data may also be used as input data to the cleaning
process i.e. cleaning may not be required if the milk is not
heated).
[0160] In an embodiment, the frothing apparatus has a source of
steam, a source of pressurized air, one or more air pressure
sensors associated with ports on a mixing component (i.e. a
venturi, an ejector or a T-junction component), and a control
module coupled to the air pressure sensor for controlling the air
source such that air pressure applied to the mixing device is
sufficient to provide a pressure differential. The controlled
pressure differential allows for a variable airflow into the steam
path
[0161] A temperature sensor for measuring temperature of the milk
in a jug (e.g. associated with base of the frothing jug) can be
coupled to the control module to enable adjustments to the steam
source and air source as described elsewhere herein.
[0162] In some embodiments the control module receives sensor
signals that measure operating conditions, and calculates
parameters for controlling the air source and/or the steam source
accordingly. Controlled components such as the steam source and air
pressure can be continuously adjusted throughout the steam cycle
using a control logic loop.
[0163] It will be appreciated that an embodiment can, by way of
example only provide one or more of the following advantages:
[0164] providing a more precise control of air injection into steam
path allowing for improved milk froth quality [0165] providing
automatic adjustment of air pump parameters to compensate for
changes to operating conditions (i.e. steam flow, boiler pressure,
air pump pulses, and wand back pressure) [0166] providing an
ability to use different control profiles based on milk type. (i.e.
soy, skim milk, full fat, etc.) This can be achieved, by tuning
operating parameters which can affect the end result of milk type
products. [0167] enabling lower cost of configuration by using a
small pump when compared to existing competing systems.
[0168] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show example plumbing and control
schematics for example embodiments.
[0169] Referring to FIG. 15, an example espresso making machine
1500 includes a boiler 1520, pressure transducer and milk
temperature sensor (NTC) associated with base of the espresso
making machine 1500.
[0170] This example embodiment apparatus 1500 includes a water
source 1510 for providing water, typically through a filter
cartridge 1512, which is conveyed by a pump 1514 to a boiler 1520.
The flow line 1515 leading to the boiler has an overpressure value
1516 that leads to an overflow path 1517 to the drip tray 1518. The
boiler also has a vacuum breather valve 1519 that is in fluid flow
communication with the drip tray.
[0171] A processor module 1530 monitors operation of the boiler
1520 through a level sensor 1521 and/or a pressure sensor 1522 (for
example a Piezoresistive strain gauge pressure transducer) and/or a
thermal fuse 1523 and/or a thermostat 1524. The water tank 1510 can
further include a water level sensor 1513, coupled to the processor
module 1530, for monitoring water availability.
[0172] A solenoid 1540 controls release of steam flow to a steam
wand 1542 via an air injector module 1544 and an optional static
mixer 1549. The air injector module includes a primary steam flow
path 1545, an air injection path 1546 and an outflow 1547. By way
of example, the air injection module can incorporate a venturi. The
air injection flow path 1546 can receive pressured air delivered by
an air pump 1550 typically through a one way valve 1552. A pressure
sensor 1554 is coupled to the air ingress flow path 1546. The
pressure sensor 1554 provides pressure measurements to the
processor module 1530.
[0173] It will be appreciated that with the air pump 1550 turned
off (disabled), the pressure sensor can monitor a base level
pressure provided by the injection module caused by the steam air
flow and any back pressure provided by the steam wand. With the air
pump 1550 activated to varying power levels (0%-100%) the pressure
sensor monitors the pressure in the air ingress flow path, allowing
for control of the pump.
[0174] It would be further appreciated that, with the air pump
activated (power could be from 0%-100%), if the measured pressure
is greater than the background pressure measured with the air pump
off, then air will be injected, into the steam flow path, then
mixed and delivered to the steam wand.
[0175] A temperature sensor 1556 monitors the temperature of the
milk, and provides a temperature signal to the process module
1530.
[0176] The processor module 1530 is coupled to a user interface
1560 comprising a display element 1562 and a plurality of user
input elements 1564.
[0177] In an embodiment, a descale valve 1570 can enable direct
flow from the boiler to the drip tray.
[0178] In some embodiments the frothing apparatus as described
herein is not necessarily associated with or integral with an
espresso making machine.
