DESCALING BEVERAGE MACHINES

Abstract

Various illustrative systems, devices, and methods for beverage machines are provided. In one exemplary implementation, a system includes a steam frother arm of a beverage preparation machine, a hot water outlet of the beverage preparation machine, a group head of the beverage preparation machine, a housing of the beverage preparation machine, a controller, and a memory. The housing includes a reservoir coupled thereto and configured to contain a cleaning liquid therein. The housing also includes first, second, and third flow paths therethrough through which the cleaning liquid is configured to flow in a descaling operation.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to beverage machines.

BACKGROUND

Various systems and methods for brewing a beverage, such as coffee or tea, are known. These systems typically include drip brewing systems in which hot water is brewed through coffee grounds and into a carafe, or French press systems in which coffee grounds and water are mixed in a container and a water-permeable plunger is pressed into the container from above to trap the ground coffee at the bottom of the container. Additionally, existing beverage brewing systems that can brew espresso may include a milk frother that froths milk.

The brewing and frothing processes of existing beverage brewing systems build up mineral deposits in the beverage brewing system due to water flowing through various components used in brewing and/or frothing. Hot water leaves more mineral residue than cold water, so beverage brewing systems that brew hot beverages, such as espresso machine and coffee makers, are particularly susceptible to having mineral deposits. The mineral deposits can clog the various components and, if built up sufficiently over time, prevent the beverage brewing system from being able to brew and/or froth. Even if the mineral deposits do not clog the various components to prevent operation of the beverage brewing system, the mineral deposits affect brew temperature adversely, causing bitter coffee.

SUMMARY

In general, systems, devices, and methods for beverage machines are provided.

In one aspect, a system is provided that in one implementation includes a steam frother arm of a beverage preparation machine, a hot water outlet of the beverage preparation machine, a group head of the beverage preparation machine, a housing of the beverage preparation machine, a controller, and a memory. The housing includes a reservoir coupled thereto and configured to contain a cleaning liquid therein. The housing also includes a first flow path therethrough through which the cleaning liquid is configured to flow in a descaling operation before flowing out of the beverage preparation machine through the steam frother arm, a second flow path therethrough through which the cleaning liquid is configured to flow in the descaling operation before flowing out of the beverage preparation machine through the hot water outlet, and a third flow path therethrough through which the cleaning liquid is configured to flow in the descaling operation before flowing out of the beverage preparation machine through the group head. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations including controlling the flow of the cleaning liquid through the first, second, and third flow paths such that the first, second, and third flow paths are sequentially descaled in the descaling operation.

The system can vary in any number of ways. For example, the flow of the cleaning liquid can be controlled through the first, second, and third flow paths such that the second flow path is descaled, then the first flow path is descaled, and then the third flow path is descaled.

For another example, controlling the flow of the cleaning liquid can include causing the cleaning liquid to flow through the second flow path until one of a plurality of end conditions is reached, causing the cleaning liquid to flow through the first flow path until one of the plurality of end conditions is reached, and causing the cleaning liquid to flow through the third flow path until one of the plurality of end conditions is reached. Further, the plurality of end conditions can include first, second, and third end conditions, the first end condition can be based on a total number of times the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first, second, and third flow paths in the descaling operation, the second end condition can be based on a total amount of time elapsed since a start of the descaling operation, and the third end condition can be based on a total amount of cleaning liquid delivered from the reservoir in the descaling operation; with a first one of the first, second, and third flow paths being descaled and one of the plurality of end conditions is reached, the descaling operation can continue by descaling a second one of the first, second, and third flow paths, with the second one of the first, second, and third flow paths being descaled and one of the plurality of end conditions being reached, the descaling operation can continue by descaling a third one of the first, second, and third flow paths, and, with the third one of the first, second, and third flow paths being descaled and one of the plurality of end conditions being reached, the descaling operation can end; and/or the flow of the cleaning liquid can be controlled through the first, second, and third flow paths such that the second flow path is descaled, then the first flow path is descaled, and then the third flow path is descaled. Further, the total number of times can be different based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled, the total amount of time can be different based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled, and the total amount of cleaning liquid can be different based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled; and/or the descaling of the first, second, and third flow paths can not overlap. Further, with the first flow path being descaled, the first end condition can be met if the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first flow path in the descaling operation a first predetermined number of times, with the second flow path being descaled, the first end condition can be met if the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first and second flow paths in the descaling operation a second predetermined number of times that is greater than the first predetermined number of times, and, with the third flow path being descaled, the first end condition can be met if the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first, second, and third flow paths in the descaling operation a third predetermined number of times that is greater than the second predetermined number of times; with the first flow path being descaled, the second end condition can be met if the total amount of time is greater than a first predetermined amount of time, with the second flow path being descaled, the second end condition can be met if the total amount of time is greater than a second predetermined amount of time that is greater than the first predetermined amount of time, and, with the third flow path being descaled, the second end condition can be met if the total amount of time is greater than a third predetermined amount of time that is greater than the second predetermined amount of time; and/or with the first flow path being descaled, the third end condition can be met if the total amount of cleaning liquid is greater than a first predetermined amount of liquid, with the second flow path being descaled, the third end condition can be met if the total amount of cleaning liquid is greater than a second predetermined amount of liquid that is greater than the first predetermined amount of liquid, and, with the third flow path being descaled, the third end condition can be met if the total amount of cleaning liquid is greater than a third predetermined amount of liquid that is greater than the second predetermined amount of liquid. Further, the housing can also include a counter operatively coupled to the controller and configured to measure number of times cleaning liquid has been delivered from the reservoir since a start of the descaling operation; the housing can also include a timer operatively coupled to the controller and configured to measure an amount of elapsed time since a start of the descaling operation; and/or the housing can also include a flow meter operatively coupled to the controller and configured to measure an amount of the cleaning liquid flowing out of the reservoir. Further, the housing can also include a pump configured to pump the cleaning liquid from the reservoir, and the one or more operations can also include, in response to the flow meter not measuring cleaning liquid flowing out of the reservoir, causing the pump to pump the cleaning liquid from the reservoir a plurality of times until the flow meter measures a fourth predetermined amount of liquid.

For yet another example, the descaling of the first, second, and third flow paths can not overlap.

For still another example, the housing can also include the memory and the controller.

For another example, the housing can also include a plurality of solenoid valves, and the one or more operations can also include controlling the plurality of solenoid valves to be open or closed based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled.

For yet another example, the housing can also include a heater configured to receive and heat the cleaning liquid from the reservoir, and the housing can also include a pump configured to pump the cleaning liquid from the reservoir to the heater and from the heater along a selected one of the first, second, and third flow paths.

For another example, the housing can also include a tray configured to receive therein the cleaning liquid flowing out of the beverage preparation machine. Further, the tray can be removably coupled to the housing or can be non-removably coupled to the housing.

For still another example, the reservoir can be configured to contain water therein, and the one or more operations can also include controlling the flow of the water through the first, second, and third flow paths. Further, the housing can also include a heater configured to receive and heat the water from the reservoir, the housing can also include a pump configured to pump the water from the reservoir to the heater and from the heater along a selected one of the first, second, and third flow paths, the heater can also be configured to receive and heat the cleaning liquid from the reservoir, and the pump can also be configured to pump the cleaning liquid from the reservoir to the heater and from the heater along a selected one of the first, second, and third flow paths; and/or the water flowing through the first flow path can be configured to flow out of the beverage preparation machine as steam through the steam frother arm, the water flowing through the second flow path can be configured to flow out of the beverage preparation machine as hot water through the hot water outlet, and the water flowing through the third flow path can be configured to flow out of the beverage preparation machine as brewed espresso through the group head.

For yet another example, descaling of one of the first, second, and third flow paths can be completed before descaling of the other two flow paths begins, and descaling of a second one of the first, second, and third flow paths can be completed before descaling of the remaining flow path begins.

For another example, the cleaning liquid can be a mixture of water and vinegar.

For yet another example, the beverage preparation machine can be an espresso machine.

In another implementation, a system includes a housing of a beverage preparation machine, a controller, and a memory. The housing includes a reservoir coupled thereto and configured to contain a cleaning liquid therein, and at least one flow path therethrough through which the cleaning liquid is configured to flow in a descaling operation before flowing out of the beverage preparation machine. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations including controlling the flow of the cleaning liquid through the at least one flow path until one of first, second, and third end conditions is met. The first end condition is based on a total number of times the cleaning liquid has flowed through the at least one flow path in the descaling operation, the second end condition is based on a total amount of time elapsed since a start of the descaling operation, and the third end condition is based on a total amount of cleaning liquid delivered from the reservoir in the descaling operation.

The system can vary in any number of ways. For example, the system can also include a steam frother arm, a hot water outlet, and a group head, and the at least one flow path can include a first flow path having an exit at the steam frother arm, a second flow path having an exit at the hot water outlet, and a third flow path having an exit at the group head. Further, the flow of the cleaning liquid can be controlled through the first, second, and third flow paths such that the second flow path is descaled, then the first flow path is descaled, and then the third flow path is descaled; the total number of times can be different based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled, the total amount of time can be different based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled, and the total amount of cleaning liquid can be different based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled; and/or descaling of one of the first, second, and third flow paths can be completed before descaling of the other two flow paths begins, and descaling of a second one of the first, second, and third flow paths can be completed before descaling of the remaining flow path begins.