[0179] Referring to FIG. 16, an example frothing apparatus 1600
includes a heating element transducer system, pressure transducer
and milk temperature sensor (NTC) associated with a jug. FIG. 16
shows an embodiment using a flow through steam element in place of
the steam boiler of the embodiment 1500. The temperature sensor can
be removable from the jug as described in more detail elsewhere
herein.
[0180] The frothing apparatus 1600 includes a water source 1610 for
providing water, optionally through a filter cartridge 1612, which
is conveyed by a pump 1614 to a steam element 1620. The flow line
1615 leading to the steam element has an overpressure value 1616
that leads to an overflow path 1617 to the drip tray 1618.
[0181] A processor module 1630 monitors operation of the steam
element 1620 through a pressure sensor (e.g. a Piezoresistive
strain gauge pressure transducer), and/or a temperature sensor 1622
(for example an NTC thermistor) and/or a thermal fuse 1623 and/or a
thermostat 1624. The water tank 1610 can further include a water
level sensor 1613, coupled to the processor module 1630, for
monitoring water availability.
[0182] A solenoid 1640 controls release of steam flow to a steam
wand 1642 via an air injector module 1644 and an optional static
mixer 1649. The static mixer can allow for further combining of the
steam fluid, making it more homogenous. The air injector module
includes a primary steam flow path 1645, an air injection path 1666
and an outflow 1647. By way of example, the an injection module can
incorporate a venturi. The air injection flow path 1646 can receive
pressured air delivered by an air pump 1650 typically through a one
way valve 1652. A pressure sensor 1654 is coupled to the air
ingress flow path 1646. The pressure sensor 1654 provides pressure
measurements to the processor module 1630.
[0183] It will be appreciated that with the air pump turned off
(disabled), the pressure sensor can monitor a base level pressure
provided by the injection module caused by the steam air flow and
an back pressure provided by the steam wand. With the air pump
actuated (enabled), the pressure sensor monitors the pressure in
the air ingress flow path.
[0184] It would be further appreciated that, with the air pump
enabled, if the measured pressure is greater than the background
pressure measured with the air pump off, then air will be injected
into the steam flow path, then mixed and delivered to the steam
wand.
[0185] In this example embodiment, a temperature sensor 1656,
associated with the jug, monitors the temperature of the milk and
provides a temperature signal to the process module 1630.
[0186] The processor module 1630 is coupled to a user interface
1660 comprising a display element 1662 and a plurality of user
input elements 1664.
[0187] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment flow chart 1700 for a method
performed by a processor module for providing and monitoring
production of frothing milk.
[0188] By way of example only, the method 1700 includes any one or
more of the following steps: [0189] STEP 1702: receiving user input
for activating auto froth cycle, proceed to STEP 1704; [0190] STEP
1704: activate the steam flow to the wand, present status to the
user display, and proceed to STEP 1706; [0191] STEP 1706: compare
measured milk temperature with a first predetermined or threshold
temperature (e.g. 60 degrees Celsius), if measured milk temperature
is less than the threshold temperature then proceed to STEP 1708,
otherwise proceed to STEP 1734; [0192] STEP 1708: if a no-air timer
has exceeded a first predetermined time (e.g. 2 seconds) proceed to
STEP 1710, otherwise proceed to STEP 1706; [0193] STEP 1710:
disable the air pump, measure the air pressure, then calculate a
pressure set point (for example the pressure set point may be
calculated by combining the base-line air pressure+a user
adjustable offset variable based on milk type+a rate of change of
pressure calculation); proceed to STEP 1711; [0194] STEP 1711:
enable air pump (for example at or above 50%); proceed to STEP
1712; [0195] STEP 1712: if measured milk temperature is less than a
first predetermined or threshold temperature (e.g. 50 degrees
Celsius) proceed to STEP 1714, otherwise proceed to STEP 1722;
[0196] STEP 1714: if the air pump timer has not exceeded a second
predetermined time (e.g. 1 seconds) proceed to STEP 1710 (enabling
for re-measurement of baseline pressure, and subsequent calculation
of next pressure set point), otherwise proceed to STEP 1722; [0197]
STEP 1716: if measured air pressure is less than a minimum
threshold (e.g. 5 psi) disable the air pump (at 1717) and proceed