For another example, the cleaning liquid can be a mixture of water and vinegar.

For yet another example, the housing can also include the memory and the controller.

For still another example, the beverage preparation machine can be an espresso machine.

In another aspect, a method for cleaning a beverage preparation machine is provided that includes performing the descaling operation in any of the above systems. The method can vary in any number of ways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

This disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a portion of one implementation of an espresso machine;

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of another portion of the espresso machine of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a view of one implementation of a user interface of an espresso machine;

FIG. 2B is a view of another implementation of a user interface of an espresso machine;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one implementation of an espresso machine;

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the espresso machine of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is yet another perspective view of the espresso machine of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is still another perspective view of the espresso machine of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3E is a another perspective view of the espresso machine of FIG. 3A with a water reservoir removed therefrom;

FIG. 3F is an exploded view of the water reservoir of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional perspective view of the water reservoir of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional rear view of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3I is a front view of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D with a movable tray removed therefrom;

FIG. 3J is a perspective view of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D without a milk receptacle seated on a milk receptacle base of the espresso machine;

FIG. 3K is a perspective view of one implementation of a milk receptacle also illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3E seated on the milk receptacle base of the espresso machine;

FIG. 3L is a cross-sectional perspective view of the milk receptacle of FIG. 3K;

FIG. 3M is a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of the milk receptacle of FIG. 3K;

FIG. 3N is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the milk receptacle and a portion of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3O is another cross-sectional perspective view of the milk receptacle of FIG. 3K;

FIG. 3P is a partial, perspective view of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3Q is a partial, perspective view of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D with a hopper removed therefrom;

FIG. 3R is an exploded view of the hopper of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3S is a perspective view of the hopper of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3T is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3U is another cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3V is a perspective view of a carriage of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3W is a perspective view of a gear of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3X is a perspective view of a portafilter of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3Y is another perspective view of a portafilter of FIG. 3X;

FIG. 3Z is a perspective view of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D with the portafilter of FIGS. 3X and 3Y removed therefrom;

FIG. 3AA is a perspective view of one implementation of a tamp also illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C coupled to the espresso machine;

FIG. 3BB is a cross-sectional perspective view of the tamp of FIG. 3AA;

FIG. 3CC is a perspective view of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D with the tamp of FIGS. 3AA and 3BB removed therefrom;

FIG. 3DD is a perspective view of a portion of the espresso machine of FIG. 3CC;

FIG. 3EE is a perspective view of a portion of the espresso machine of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 3FF is a perspective view of a funnel;

FIG. 3GG is a perspective view of one implementation of a basket;

FIG. 3HH is a perspective view of another implementation of a basket;

FIG. 3II is a perspective view of yet another implementation of a basket;

FIG. 4A is perspective view of another implementation of an espresso machine;

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the espresso machine of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is yet another perspective view of the espresso machine of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a basket storage area of the espresso machine of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4E is a perspective view of a portion of the espresso machine of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the espresso machine of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4G is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the espresso machine of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4H is yet another cross-sectional view of a portion of the espresso machine of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4I is another perspective view of the espresso machine of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another implementation of an espresso machine;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a portion of the espresso machine of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a steam frother arm of the espresso machine of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a portion of a drip tray configured to removably couple to the espresso machine of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5E is a perspective view of another portion of the drip tray of FIG. 5D;

FIG. 6A is a flowchart of one implementation of a method of descaling;

FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing one implementation of a stage of the method of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a flowchart showing one implementation of another stage of the method of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 6D is a flowchart showing one implementation of yet another stage of the method of FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices, systems, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape.

Various illustrative systems, devices, and methods for beverage machines (e.g., coffee machines, espresso machines, etc.) are provided. In general, an espresso machine is configured to brew and dispense espresso. The subject matter herein addresses a need for improved devices, systems, and methods for beverage machine operation.

The systems, devices, and methods described herein are not limited to espresso machines. An espresso machine is one example of a device to which the systems, devices, and methods described herein apply. The systems, devices, and methods described herein also apply to other types of beverage preparation devices, such as a standalone milk frother and a non-espresso coffee brewing device (e.g., a coffee machine). In some implementations, an espresso machine is configured to also brew non-espresso coffee beverages such as drip coffee drinks. In other implementations, an espresso machine is not configured to brew non-espresso coffee beverages such as drip coffee drinks.

FIG. 1A illustrates one implementation of an espresso machine 100 configured to brew and dispense espresso 102. The espresso machine 100 is also configured to brew and dispense sprover-style drinks (espresso pour overs). The espresso machine 100 in this illustrated implementation is also configured to froth milk 104, e.g., for adding to brewed espresso or to other food or drink. The milk can be dairy milk or can be a non-dairy milk substitute such as soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or other substitute. The espresso machine 100 in this illustrated implementation is also configured to dispense water 106, e.g., for brewing tea, making cocoa, or other use.

The espresso machine 100 includes a housing (not shown in FIG. 1A) configured to house various components of the espresso machine 100. The housing includes a base configured to be positioned on a support surface, such as a countertop.

The espresso machine 100 includes a water reservoir (also referred to herein as a “reservoir.” “tank,” or “water tank”) 108 configured to store water therein. The reservoir 108 is configured to be refillable with water by a user. In some implementations, the reservoir 108 is non-removably coupled to the housing, which may simplify manufacturing of the espresso machine 100. In other implementations, the reservoir 108 is removably coupled to the housing, which may facilitate cleaning of the reservoir 108 and/or facilitate refilling of the reservoir 108 because a user can bring the reservoir 108 to a sink, move the reservoir 108 to a location more convenient for refilling than where the espresso machine 100 is currently located, etc. The reservoir 108 is removably coupled to the housing in this illustrated implementation.

The espresso machine 100 includes a heating system 110 configured to heat water output from the water reservoir 108. Water stored in the reservoir 108 is configured to be output from the reservoir 108 through an outlet valve 112 of the reservoir 108 to a reservoir well 114. Each of the outlet valve 112 and the reservoir well 114 can also include a filter, as shown in this illustrated implementation. The reservoir's outlet valve 112 is configured to automatically open when the reservoir 108 is coupled to the housing and to automatically close when the reservoir 108 is removed from the housing. The outlet valve 112 is thus configured to prevent any water in the reservoir 108 from flowing out of the reservoir 108 when the reservoir 108 is not coupled to the housing (outlet valve 112 is closed) and to allow any water in the reservoir 108 to flow out of the reservoir 108 for making espresso, steam or hot water when the reservoir 108 is coupled to the housing (outlet valve 112 is open). The reservoir well 114 is configured as a water filter to catch any particles before reaching a first flowmeter 122.

The espresso machine 100 includes a pumping system 116 configured to pump water from the reservoir 108 to the heating system 110. The pumping system 116 includes a fluid pump 118 and a pump Therma switch (TS) 120. The pump 118 is a vibration pump in this illustrated implementation, but another type of pump may be used. The pump TS 120 is configured to open and prevent running of the pump 118 if the pump 118 heats above a threshold temperature.

The first flowmeter 122 is disposed in the fluid path between the reservoir 108 and the pumping system 116 (e.g., the pump 118 thereof). The first flowmeter 122 is configured to measure an amount of water flowing therethrough. The first flowmeter 122 is operatively coupled to a controller (not shown in FIG. 1A) of the espresso machine 100. The controller is configured to control the pump 118 based on the amount of water measured by the first flowmeter 122 so that a desired amount of water is provided to and heated by the heating system 110, as discussed further below. The controller is configured to execute instructions stored in a memory of the espresso machine 100 and can be, e.g., a processor, microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. In an exemplary implementation, the espresso machine 100 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown in FIG. 1A) that includes the controller, the memory, and other electronic components.

The espresso machine 100 includes a pressure relief valve (PRV) 124 located downstream of the pumping system 116 and upstream of the heating system 110. The PRV 124 is configured to automatically open at a predetermined pressure. In some aspects, by automatically opening at the predetermined pressure, the PRV 124 can make the brew systems described herein more tolerant to a too fine of grinds, thus improving beverage quality. The predetermined pressure is 9 Bar in this illustrated implementation but can be another pressure amount and, in some implementations, can be adjusted by a user. The PRV 124 is configured as a safety mechanism to prevent buildup of water pressure by opening if water pressure reaches the predetermined pressure. As in this illustrated implementation, a T-connector can be positioned in the flow path between the pump 118 and the PRV 124 to allow fluid to either flow to the heating system 110 (PRV 124 is closed) or in a backflow channel to the PRV 124 (PRV 124 is open).

With the PRV 124 open, water is configured to flow from the pumping system 116 (e.g., the pump 118 thereof) through the PRV 124 and to a second flowmeter (labeled “Flowmeter B” in FIG. 1A) 126 located downstream of the PRV 124. In some implementations, the second flowmeter 126 is omitted. The second flowmeter 126 is configured to measure an amount of water flowing therethrough, which is indicative of a backflow volume. The second flowmeter 126 is operatively coupled to the espresso machine's controller.