to STEP 1712, otherwise proceed to STEP 1718; [0198] STEP 1718 if
the measured air pressure is less than the set point increase the
air pump power (at 1719) and proceed to STEP 1712, otherwise
proceed to STEP 1720; [0199] STEP 1720: if the measured air
pressure is greater than the set point decrease the air pump power
(at 1721) and proceed to STEP 1712, otherwise proceed to STEP 1712;
[0200] STEP 1722: disable the air pump, proceed to STEP 1724;
[0201] STEP 1724: if the milk temperature is greater than a target
temperature (e.g. 60 degrees Celsius) proceed to STEP 1726,
otherwise wait at STEP 1724; [0202] STEP 1726: deactivate the steam
flow, present the status to the user display, and proceed to STEP
1728; [0203] STEP 1728: if the air pressure. profile required was
greater than a pre-determined maximum. (blockage) threshold
pressure proceed to STEP 1730 (enabling detection of operation
parameters for concluding if there is a restriction in steam tip,
which degrades the performance and consistency of system),
otherwise proceed to STEP 1732; [0204] STEP 1730: present status to
user indicating the steam wand may be blocked and proceed to STEP
1732; [0205] STEP 1732: proceed to complete the auto froth cycle;
[0206] STEP: 1734: disable steam flow, present status to user, and
proceed to STEP 1736; [0207] STEP 1736: proceed to complete the
auto froth cycle.
[0208] It will be appreciated that in this embodiment flow chart
1700, each temperature and timer value is provided by way of
example only and may be adjustable and/or calculated by a processor
module and/or have different pre-determined values. As the process
provides ongoing monitoring of the temperature and pressure
provided by the steam wand, the user can adjust a set temperature
and/or froth settings and/or milk type at any time during the
cycle. The user can also stop a cycle at any point.
[0209] It would also be appreciated that during a froth cycle, the
air pressure control loop may cause the air pressure set point to
increase over time using a rate change calculation that provides an
estimate/prediction for the air pressure set point during the pump
time cycle based on previous air pressure readings.
[0210] FIG. 18 is an example graph 1800 that shows pressure
measurements during a portion of a froth cycle.
[0211] The graph 1800 shows a line 1810 that depicts measured air
pressure, and a line 1820 that depicts a pressure controlled set
point over time. This is overlaid with line 1830 that depicts the
pump power over time.
[0212] It will be appreciated that the line 1820, in this example,
is piece-wise linear or stepped-continuous for providing a
controlled pressure set point.
[0213] In this example, the air pump is disabled periodically (for
example every 0.6 seconds at 1812), to enable the pressure
transducer to measure a base pressure. After measuring a base
pressure, an offset is applied to provide a control pressure set
point for the sample time period (at 1822), allowing the control
loop to control the air pump to provide pressure measured at the
pressure transducer that is about the control pressure set
point.
[0214] It would be observed from the graph 1800, that the base
pressure changes over time, for example due to back pressure
provided by the milk during the process, the boiler pressure, and
any blockages in the steam wand. By periodically monitoring the
background pressure, and reapplying and/or calculating an
appropriate offset pressure, the air pump can be controlled to
counteract any fluctuations in background pressure and thereby
provide a more reliable mix ratio between the steam flow and air
flow. It would be appreciated that the graph 1800 depicts a
stepwise approximation for the control pressure set point, which
can be changed to a linear prediction.
[0215] In an alternative embodiment, by way of example only, the
pressure control set value can also vary over time during (or
within) a sample period by modelling or predicting a base pressure
during that sample period (based on past samples). It will be
appreciated that an interpolation (e.g. at 1824) can be made based
on past samples (e.g. at 1826). Any appropriate model/interpolation
technique can be employed.
[0216] By monitoring the changes in pressure, the injected air flow
can be tuned for a particular milk type and froth setting, and can
also enable the detection of blockages in the steam wand or flow
path. Operation of the steam wand can be substantially automated or
semi-automated.
[0217] FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B show an embodiment milk frother
apparatus 1900, by way of example only, having a semi-automated
steam wand 1910. The steam wand 1910 has a steam nozzle 1912 and a
steam tip 1914.