The controller is configured to use measurement data from the second flowmeter 126. For example, in some implementations, the controller is configured to, during espresso or sprover-style drink brewing, compare measurement data from the second flowmeter 126 with a predetermined volume threshold, e.g., 10 ml or other value. If the measurement data from the second flowmeter 126 is greater than or equal to the predetermined volume threshold, then the coffee grind is too fine, as indicated by the backflow volume being greater than the predetermined volume threshold. In response to determining that the measurement data from the second flowmeter 126 is greater than or equal to the predetermined volume threshold, the controller is configured to cause an error message to be provided to a user via a user interface (not shown in FIG. 1A) of the espresso machine 100 indicating that an error in espresso or sprover-style drink brewing occurred.

One implementation of a user interface 128 that can be used as the espresso machine's user interface is shown in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2A, the user interface 128 includes a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touchscreen, etc.) configured to show various information to a user. As in this illustrated implementation, the information on the user interface 128 can include indicators of a current grind size (in this illustrated implementation, a numerical value representing current grind size), a recommended grind size (in this illustrated implementation, a numerical value representing recommended grind size), grind level (in this illustrated implementation, on a scale from fine to course), an espresso type (in this illustrated implementation, single, double, Americano, or quad), a beverage size (in this illustrated implementation, single, double, extra-large (XL)), a brew type (in this illustrated implementation, classic, rich, over ice, or cold brew), a beverage volume (in this illustrated implementation, 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, or 16 oz), a beverage temperature (in this illustrated implementation. 175° F. 250° F., or 210° F.), a output beverage type (in this illustrated implementation, latte, cappuccino, flat white, cortado, dairy, non-dairy, macchiato, hot milk, cold foam, and thick foam), and user instructions (in this illustrated implementation, pull tamp lever, install portafilter, add beans, install hopper, descale, add water, install jug, and purge). The user interface 128 is also configured to receive inputs from a user, such as by the user pressing a “start grind” button to start grinding beans at the indicated current grind size or by the user pressing a “start froth” button to start frothing milk.

Another implementation of a user interface 128a that can be used as the espresso machine's user interface is shown in FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG. 2B, the user interface 128a includes a display configured to show various information to a user. As in this illustrated implementation, the information on the user interface 128a can include indicators of a current grind size (in this illustrated implementation, a numerical value representing current grind size), a recommended grind size (in this illustrated implementation, a numerical value representing recommended grind size), espresso machine power state (on or off), an espresso type (in this illustrated implementation, single, double, or quad), a beverage size (in this illustrated implementation, single, double, extra-large (XL)), a brew type (in this illustrated implementation, classic, rich, over ice, gourmet, or cold brew), a beverage volume (in this illustrated implementation, 6 oz., 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, or 18 oz), a froth selection (in this illustrated implementation, four froth level options for a hot drink and one froth option for cold foam), and user instructions (in this illustrated implementation, tamp). The user interface 128a is also configured to receive inputs from a user, such as by the user pressing a “start grind” button to start grinding beans at the indicated current grind size, a “grind IQ” button to request a recommended grind size, a “hot water” button to select hot water dispensing, a temperature button to select brew temperature, an “ounces” button to select the beverage volume, a power symbol to turn the espresso machine on/off, a “milk type” button to select dairy milk or non-dairy milk for frothing, or a “start froth” button to start frothing milk.

In some implementations, a beverage machine's user interface, e.g., the user interface 128 of FIG. 2A, the user interface 128a of FIG. 2B, or other user interface, is configured to allow user input of froth selection, e.g., one froth level option among a cold milk froth option and a plurality of hot milk froth options and/or one milk temperature option among a plurality of milk temperature options. The plurality of milk temperature options can be presented to a user as temperatures or as temperature levels (e.g., level zero being a lowest possible milk temperature and level N being a highest possible milk temperature with each level between zero and N incrementing by one degree, two degrees, three degrees, or other number of degrees) that correspond to temperatures.

In some implementations, a beverage machine's user interface, e.g., the user interface 128 of FIG. 2A, the user interface 128a of FIG. 2B, or other user interface, is configured to allow user input of a hard water test result. Any of a variety of hard water tests can be used to test water for hardness, such as a test strip configured to be inserted into water and change or show a color indicating the water's hardness. The beverage machine's user interface allowing user input of the hard water test result, e.g., by inputting the color test result from a hard water test strip by selecting a color and/or a number, letter, etc. corresponding to the color test result, inputting a numerical test result from a hard water test strip, etc., allows the beverage machine to use the hard water test result in determining when descaling should be performed to clean mineral deposits that may be in various conduits through which water flows in the beverage machine. Various implementations of descaling beverage machines are described further herein.

In some implementations, a beverage machine's user interface, e.g., the user interface 128 of FIG. 2A, the user interface 128a of FIG. 2B, or other user interface, is configured to allow user input of a grind to water ratio. In implementations in which the beverage machine is configured to prepare espresso, the “grind to water ratio” may be referred to as a “grind to espresso ratio.”

The beverage machine can be configured to allow a user to select one of a plurality of predetermined grind to water ratios (e.g., two or more of 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, and 3.5:1, or other possible ratios), the beverage machine can be configured to allow a user to input a user-chosen grind to water ratio, or the beverage machine can be configured to allow a user to choose between selecting one of a plurality of predetermined grind to water ratios or inputting a user-chosen grind to water ratio. The beverage machine is configured to use a default grind to water ratio in brewing a beverage if a user does not input a grind to water ratio. Brewing can thus occur regardless of whether or not a user inputs a grind to water ratio, which may improve user experience.

In an exemplary implementation, the grind to water ratio affects how much water is used in brewing a beverage using a certain amount of coffee grounds. Pump 118 power and duty cycle remain the same regardless of the grind to water ratio, as does an amount of grounds used for a particular selected beverage.

In some implementations, a beverage machine's user interface, e.g., the user interface 128 of FIG. 2A, the user interface 128a of FIG. 2B, or other user interface, is configured to allow user input of a ground setting for sprover-style drinks to allow the user to either increase an amount of grounds from a default amount used for a sprover-style drink or decrease an amount of grounds from the default amount used for a sprover-style drink. The ground setting can be selectable by a user as a ground level (e.g., level zero being a highest possible percentage of grounds to be decreased from the default amount and level N being a highest possible percentage of grounds to be increased from the default amount with each level between zero and N incrementing by one percent, two percent, three percent, or other percentage).

Referring again to FIG. 1A, the espresso machine 100 includes a separator box 130 that is located downstream of the PRV 124 and, if present, downstream of the second flowmeter 126. Water is thus configured to flow through the PRV 124 to the separator box 130. The separator box 130 is configured to separate steam from water so that only water exits the separator box 130 to collect in a drip tray 132 of the espresso machine 130. The separator box 130 includes a separator (not shown in FIG. 1A) therein that includes a plurality of ribs. The ribs are configured to allow water to pass therethrough to the drip tray 132 and to collect water condensation thereon from steam so the water condensation can drip off the ribs to the drip tray 132.

In some implementations, the drip tray 132 is removably coupled to the housing of the espresso machine 100. The drip tray 132 being removable from the housing may facilitate emptying and cleaning of the drip tray 132 since the drip tray 132 may be de-coupled from the housing and brought to a sink or other appropriate area for emptying and/or cleaning. In other implementations, the drip tray 132 is non-removably coupled to the housing of the espresso machine 100. The drip tray 132 being non-removable from the housing may help prevent loss of the drip tray 132, prevent the drip tray 132 from being damaged while being handled when de-coupled from the housing, and/or prevent leaks from the drip tray 132 due to the drip tray 132 accidentally not being re-coupled to the housing properly by a user. With the drip tray 132 being non-removable from the housing, the drip tray 132 includes a valve, removable plug, or other port configured to be opened and closed to selectively allow for emptying of the drip tray 132 by allowing material collected in the drip tray 132 to exit through the open port and to be retained in the drip tray 132 with the port closed.

As mentioned above, with the PRV 124 closed, the pump 118 is configured to pump water to the heating system 110. As in this illustrated implementation, the heating system 110 can include a heater 134, a temperature sensor 136, and a thermal cutoff (TCO) 138. The heater 134 is configured to heat water pumped thereto by the pump 118. The heater 134 is a 1600W thermocoil boiler in this illustrated implementation but can be a thermocoil boiler having another power or can be another type of heater.

The temperature sensor 136 is configured to measure a temperature of the heater 134. The temperature of the heater 134 is considered to correspond to a temperature of the water being heated by the heater 134. The temperature sensor 136 is configured to measure a temperature of the heater 134 by, for example, directly contacting an exterior surface of the heater 134. The temperature sensor 136 is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor in this illustrated implementation, but another type of temperature sensor can be used.

The temperature sensor 136 is configured to be operatively coupled to the controller such that sensed temperature data can be transmitted from the temperature sensor 136 to the controller. The controller is configured to use temperature data received from the temperature sensor 136 in controlling at least one functionality of the espresso machine 100. In an exemplary implementation, the controller is configured to use temperature data received from the temperature sensor 136 in controlling heating of the water by the heater 134 to a target temperature corresponding to a user's beverage selection input by the user via the user interface. In some implementations, water is always heated to a preset target temperature stored in the memory. In other implementations, the espresso machine's memory is configured to store therein different preset target temperatures corresponding to different user beverage selections. For example, in some implementations, water is always heated to a first preset target temperature if the water is intended for brewing espresso 102, water is always heated to a second preset target temperature if the water is intended for steam in steaming milk 104, and water is always heated to a third preset target temperature if the water is intended for dispensing as hot water 106. For another example, in some implementations, different espresso selections correspond to different preset target temperatures.

In some implementations, instead of the temperature sensor 136 measuring a temperature of the heater 134, the temperature sensor 136 is configured to measure a temperature of water being heated by the heater 134. For example, the temperature sensor 136 can be located at least partially within an area of the heater 134 containing water therein and can be configured to contact the water directly in the area of the heater 134 to measure the water's temperature.

The thermal cutoff 138 is configured to open the electrical path and makes sure that it is off if the heater 134 is heated too much for any reason. The thermal cutoff 138 includes two thermal cutoffs in this illustrated implementation, but another number may be used. For example, in another implementation, one thermal cutoff (TCO) and one thermostatic switch can be used. In such an implementation, when the TCO opens the electrical path, the thermostatic switch opens and it automatically closes back if the temperature of the heater 134 drops below a threshold value.

Water heated by the heater 134 is configured to be used selectively in brewing espresso 102, in steaming milk 104, or in being dispensed as hot water 106. The controller is configured to control a flow path of water in the espresso machine 100, e.g., through various conduits (e.g., pipes, tubes, etc.) and other elements, so water is directed appropriately for its user-selected purpose of brewing espresso 102, steaming milk 104, or being dispensed as hot water 106. In some implementations, another user-selected purpose is dispensing unheated water, e.g., water from the reservoir 108 that is not heated by the heater 134 prior to being dispensed from the hot water outlet 158.

The espresso machine 100 includes a first solenoid valve (labeled “Solenoid A” in FIG. 1A) 140 located downstream of the heating system 110 and thus downstream of the heater 134. (A solenoid valve is also referred to herein as a “solenoid.”) Water heated by the heater 134 is configured to exit the heater 134 and pass through the first solenoid valve 140 to flow in one of two flow paths, referred to as first and second flow paths for purposes of describing FIG. 1A. Which of the first and second flow paths that the water travels along depends on which outlet 142, 144 of the first solenoid valve 140 is open. The controller is configured to be operatively coupled to the first solenoid valve 140 to allow the controller to control which of the first solenoid valve's outlets 142, 144 is open. Only one of the first solenoid valve's outlets 142, 144 is configured to be open at a time during a brewing operation. As discussed further below, both of the first solenoid valve's outlets 142, 144 are configured to be open during a descaling operation.

The first solenoid valve 140 includes a first outlet 142 through which water is configured to flow if the water is intended for dispensing as steam for steamed milk 104 or if the water is intended for dispensing as hot water 106. A default position of the first solenoid valve's first outlet 142 is open.

The espresso machine 100 includes a second solenoid valve (labeled “Solenoid C” in FIG. 1A) 146 located downstream of the first solenoid valve 140 along the first flow path through the first solenoid valve's first outlet 142. Water is configured to pass out of the first solenoid valve's first outlet 142 and through the second solenoid valve 144 to one of two flow paths, referred to as third and fourth flow paths for purposes of describing FIG. 1A. Which of the third and fourth flow paths that the water travels along depends on which outlet 148, 150 of the second solenoid valve 146 is open. The controller is configured to be operatively coupled to the second solenoid valve 146 to allow the controller to control which of the second solenoid valve's outlets 148, 150 is open. Only one of the second solenoid valve's outlets 148, 150 is configured to be open at a time.

The second solenoid valve 146 includes a first outlet 148 through which water is configured to flow if the water is intended for dispensing as hot water 106. A default position of the second solenoid valve's first outlet 148 is open.

The espresso machine 100 includes a third solenoid valve (labeled “Solenoid D” in FIG. 1A) 152 located downstream of the second solenoid valve 140 along the third flow path through the second solenoid valve's first outlet 148. Water is configured to pass out of the second solenoid valve's first outlet 148 and through the third solenoid valve 152 to one of two flow paths, referred to as fifth and sixth flow paths for purposes of describing FIG. 1A. Which of the fifth and sixth flow paths that the water travels along depends on which outlet 154, 156 of the third solenoid valve 152 is open. The controller is configured to be operatively coupled to the third solenoid valve 152 to allow the controller to control which of the third solenoid valve's outlets 154, 156 is open. Only one of the third solenoid valve's outlets 154, 156 is configured to be open at a time.

The third solenoid valve 152 includes a first outlet 154 through which water is configured to flow for drainage to the drip tray 132 via the separator box 130. A default position of the third solenoid valve's first outlet 154 is open. A default flow path for water from the heater 118 is thus defined by the first, third, and fifth flow paths such that the water flows from the heater 118 to the drip tray 132. The default flow path is configured to allow any residual water to exit the housing and collect in the drip tray 132.

The third solenoid valve 152 includes a second outlet 156 through which water is configured to flow if the water is intended for dispensing as hot water 106 through a hot water outlet 158 of the espresso machine 100. A default position of the third solenoid valve's second outlet 156 is closed. The third solenoid valve's second outlet 156 being closed by default may help prevent any hot water 106 from being dispensed unless the espresso machine 100 is controlled to do so by the controller, e.g., by opening the third solenoid valve's second outlet 156 and closing the third solenoid valve's first outlet 154.

The hot water outlet 158 is configured to have a cup or other container positioned by a user below the hot water outlet 158 into which the hot water 106 is dispensed from the hot water outlet 158. In an exemplary implementation, the hot water outlet 158 is positioned above the drip tray 132 to allow any water drips from the hot water outlet 158 to collect in the drip tray 132 if a container is not positioned below the hot water outlet 158. The drip tray 132 can be configured to seat thereon the cup or other container for receiving the dispensed hot water 106.

Instead of flowing in the third flow path through the second solenoid valve's first outlet 148, water can flow in the fourth flow path. The second solenoid valve 146 includes a second outlet 150 through which water is configured to flow if the water is intended for dispensing as steam for steamed milk 104. A default position of the second solenoid valve's second outlet 150 is closed. The second solenoid valve's second outlet 150 being closed by default may help prevent any steam from exiting the espresso machine's steam frother arm 160 unless the espresso machine 100 is controlled to do so by the controller, e.g., by opening the second solenoid valve's second outlet 150 and closing the second solenoid valve's first outlet 148. In some aspects, the steam frother arm 160 can include a check valve provided between a flow path of the water used for steaming milk 104 and a vent to the atmosphere. During a frothing operation, the water that is heated to the second preset target temperature for steaming milk 104 can produce a pressure in the steam frother arm 160 which can act on the check valve to maintain it in a closed position. Once the frothing operation is complete, the pressure from the steam acting on the check valve can drop, and air within the steam frother arm 160 can contract, causing the check valve to open and allowing the flow path used for steaming milk 104 to vent to the atmosphere. Accordingly, the check valve provided in the steam frother arm 160 can advantageously prevent steamed milk 104 from being drawn up into the steam frother arm 160 (and further into the system) upon completion of the frothing operation, as the air within the steam frother arm 160 contracts.

The steam frother arm 160 is configured to form and direct steam into a milk receptacle (not shown in FIG. 1A) containing milk therein. The milk receptacle (also referred to herein as a “milk tin”) is configured to be filled with milk, which as mentioned above can be dairy milk or non-dairy milk, by a user and placed under the steam frother arm 160. Flavoring can also be added to the milk tin, if desired by a user, such as one or more of flavor syrup (caramel, chocolate, or other flavor), salt, or other desired flavoring to flavor the froth that will be formed. The steam is distributed through the milk, along with air, using a mechanical mixer (not shown in FIG. 1A) to form the steamed milk 104. In an exemplary implementation, an exit opening of the steam frother arm 160 is positioned above the drip tray 132, which may allow any water drips from the steam frother arm 160 to collect in the drip tray 132 if the milk receptacle or other container is not positioned below the exit opening of steam frother arm 160. The drip tray 132 is thus configured to seat thereon the milk receptacle.

The steam frother arm 160 is configured to move between an upper or open position and a lower or closed position, such as by being pivoted with the steam frother arm 160 being pivotally attached to the espresso machine's housing. In the upper position, the steam frother arm 160 is configured to allow a milk receptacle to be more easily seated on a milk receptacle base of the espresso machine 100. In the lower position, the steam frother arm 160 extends downwardly to allow an exit opening of the steam frother arm 160 to be positioned within a milk receptacle seated on the milk receptacle base.

In some implementations, the mechanical mixer includes a whisk of the espresso machine 100 that is configured to be at least partially located within the milk receptacle and rotate within the milk receptacle. A whisk can have a variety of configurations. Implementations of whisks are further described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 11,812,892 entitled “Fluid Texturing Device” issued on Nov. 14, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In other implementations, the mechanical mixer includes a whisk of the milk receptacle that is configured to be at least partially located within the milk receptacle and rotate within the milk receptacle. A whisk of a milk receptacle can have a variety of configurations, such as the configuration discussed further below with respect to an espresso machine 200 of FIGS. 3A-3D.