[0218] In this embodiment, the steam wand can be raised and lowered
semi-automatically. The steam wand can be raised and lowered by
rotation about an axis 1920 by a drive gear 1922 acting on a driven
gear 1924. The steam wand can be biased to a lowered configuration
(as shown in FIG. 19A) by a torsion spring 1926. A switch 1928 is
operatively associated with the wand assembly, such that it can
provide a signal to a processor module 1930 indicative of the wand
being in either the raised or lowered configuration.
[0219] Moving the steam wand to a raised configuration (as shown in
FIG. 19B) enables the assembly to engage a releasable lock
mechanism for retaining the wand in the raised configuration. In
this example embodiment, the wand assembly has a detent 1940 that,
when the assembly is rotated to the raised configuration, engages a
biased locking pin 1942. The locking pin is defined, by way of
example only, as a "pogo" pin that is biased by a compression
spring.
[0220] Referring to FIG. 20A through FIG. 20F, milk can be frothed
by the apparatus 1900 (at 2010). The jug can then be removed (at
2020), causing it to engage the steam wand (at 2030), moving the
steam wand to the raised configuration (at 2040), the wand (once in
the raised configuration) can be semi-automatically lowered to a
lowered configuration (at 2050), enabling a wand clean operation to
commence (at 2060).
[0221] Referring to FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B, this process can be
further automated by monitoring the state of the steam wand in the
raised configuration. By way of example only the locking mechanism
can provide a signal to the processor module for confirming the
wand is currently in the raised configuration.
[0222] FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B show an embodiment milk frother
apparatus 2100, by way of example only, having an automated steam
wand 2110. The steam wand 2110 has a steam nozzle 2112 and a steam
tip 2114.
[0223] In this embodiment, the steam wand can be raised and lowered
automatically. The steam wand can be raised and lowered by rotation
about an axis 2120 by a motorised drive gear 2222 acting on a
driven gear 2224. The steam wand can be biased to a lowered
configuration (as shown in FIG. 21A) by a torsion spring 2126. A
switch 2128 is operatively associated with the wand assembly, such
that it can provide a signal to a processor module 2130 indicative
of the wand being in either the raised or lowered
configuration.
[0224] Moving the steam wand to a raised configuration (as shown in
FIG. 21B) enables a sensor 1242 to detect the assembly being in the
raised configuration. In this example embodiment, the sensor is
coupled to the processor module for providing a signal indicative
of the Wand assembly being in the raised configuration.
[0225] Referring to FIG. 22A through FIG. 22F, milk can be frothed
by the apparatus 2100 (at 2210). The jug can then be removed (at
2220), causing the steam wand to raise (at 2230), the steam wand is
moved to the raised configuration (at 2240), the wand (once in the
raised configuration) can be automatically lowered to a lowered
configuration (at 2250), enabling, a wand clean operation to
commence (at 2260).
[0226] FIG. 23 shows an example embodiment drip tray 2300 having an
inbuilt. temperature sensor.
[0227] In this example embodiment, the drip tray provides a support
surface 2310 for receiving a jug during a milk froth operation. A
temperature sensing assembly 2320 is biased to an exposed
configuration, such that a temperature sensing surface 2321
protrudes though and is above) the support surface 2310 for
enabling the sensor to engage and thermally couple with a supported
jug. Placing a jug on the temperature sensor causes it to lower
against a bias such that thermal coupling is maintained.
[0228] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor assembly 2320
includes a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor 2322 that
is electrically coupled to a socket portion 2323. The drip tray
defines a reservoir portion 2312 about the temperature sensing
assembly 2320. The temperature sensing assembly 2320 has a chassis
2324 that slidably engages through a floor potion 2314 of the
reservoir, and is biased into a raised configuration by a
compression spring 2325. An O-ring seal 2326 and flexible cover
2327 are provided to seal the temperature sensing assembly 2320
from the reservoir 2312. The temperature sensing assembly 2320 can
include an abutment surface 2328 that engages the drip tray support
surface 2310 for limiting the height of the temperature sensing
surface 2321 when in the raised configuration. The support surface
2310 is typically provided in the form of a perforated platform
that is removable for cleaning. It will be appreciated that the
drip tray provides a reservoir 2312 about the temperature sensing
assembly 2320.
[0229] FIG. 24 shows the drip tray 2300, having the temperature
sensing assembly 2320 in a raised configuration. FIG. 25 shows the
drip tray 2300, having the temperature sensing assembly 2320 in a
lowered configuration (biased upwards).