Instead of flowing in the first flow path through the first solenoid valve's first outlet 142, water can flow in the second flow path. The first solenoid valve 140 includes a second outlet 144 through which water is configured to flow if the water is intended for brewing and dispensing espresso 102. A default position of the first solenoid valve's second outlet 144 is closed. Water is configured to pass out of the first solenoid valve's second outlet 144 to one of two flow paths, referred to as seventh and eighth flow paths for purposes of describing FIG. 1A. The flow path that the water travels along depends on whether an outlet 162 of a fourth solenoid valve (labeled “Solenoid B” in FIG. 1A) 164 is open or closed. The controller is configured to be operatively coupled to the fourth solenoid valve 164 to allow the controller to control the open/closed state of the fourth solenoid valve's outlet 162. A default position of the fourth solenoid valve's outlet 162 is closed.

If the fourth solenoid valve's outlet 162 is open and the first solenoid valve's second outlet 144 is open, water is configured to pass out of the first solenoid valve's second outlet 144, through the fourth solenoid valve 164, and out of the fourth solenoid valve's outlet 162 to the drip tray 132 via the separator box 130. The fourth solenoid valve's outlet 162 being open is thus configured to allow any residual water to exit the housing and collect in the drip tray 132.

If the fourth solenoid valve's outlet 162 is closed and the first solenoid valve's second outlet 144 is open, water is configured to pass out of the first solenoid valve's second outlet 144 to a group head 166 of the espresso machine 100. The group head 166 includes a plurality of holes through which water is configured to pass at high pressure into a portafilter 168 (see FIG. 1B) containing a tamped coffee puck (not shown in FIG. 1A) therein.

In some aspects, upon completion of each brewing operation, the espresso machine 100 can further include a pressure relief operation. During the pressure relief operation, the first solenoid valve's second outlet 144 can be configured to close and the fourth solenoid valve's outlet 162 can be configured to open to relieve the pressure in the group head 166 into the drip tray 132. By releasing the pressure in the group head 166 before the portafilter 168 is removed, the pressure relief operation advantageously mitigates any spurting that may occur as the user removes the portafilter 168. Additionally, the pressure relief operation allows brew water from the top of the puck to be evacuated into the drip tray 132, thereby resulting in less mess in the portafilter and providing an easier clean up.

From the portafilter 168, brewed espresso 102 is configured to be dispensed into a cup or other container. The portafilter 168 is configured to have a cup or other container positioned by a user below the portafilter 168 into which the brewed espresso 102 is dispensed. In an exemplary implementation, the portafilter 168 is positioned above the drip tray 132 when the espresso 102 is dispensed, which may allow any liquid drips from the portafilter 168 to collect in the drip tray 132 if a container is not positioned below the portafilter 168. The drip tray 132 is thus configured to seat thereon the cup or other container for receiving the dispensed espresso 102.

Over time, water flowing in the espresso machine 100 causes mineral deposits in various conduits through which the water flows en route to being dispensed through the hot water outlet 158 (e.g., as hot water or unheated water), the steam frother arm 160 (e.g., dispensed as steam), or the group head 166 (e.g., dispensed as a brewed beverage). A first water flow path in which mineral deposits build up extends from the reservoir 108 through the hot water outlet 158 and includes the first, third, and sixth flow paths discussed above. A second water flow path in which mineral deposits build up extends from the reservoir 108 through the steam frother arm 160 and includes the first and fourth flow paths discussed above. A third water flow path in which mineral deposits build up extends from the reservoir 108 through the group head 166 and includes the second and eighth flow paths discussed above. As discussed further below, in an exemplary implementation, the espresso machine 100 is configured to perform descaling to clean mineral deposits that may be in the various conduits along the first, second, and third water flow paths.

In an exemplary implementation, as shown in FIG. 1B, the espresso machine 100 includes the portafilter 168, a hopper 170 configured to contain coffee beans therein, a grinder 172 configured to grind whole coffee beans, and a tamp 174 configured to tamp ground coffee beans in the portafilter 168 to form a puck.

The hopper 170 is configured to store coffee beans (not shown in FIG. 1B) therein. The hopper 170 is configured to be refillable with coffee beans (also referred to herein as “beans”) by a user. In some implementations, the hopper 170 is non-removably coupled to the housing, which may simplify manufacturing of the espresso machine 100. In other implementations, the hopper 170 is removably coupled to the housing, which may facilitate cleaning of the hopper 170 and/or facilitate refilling of the hopper 170 because a user can bring the hopper 170 to a countertop, move the hopper 170 to a location more convenient for refilling than where the espresso machine 100 is currently located, etc.

In an exemplary implementation, the hopper 170 is formed of a material configured to provide ultraviolet (UV) protection to contents of the hopper 170, e.g., to coffee beans in the hopper 170. UV light can adversely affect coffee beans.

Coffee beans in the hopper 170 are configured to be delivered to the grinder 172. The grinder 172 is configured to grind the coffee beans. In an exemplary implementation, a grind size to which the grinder 172 grinds the coffee beans is adjustable by a user. In such implementations the espresso machine 100 includes a grind size adjustment mechanism (e.g., wheel 222, described variously in greater detail below in reference to at least FIGS. 3P-3Q). The grind size adjustment mechanism is configured to allow adjustment of the grind size between a plurality of different grind settings. In general, the grind settings range from a finest grind size to a coarsest grind size. In some aspects, the grinder 172 can include an outer burr and an inner burr having a space defined therebetween wherein the beans are configured to be ground, as described in greater detail below. In this case, the grind size adjustment mechanism can adjust the grind size by increasing or decreasing an amount of vertical separation between the outer burr and the inner burr. In an exemplary implementation, the plurality of different grind settings includes at least seven grind settings: extra fine, fine, fine-medium, medium, medium-coarse, coarse, and extra coarse. In an exemplary implementation, the plurality of different grind settings includes a number of grind settings in a range of seven to twenty-five. Numerical values representing the different grind settings include a first number, typically zero or one, as the finest grind size with each successively coarser grind increasing in number by one. Alternatively, numerical values representing the different grind settings can decrease in number by one for each successively finer grind such that the lowest numerical value represents the coarsest grind size instead of the finest grind size. In some aspects, as described above, the machines described herein can be configured to brew both espresso and sprover-style beverages. Accordingly, in some aspects, the grind size adjustment mechanism can include a first plurality of grind settings for the espresso functionality and a second plurality of grind settings for the sprover-style functionality. For example, when operating in the espresso functionality, the first plurality of grind settings can include 20 grind settings (e.g., grind settings 1-20), wherein each sequential grind setting of the first plurality of grind settings changes a vertical separation between the outer burr and the inner burr by approximately 0.03 mm. In another example, when operating in the sprover-style functionality, the second plurality of grind settings can include 5 grind settings (e.g., grind settings 21-25), wherein each sequential grind setting of the second plurality of grind settings changes a vertical separation between the outer burr and the inner burr by approximately 0.3 mm. This variable grind size adjustment functionality advantageously allows for rapid change between the espresso and sprover-style functionalities while preserving the grind size resolution needed for good quality espresso and sprover-style beverages, respectively.

For another example, the grind size adjustment mechanism can include a rotatable wheel (not shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B) operably coupled to the grinder 172 and configured to be rotated by a user, with rotation of the wheel in a first direction (e.g., one of clockwise and counterclockwise) being configured to increase the grind size and rotation of the wheel in a second direction (e.g., the other of clockwise and counterclockwise) being configured to decrease the grind size. The wheel and/or the espresso machine 100 can include markings configured to indicate the currently selected grind size. The espresso machine 100 can include an encoder (not shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B) configured to sense a position of the wheel and communicate the sensed position to the controller. The controller is configured to, using the sensed position of the wheel, control the grinder 172 to achieve the currently selected grind size.

For yet another example, the grind size adjustment mechanism can include a lever (not shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B) operably coupled to the grinder 172 and configured to be moved in a first direction (e.g., one of up or down or one of left or right) to increase the grind size and in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to decrease the grind size. The lever and/or the espresso machine 100 can include markings configured to indicate the currently selected grind size. The espresso machine 100 can include an encoder (not shown in FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B) configured to sense a position of the lever and communicate the sensed position to the controller. The controller is configured to, using the sensed position of the lever, control the grinder 172 to achieve the currently selected grind size.

In some implementations, the controller is configured to cause the currently selected grind size to be shown on the user interface.

Coffee grinds are configured to be delivered from the grinder 172 to the portafilter 168. The portafilter 168 is configured to be removably coupled to the espresso machine 100. The portafilter 168 having coffee grounds therein is configured to be removed from the espresso machine 100. The portafilter 168 being removable from the espresso machine 100 allows a user to tamp the coffee grounds using the tamp 174.

In this illustrated implementation, the tamp 174 is removably coupled to the espresso machine 100 to allow the user to selectively remove the tamp 174 for tamping. The tamp 174 being removably coupled to the espresso machine 100 may help ensure that the tamp 174 is not lost and is easily available for tamping when needed. In other implementations, the tamp 174 is a standalone device that is not coupled to the espresso machine 100, which may allow a user to choose a tamp according to their personal preference. In still other implementations, the tamp 174 is non-removably coupled to the espresso machine, which may help prevent loss of the tamp 174. In such implementations, the portafilter 168 may be removed from the espresso machine 100 for tamping, or the portafilter 168 may remain coupled to the espresso machine 100 for tamping.

The portafilter 168 having tamped coffee grounds therein is configured to be positioned by a user below the group head 166 and re-coupled to the espresso machine 100 to allow water to pass through the group head 166 into the portafilter 168. The water will pass through the puck in the portafilter 168 and then exit the portafilter 168 as brewed espresso 102.

In some implementations, the espresso machine 100 is configured to perform an initial flushing process. The initial flushing process is performed at startup and flushes the espresso machine 100 before the espresso machine 100 is used to prepare any beverage. The initial flushing process runs water from the reservoir 108 through the espresso machine 100 to flush the machine 100. The water flushed through the machine and dispensed into a container is intended to be disposed of by a user rather than being consumed as a drink. Other implementations of beverage machines described herein can similarly be configured to perform an initial flushing process.

In some implementations, the espresso machine 100 is configured to perform a calibration process. The calibration process is performed when coffee beans are added to the hopper 170 before the espresso machine 100 is used to prepare any beverage using the coffee beans so the espresso machine 100 can calibrate for the particular coffee beans in the hopper 170. In an exemplary implementation, the calibration process includes two brew processes. In a first brew process, a selected beverage is prepared using a default grind size. In a second brew process, the same selected beverage is prepared using a grind size adjusted by the espresso machine 100 as described herein. The calibration process can include at least one additional brew process. Other implementations of beverage machines described herein can similarly be configured to perform a calibration process.

In some implementations, the espresso machine 100 is configured to perform a portafilter cleaning process. The portafilter cleaning process is configured to clean the portafilter 168. The portafilter cleaning process runs water from the reservoir 108 through the portafilter 168 which is coupled to the group head 166 and has a dissolvable cleanser tablet or other cleaner therein (as placed therein by a user). Other implementations of beverage machines described herein can similarly be configured to perform a portafilter cleaning process.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate another implementation of an espresso machine 200 configured to brew and dispense espresso. The espresso machine 200 in this illustrated implementation is also configured to dispense water, to froth milk (e.g., a dairy milk or a non-dairy milk), and to brew and dispense sprover-style drinks. The espresso machine 200 of FIGS. 3A-3D is generally configured and used similar to the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, e.g., includes a housing 202, a water reservoir 204, a user interface 206, a drip tray 208, a hot water outlet 210, a steam frother arm 212, a group head 214, a hopper 216, a portafilter 218, a tamp 220, a grind adjustment mechanism in the form of a wheel 222, and elements that are obscured in FIGS. 3A-3D, including a reservoir well, a heating system, a pumping system, first and second flowmeters, a controller, a memory, a PRV, a separator box, first, second, third, and fourth solenoid valves, and a grinder. In some aspects, the reservoir well, heating system, pumping system, first and second flowmeters, PRV, separator box and first, second, third, and fourth solenoid valves of the espresso machine 200 can be similar to the reservoir well 114, heating system 110, pumping system 116, first and second flowmeters 122, 126, PRV 124, separator box 130 and first, second, third, and fourth solenoid valves 140, 146, 152 and 164 of the espresso machine 100.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, the housing 202 includes a base 224 configured to be positioned on a support surface (not shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D). The base 224 extends horizontally to allow the espresso machine 100 to rest on a horizontal support surface, such as a countertop.

The water reservoir 204 in this illustrated implementation is removably coupled to the housing 202, but as mentioned above can instead be non-removably coupled to the housing 202. FIGS. 3A-3D show the espresso machine 200 with the water reservoir 204 coupled to the housing 202. FIG. 3E shows the espresso machine 200 with the water reservoir 204 removed therefrom. A space 202a defined by the housing 202 is configured to receive the reservoir 204 therein.

FIGS. 3F and 3G show the reservoir 204 as a standalone element. FIG. 3F shows the reservoir 204 with a lid 204a of the reservoir 204 removed from a main body 204b of the reservoir 204 that defines a cavity 204c configured to hold water therein. FIGS. 3D and 3G show the reservoir 204 with the lid 204a coupled thereto. The reservoir lid 204a includes a handle 204d configured to be handheld by a user to facilitate removal of the lid 204a from the reservoir main body 204b and replacement of the lid 204a back on the main body 204b. The lid handle 204d can have other configurations. The reservoir lid 204a in this illustrated implementation is fully removable from the reservoir main body 204b to allow access to the reservoir cavity 204c. In other implementations, the reservoir lid 204a is configured to remain coupled to the reservoir main body 204b when removed to allow access to the reservoir cavity 204c, such as being hingedly attached to the main body 204b.

As shown in FIGS. 3D and 3F, the reservoir main body 204b includes a handle 204e configured to be handheld by a user to facilitate removal of the reservoir 204 (at least the main body 204b thereof) from the housing 202 and replacement of the reservoir 204 (at least the main body 204b thereof) back on the housing 202. The main body handle 204e is defined by opposed handholds 204f molded in the main body 204b. The main body handle 204e can have other configurations.

The espresso machine 200 includes a mating feature 202b configured to releasably mate with a mating element 204g of the reservoir 204. The mating feature 202b is a male member and the mating element 204g is a female member in this illustrated implementation, but instead the mating feature 202b can be a female member and the mating element 204g can be a male member. The mating of the mating feature 202b and the mating element 204g is configured to prevent the reservoir 204 from falling off the housing 202 and to help properly align an outlet valve 204h (see FIGS. 3G and 3H) of the reservoir 204 with a valve seat 202c (see FIG. 3E) of the housing 202. Additionally, a bottom of the reservoir 204 has a shape corresponding to a shape of a cut-out 202d formed in the housing 202 to further prevent the reservoir 204 from falling off the housing 202 and further help properly align the outlet valve 204h of the reservoir 204 with the valve seat 202c of the housing 202.

As discussed above, the reservoir's outlet valve 204h is configured to automatically open when the reservoir 204 (at least the main body 204b thereof) is coupled to the housing 202 and to automatically close when the reservoir 204 (at least the main body 204b thereof) is removed from the housing 202. As shown in FIG. 3G, the outlet valve 204h is spring-loaded with a spring 204i. A biasing force provided to the outlet valve 204h by the spring 204i is configured to bias the outlet valve 204h to a closed position. The outlet valve 204h being seated on the valve seat 202c is configured to overcome the bias force provided by the spring 204i to move the outlet valve 204h from being closed to being open. As shown in FIG. 3H, the valve seat 202c includes a pin 225 configured to push on the outlet valve 204h when the reservoir 204 is seated in the space 202a defined by the housing 202 and the valve seat 202c seats the outlet valve 204h. The pin 225 pushing on the outlet valve 204h overcomes the spring's bias force.

As also discussed above, with the reservoir 204 (at least the main body 204b thereof) coupled to the housing 202, water stored in the reservoir 204, e.g., in the reservoir cavity 204c, is configured to be output from the reservoir 204 through the outlet valve 204h to a reservoir well 226 of the espresso machine 200, shown in FIG. 3H.

The reservoir 204 in this illustrated implementation includes a liquid level sensor 204j, as shown in FIG. 3H. The liquid level sensor 204j is configured to sense a level of liquid held in the reservoir 204. The liquid level sensor 204j is operably coupled to the controller of the espresso machine 200. In response to the controller receiving a signal from the water level sensor 204j, the controller is configured to cause a liquid level alert to be provided to a user, e.g., via the user interface 206, indicating low liquid level in the reservoir 204. The user may thereby be made aware that more liquid should be added to the reservoir 204.

The liquid level sensor 204j can have a variety of configurations. In this illustrated implementation, the liquid level sensor 204j includes a float 204k disposed in a housing 204m. The housing 204m has at least one opening therein configured to allow liquid in the reservoir 204 to enter the housing 204m. The float 204k is configured to float in liquid and is thus configured to float in the liquid within the housing 204m. The float 204k remains at a highest position within the housing 204m until the liquid level falls to a threshold level, at which time the float moves downward in the housing 204m as the liquid level falls below the threshold level. The liquid level sensor 204j includes a Hall effect sensor (obscured in FIG. 3H) that can “see” a magnet of the float 204k in the housing 204m until the float 204k moves downward in the housing 204m. The float 204k, e.g., the magnet thereof, moving out of the Hall effect sensor's line of sight trigger the Hall effect sensor to communicate a signal to the controller. In response to receiving the signal from the Hall effect sensor, the controller is configured to cause the liquid level alert to be provided to a user.

The pumping system of the espresso machine 200 is configured to pump water from the reservoir 204 to the heating system of the espresso machine 200, similar to that discussed above regarding the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A. The first flowmeter disposed in the fluid path between the reservoir 204 and the pumping system (e.g., the pump thereof) is configured to measure an amount of water flowing therethrough, and a controller of the espresso machine 200 is configured to control the pump based on the amount of water measured by the first flowmeter, also similar to that discussed above regarding the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A. In this illustrated implementation, as shown in FIG. 3H, the espresso machine 200 includes a PCB 228 that includes the controller, a memory, and other electronic components.