[0230] FIG. 26A and FIG. 268 show the drip tray 2300 can be
removably coupled to a coffee making and/or milk frothing apparatus
2600. It will be appreciated that the drip tray apparatus 2300 is
typically removed for cleaning. Electrical contacts 2610 engage the
coupling 2323 when the device is engaged with the apparatus 2600,
for enabling a processor module to monitor temperature.
[0231] FIG. 27A and FIG. 278 show an embodiment coffee making
and/or milk frothing apparatus 2700 releasably engagable with a
drip tray 2750 that enables waste water/steam ingress to the drip
tray.
[0232] It will be appreciated that, when a drip tray is coupled to
an apparatus that requires waste water to egress from the apparatus
to the drip tray, the drip tray can be further configured with a
separate ingress port typically associated with or located about
the coupling.
[0233] FIG. 27A shows a coffee making apparatus or milk frothing
apparatus 2700 laving a steam/waste water egress 2710 that engages
the drip tray 2750 in fluid communication with an ingress port
2752. This fluid flow coupling can be made with or without
electrical coupling for a temperature sensor.
[0234] Referring to FIG. 2713, a one way valve 2754 can be provided
to restrict water held in the drip tray from spilling as the drip
tray is removed from the apparatus. The one way valve can be
automatically opened as the drip tray is coupled to the apparatus,
and automatically closed as the drip tray is removed or separated
from the apparatus. Fluid sealing of the coupling can be provided
(for example using an O-ring or other sealing means).
[0235] FIG. 28 shows an example embodiment drip tray 2800 that
includes a coupling element 2810. This coupling element, by way of
example only, includes an ingress flow path 2812 for receiving
waste water/steam and an electrical coupling 2814 for communicating
a temperature signal from a temperature sensor 2816. FIG. 29 shows
an enlarged view of the coupling element 2810.
[0236] FIG. 30A through FIG. 32B show an embodiment jug 3000 for
frothing milk. It will be appreciated that this jug can be used
with apparatus disclosed herein.
[0237] In this example embodiment, the jug 3000 includes a body (or
vessel) 3010 baying a removable attachable handle 3020. It will be
appreciated that the handle 3020 can be removed to allow the body
3010 to be separately cleaned or washed.
[0238] The body 3010 and handle 3020 have respective coupling
elements (for example, 3030A-3030B and 3032A-3032B) for releasably
coupling the handle 3020 to the jug 3000. In an example embodiment
a release mechanism such as a button 3034 is associated with a
coupling element (for example, coupling clement 3032B) for
releasing coupling to a respective coupling element on the jug (for
example coupling element 3032A).
[0239] The handle 3020 further includes a controller element 3040
for communicating data (or data signals) to a cooperating frothing
apparatus (not shown). The data communication can be via wired or
wireless communication. In this embodiment, the controller element
is coupled to a temperature sensor 3042 for monitoring the
temperature of liquid in the vessel. As shown here, the temperature
sensor is supported by the handle, and comes into thermal coupling
with the jug when the handle is attached. The temperature sensor
3042 is biased toward the jug 3000 for enhancing thermal coupling
with the jug when the handle 3020 is attached. For example, the
temperature sensor 3042 is biased by a spring 3044 (or other
biasing means) into the thermal coupling with the jug, as best
shown in FIG. 31B.
[0240] The handle 3020 can further include one or more user
interface input elements (for example, function selection buttons
or switches) 3046 that are coupled to the controller element 3040.
As shown, the user interface includes two toggle buttons for
toggling through temperature and froth settings. It will be
appreciated that any number of user interface controls may be used
for this type of application, for example a sliding control.
[0241] User selection of the input elements can be monitored and/or
used by the controller element 3040 for controlling features of the
jug 3000. User selection of the input elements may be transmitted
to a controller module in the frothing apparatus for providing user
input to the apparatus.
[0242] It would be appreciated that an embodiment handle may also
include a display element (not shown).
[0243] In some embodiments communication between the controller
element 3040 and associated frothing apparatus is one-directional,
and data pertaining to the user settings entered via the input
elements 3046 is communicated to the frothing apparatus and used to
control the frothing process.