Similar to that discussed above regarding the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, the controller of the espresso machine 200 is configured to control a flow path of water in the espresso machine 200, e.g., through various conduits (e.g., pipes, tubes, etc.) and other elements, so water is directed appropriately for its user-selected purpose of hot water, cold water, espresso, or steamed milk.

The hot water outlet 210 is configured to have a cup or other container positioned by a user below the hot water outlet 210 into which the hot water is dispensed from the hot water outlet 210. As shown in FIG. 3B, in this illustrated implementation the hot water outlet 210 is positioned above the drip tray 208 to allow any water drips from the hot water outlet 210 to collect in the drip tray 208 if a container is not positioned below the hot water outlet 210. A container is configured to be positioned below the hot water outlet 210 at a user's discretion on either the drip tray 208 or on a movable tray 230. FIG. 3A shows the movable tray 230 coupled to the housing 202. FIG. 3I shows the espresso machine 200 with the movable tray 230 removed therefrom. The movable tray 230 is configured to be used with smaller containers so the container placed on the movable tray 230 is closer to the hot water outlet 210 than if the container was placed on the drip tray 208 without the movable tray 230 being present. The movable tray 230 includes at least one opening therein (a plurality of openings are shown in FIGS. 3A-3C) that is configured to allow water to pass therethrough and reach the drip tray 208 under the force of gravity. With the movable tray 230 removed from the espresso machine 200, a container can be placed on the drip tray 208 to receive hot water therein from the hot water outlet 210.

The movable tray 230 can be configured to be coupled to the espresso machine 200 in a variety of ways. In this illustrated implementation, the movable tray 230 includes a pair of tabs configured to be releasably seated in a pair of openings 202e formed in the housing 202. The movable tray 230 is thus configured to be fully removed from the espresso machine 200. In other implementations, the movable tray 230 is configured to remain coupled to the housing 202 and to be moved out of the way to allow a larger container to be placed on the drip tray 208, such as by the movable tray being hingedly attached to the housing 202 and configured to be flipped (e.g., flipped up, etc.) out of the way by a user.

The drip tray 208 is removably coupled to the housing 202 in this illustrated implementation. However, similar to that discussed above with respect to the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, the drip tray 208 can instead be non-removably coupled to the housing 202.

The drip tray 208 in this illustrated implementation includes a base 208a and a lid 208b removably coupled to the base 208a, as shown in FIG. 3C. The base 208a and the lid 208b are configured to be removed as a unit from the housing 202 and re-coupled as a unit back to the housing 202. The lid 208b is configured to help contain contents that have collected within a cavity 208c defined by the base 208a (see FIG. 3N) until emptying and/or cleaning of the drip tray 208 is desired.

The base 208a of the drip tray 208 can be a singular element. Alternatively, as in this illustrated implementation, the base 208a can include a plurality of elements with at least one of the base elements removably coupled to other(s) of the base elements. The base 208a includes a first portion 208d removably coupled to a second portion 208e of the base 208a. As shown in FIG. 3C, the first portion 208d of the drip tray 208 underlies the movable tray 230 (or the area where the movable tray 230 would be located if not currently coupled to the housing 202). The first portion 208d of the drip tray 208 being removable from the second portion 208e of the drip tray 208 allows a taller container to be placed under the group head 214 than is possible with the first portion 208d of the drip tray 208 removably coupled to the second portion 208e of the drip tray 208.

Similar to that discussed above with respect to the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, the steam frother arm 212 of the espresso machine 200 of FIGS. 3A-3D is configured to form and direct steam into a milk tin 232 containing milk therein. The illustrated milk tin 232 is merely an example, as other milk receptacles may be used. FIGS. 3A-3E and 3I show the milk tin 232 positioned under the steam frother arm 212. FIG. 3J shows no milk receptacle positioned under the steam frother arm 212.

As shown in FIG. 3J, an exit opening 212a of the steam frother arm 212 is positioned above the drip tray 208, which may allow any water drips from the steam frother arm 212 to collect in the drip tray 208 if the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle or other container) is not positioned below the exit opening 212a of the steam frother arm 212. FIG. 3J also shows a milk receptacle base 234 of the espresso machine 200 that is configured to seat the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle) thereon. The milk receptacle base 234 has an opening 234a formed therein that underlies the exit opening 212a of the steam frother arm 212 to allow any water drips from the exit opening 212a to pass through the base's opening 234a and into the drip tray 208 (see also FIG. 3N). With the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle or other container) seated on the milk receptacle base 234, the milk tin 232 covers the opening 234a.

The steam frother arm 212 is configured to move between an upper or open position and a lower or closed position, such as by being pivoted with the steam frother arm 212 being pivotally attached to the housing 202. The steam frother arm 212 can include a handle 212b, as in this illustrated implementation as shown in FIG. 3C, configured to facilitate user handling of the steam frother arm 212 when moving the steam frother arm 212 between the upper and lower positions. In the upper position, the steam frother arm 212 is configured to allow the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle) to be more easily seated on the milk receptacle base 234. In the lower position, the steam frother arm 212 extends downwardly to allow the exit opening 212a of the steam frother arm 212 to be positioned within the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle) seated on the milk receptacle base 234. FIGS. 3A-3D, 3I, 3J, 3N, 3Z, and 3CC show the steam frother arm 212 in the lower position.

The milk receptacle base 234 has a rib 234b extending around a partial circumference of the milk receptacle base 234 at a top thereof. The rib 234b is configured to help constrain the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle or other container) to the milk receptacle base 234. The milk receptacle base 234 also has a lip 234c extending substantially vertically from the top of the milk receptacle base 234 at a rear of the milk receptacle base 234. The lip 234c is configured to help constrain the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle or other container) to the milk receptacle base 234 and is configured as a stop surface since a user's natural action in placing the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle or other container) on the milk receptacle base 234 may be with the user facing the espresso machine 200 and moving the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle or other container) onto the milk receptacle base 234 by moving the milk tin 232 (or other milk receptacle or other container) to the milk receptacle base 234 in a rearward direction.

FIG. 3K shows the milk tin 232 as a standalone element. The milk tin 232 includes a handle 232a and a main body 232b. The milk tin's main body 232b defines a cavity 232c configured to hold milk therein. The milk tin's main body 232b includes a spout portion 232d configured to facilitate pouring contents out of the milk tin's cavity 232c.

An exterior of the milk tin's main body 232b includes fill lines 232e configured to indicate milk fill levels for different types of beverages. In this illustrated implementation, the milk tin 232b includes three fill lines 232e: a 2 oz fill line 232e for a macchiato or a cortado, a 5 oz fill line 232e for a cappuccino or a flat white, and an 8 oz fill line 232e for a latte. As shown in FIGS. 3L and 3M, the fill lines 232e are also visible in an interior of the milk tin 232, e.g., within the cavity 232c. In this illustrated implementation, the fill lines 232e are each an indented ring extending around the milk tin 232. However, the fill lines 232e can have other configurations, e.g., printed lines on the milk tin 232, lines embossed in the milk tin 232, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3N, with the milk tin 232 seated on the milk receptacle base 234, the steam frother arm 212 is configured to extend into the milk tin 232 with the exit opening 212a of the steam frother arm 212 positioned within the milk tin's cavity 232c. The milk tin 232 and the steam frother arm 212 have relative sizes to allow the steam frother arm 212 to extend down at least to a lowermost one of the fill lines 232e (the 2 oz fill line 232e in this illustrated implementation) since a user should be filling the milk tin 232 at least up to the lowermost one of the fill lines 232e.

As discussed above, steam delivered into the milk tin 232, e.g., into the milk tin's cavity 232c, is configured to be distributed through the milk in the milk tin 232, along with air, using a mechanical mixer to form steamed milk (also referred to herein as “frothed milk”). In this illustrated implementation, the mechanical mixer includes a whisk 236 of the milk tin 232 that is configured to rotate within the milk tin 232, e.g., within the milk tin's cavity 232c. The whisk 236 is located at a bottom of the milk tin 232 to help ensure that the whisk 236 is in direct contact with any milk in the milk tin 232. The whisk 236 includes a central post 236a, a base 236b, at least one magnet 236c, and an agitator 236d. The base 236b, the at least one magnet 236c, and the agitator 236d are configured to rotate as a unit about a longitudinal axis defined by the central post 236a, as discussed further below. The at least one magnet 236c is disposed in the base 236b and, with the at least one magnet 236c including a plurality of magnets in this illustrated implementation, is arranged circumferentially around the central post 236a. The whisk 236 includes six magnets 236c in this illustrated implementation, as shown in FIG. 3O, but another number of magnets 236 may be used, e.g., one, two, three, etc.

The whisk 236 of the milk tin 232 is configured to interact with a whisk driver 238 of the espresso machine 200 (see FIG. 3N). With the milk tin 232 seated in the milk receptacle base 234, the whisk driver 238 is configured to drive the rotation of the base 236b, the at least one magnet 236c, and the agitator 236d such that the agitator 236 agitates milk contained the milk tin 232 to froth the milk. The agitator 236 includes a coil in this illustrated implementation but can have another configuration.