[0244] In other embodiments communication is bi-directional for the
purpose of communication management (e.g. sending data receipt
acknowledgements and/or resenting data in the event of a
transmission error), and/or for the purpose of providing data from
the frothing apparatus controller back to the jug (e.g. operation
status information that is displayed on a handle display or
conveyed via the user interface in the form of coloured LED
lights).
[0245] As shown in FIG. 32B, an embodiment handle 3020 includes a
plurality of coupling elements (for example, 3030B and 3032B) that
couple to respective coupling elements on the jug 3000 (for example
3030A and 3032A).
[0246] It would be appreciated that a controller element 3040 can
also be associated with one or more additional/alternative sensors
(not shown) for monitoring operation of the jug.
[0247] As described with reference to FIG. 14, the power required
by the electronics on the handle 3020 can be provided by a wired or
wireless connection from the cooperation apparatus or machine (i.e.
a standalone frother apparatus or an espresso making machine). For
the embodiment shown here, the handle 3020 includes a power storage
(not shown) that is charged via a wireless connection with a milk
frother adapted to receive the jug 3000 and adapted to charge the
jug handle power storage. In some embodiments data regarding
depleted power is indicated on the handle user interface and/or
communicated to the cooperating apparatus or machine and, where
appropriate, used as an input to a recharging process.
[0248] It with be appreciated, by way of example on , that a jug
may be used with a frothing apparatus. The jug comprising: [0249] a
vessel body for holding a liquid to be heated; [0250] a handle
attached to the vessel body, the handle for holding the jug; [0251]
a user interface for receiving an operation-related user input;
[0252] a communication means adapted to communicate data associated
with the jug to the frothing apparatus; and [0253] a controller for
controlling the user interface and the communication means.
[0254] It will be further appreciated, by way of example only, that
a frothing apparatus can be adapted to cooperate with a jug for
heating a liquid in the jug. The frothing apparatus comprising:
[0255] a steam heater, a steam nozzle, and a steam path providing
fluid communication from the steam heater to the steam nozzle for
delivering heating steam to the jug; [0256] communication means
adapted to receive operating data from a cooperating communication
means associated with the jug, the data comprising an
operation-related user input; and [0257] a controller for
controlling operation of the steam heater and the steam path based
on the operation-related user input.
[0258] It will be further appreciated, by way of example only, that
an espresso making machine can comprising a frothing apparatus as
taught by any one the embodiments suggested herein. The frothing
apparatus can be further adapted to cooperate with (or include) a
jug as taught by any one the embodiments suggested herein.
[0259] Interpretation
[0260] It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments
provide an apparatus for milk frothing.
[0261] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
[0262] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an
embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.
Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics
may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one
of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more
embodiments.
[0263] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of
the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open
term that means including at least the elements/features that
follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when
used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative
to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example,
the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not
be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one
of the terms including or which includes or that includes to as
used herein is also an open term that also means including at least
the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding
others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means
comprising.
[0264] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when
used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative
to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected",
along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood
that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus,
the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should
not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A
is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there
exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be
a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that
two or more elements are either in direct physical, or that two or
more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet
still co-operate or interact with each other.
[0265] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the
ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a
common object, merely indicate that different instances of like
objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that
the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either
temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.
[0266] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of terms
"horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", as well
as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g.,
"horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", etc,), simply refer to
the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular
drawing figure faces the reader, or with reference to the
orientation of the structure during nominal use, as appropriate.
Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to
the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or
axis of rotation, as appropriate.
[0267] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above
description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various
features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a
single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose
of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of
one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of
disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that the claimed invention requires more features than
are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of
a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following
the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into
this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment of this invention.
[0268] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include
some but not other features included in other embodiments,
combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be
within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments,
as would be understood by those in the art, For example, in the
following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any
combination.
[0269] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as
a method or combination of elements of a method that can be
implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means
of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary
instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method
forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method.
Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment
is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by
the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.
[0270] In the description provided herein, numerous specific
details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments
of the invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques
have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an
understanding of this description.
[0271] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be
the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the
art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made
thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it
is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall
within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given
above are merely representative of procedures that may be used.
Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and
operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may
be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the
present invention.
[0272] It will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention
can consist essentially of features disclosed herein.
Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can consist of
features disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed
herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element
which is not specifically disclosed herein.
* * * * *