The whisk driver 238 includes a motor 238a, a base 238b, and at least one magnet (obscured in FIG. 3N) seated in the whisk driver base 238b. The motor 238a is seated in a motor support 238c. The whisk driver base 238b and the at least one magnet of the whisk driver 238 are configured to rotate as a unit about a longitudinal axis defined by the motor 238a and the whisk driver base 238b. The motor 238a is operably coupled to the whisk driver base 238b such that the motor 238a is configured to drive the rotation of the whisk driver base 238b and the at least one magnet seated in the whisk driver base 238b. In an exemplary implementation, the whisk driver 238 includes a same number of magnets as the milk tin 232, which may facilitate rotation of the whisk driver base 236b, the at least one magnet 236c, and the agitator 236d by allowing each one of the whisk driver's one or more magnets to be magnetically attracted with one of the milk tin's one or more magnets 236c. The whisk driver 238 includes six magnets in this illustrated implementation to correspond to the milk tin's six magnets 236c. The whisk driver's at least one magnet is disposed in the whisk driver base 238b and, with the at least one magnet including a plurality of magnets in this illustrated implementation, is arranged circumferentially.

The whisk driver 238 is located in the espresso machine 200 such that, with the milk tin 232 seated in the milk receptacle base 234, the whisk driver 238 is vertically aligned with the milk tin 232 located above the whisk driver 238, as shown in FIG. 3N. With the milk tin 232 seated in the milk receptacle base 234, the motor 238a is configured to drive the rotation of the whisk driver base 238b and the at least one magnet seated in the base 238b, e.g., under the control of the espresso machine's controller. The whisk driver's at least one magnet is magnetically attracted with the at least one magnet 236c of the whisk 236 such that the rotation of the whisk driver's at least one magnet causes the at least one magnet 236c of the whisk 236 to rotate along with the whisk base 236b and the agitator 236d. If each of the one or more magnets of the whisk driver 238 is not aligned with one of the one or more magnets 236c of the whisk 236 when the milk tin 232 is initially placed on the milk receptacle base 234, each of the one or more magnets of the whisk driver 238 will tend to become aligned with one of the one or more magnets 236c of the whisk 236 during their simultaneous rotation.

Similar to that discussed above with respect to the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, the hopper 216 of the espresso machine 200 of FIGS. 3A-3D is configured to contain coffee beans therein and be refillable with coffee beans. The hopper 216 is removably coupled to the housing 202 in this illustrated implementation, but as mentioned above can instead be non-removably coupled to the housing 202. FIG. 3P shows the hopper 216 coupled to the housing 202. FIG. 3Q shows the espresso machine 200 with the hopper 216 removed therefrom. A space 202f defined by the housing 202 is configured to receive the hopper 216 therein.

FIGS. 3R and 3S show the hopper 216 as a standalone element. FIG. 3R shows the hopper 216 with a lid 216a of the hopper 216 removed from a main body 216b of the hopper 216 that defines a cavity 204c configured to hold coffee beans therein. FIGS. 3Q and 3R show the hopper 216 with the lid 216a coupled thereto. The lid 216a is configured to form a seal with the main body 216b, which may help protect any coffee beans therein from moisture and/or help the coffee beans age more slowly. The hopper lid 216a in this illustrated implementation is fully removable from the hopper main body 216b to allow access to a hopper cavity 216c of the hopper 216. In other implementations, the hopper lid 216a is configured to remain coupled to the hopper main body 216b when removed to allow access to the hopper cavity 216c, such as being hingedly attached to the main body 216b.

The hopper 216, e.g., the base 216b thereof, includes a downwardly-extending funnel portion 216d through which beans contained in the hopper 216 are configured to pass to the espresso machine's grinder 240 (see FIG. 3Q). The housing's cavity 202f for the hopper 216 includes a corresponding funnel portion (see FIG. 3Q) configured to seated the hopper's funnel portion 216d therein. The housing's cavity 202f and the hopper's funnel portion 216d are thus configured by their corresponding shapes to indicate to a user how the hopper 216 should be coupled to the housing 202 and to help properly align the hopper 216 with the grinder 240 so coffee beans are fed properly to the grinder 240, as described in greater detail below.

The hopper 216 includes a rotor 216e (see FIGS. 3S and 3U) at a bottom of the funnel portion 216d. In some aspects, the rotor 216e can be coupled to one or more tabs 216f located at an outer circumference of a funnel opening located at the bottom of the funnel portion. In some aspects, the hopper 216 can further include a locking handle (not shown) disposed within the funnel portion 216d and configured to lock/unlock the hopper 216 within the machine. In some aspects, the user can interact with the locking handle to move the locking handle between a locked position and an unlocked position, thereby rotating the rotor 216e between an open position and a closed position, respectively. When the rotor 216e is in the open position, coffee beans in the hopper 216 are allowed to pass through the funnel opening into the grinder 240, and when the rotor 216e is in the closed position, coffee beans in the hopper 216 are prevented from passing through the funnel opening into the grinder 240. FIG. 3S shows the rotor 216e in the open position, as indicated by aligned openings at the bottom of the funnel portion 216d. In some aspects, the housing's cavity 202f can further include one or more microswitches 202j, as shown in FIG. 3Q, configured to be pressed by the one or more tabs 216f when the rotor 216e is in the open position. When pressed, the one or more microswitches 202j can be configured to complete a circuit, thereby allowing for the grinder to operate. In a case where the user wishes to remove the hopper 216 from the housing's cavity 202f while there are still beans in the hopper 126, the user can move the locking handle into the unlocked position, thereby rotating the rotor 216e from the open position to the closed position. By rotating the rotor 216e from the open position to the closed position, the one or more tabs 216f can be configured to disengage from the one or more microswitches 202j and break the circuit, thus inhibiting operation of the grinder and allowing the hopper 216 to be removed without coffee beans falling out of the rotor 216e. Similarly, in a case where the user wishes to insert the hopper 216 into the housing's cavity 202f while there are still beans in the hopper 126, the user can place the hopper 216 within the housing's cavity 202f while the locking handle is in the unlocked position. Once the hopper 216 is properly placed, the user can move the locking handle into the locked position, thereby rotating the rotor 216e from the closed position to the open position. By rotating the rotor 216e from the closed position to the open position while the hopper 216 is placed within the housing's cavity 202f, the one or more tabs 216f can engage the one or more microswitches 202j, thereby completing the circuit and allowing for the grinder to operate.

The grinder 240 can have a variety of configurations. In this illustrated implementation, the grinder 240 includes an outer burr 240a and an inner burr 240b defining a space therebetween into which beans are configured to be delivered from the hopper 216. The inner burr 240b is configured to rotate, relative to the outer burr 240a, about a longitudinal axis of the inner burr 240b to grind beans contained in the space defined between the outer and inner burrs 240a, 240b. The espresso machine 200 includes a motor (obscured in FIG. 3Q) operably coupled to the inner burr 240b via a shaft 241 (see FIG. 3U) and is configured to drive the rotation of the inner burr 240b. As shown FIG. 3Q, in this illustrated implementation the outer burr 240a is a ring burr surrounding the inner burr 240b, which is a 5-point frustoconical burr.

In this illustrated implementation, a grind size to which the grinder 240 grinds the coffee beans is adjustable by a user. The espresso machine 200 thus includes a grind size adjustment mechanism, which as mentioned above is a wheel 222 in this illustrated implementation. Similar to that discussed above with respect to the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, the wheel 222 is operably coupled to the grinder 240 and is configured to be rotated by a user, with rotation of the wheel 222 in a first direction being configured to increase the grind size and rotation of the wheel 222 in a second, opposite direction being configured to decrease the grind size. The wheel 222 has a plurality of predetermined positions, e.g., eight, ten, twelve, fifteen, sixteen, eighteen, twenty, twenty-five, or other number, with each of the predetermined positions corresponding to a grind size.

The espresso machine 200 includes an encoder (obscured in FIG. 3Q) configured to sense a position of the wheel 222 and communicate the sensed position to the controller. The controller is configured to, using the sensed position of the wheel 222, control the grinder 240 to achieve the currently selected grind size. In some implementations, the controller is configured to cause the currently selected grind size to be shown on the user interface 206.

The wheel 222 is operatively coupled to a gear train of the espresso machine 100 that is operably coupled to the outer burr 240a of the grinder 240. As discussed further below, rotation of the wheel 222 is configured to cause rotation of gears of the gear train, which causes the outer burr 240a to travel upward or downward vertically depending on the direction that the wheel 222 is turned. The outer burr's upward or downward vertical movement is relative to the inner burr 240b. A diameter of the inner burr 240b decreases in an upward direction due to the frustoconical shape of the inner burr 240b. Thus, the higher vertically that the outer burr 240a is located relative to the inner burr 240b, the coarser the grinder 140 will grind the beans using the outer and inner burrs 240a, 240b. Correspondingly, the lower vertically that the outer burr 240a is located relative to the inner burr 240b, the finer the grinder 140 will grind the beans using the outer and inner burrs 240a, 240b. An uppermost position of the inner burr 240b corresponds to the coarsest grind, and a lowermost position of the inner burr 240b corresponds to the finest grind.

As shown in FIG. 3T, the gear train includes a first gear 242a engaged with the wheel 222, a second gear 242b engaged with the first gear 242b, a third gear 242c engaged with the second gear 242b, and a fourth gear 242d engaged with the second gear 242b. The third gear 242c is also engaged with an encoder 244 operatively coupled to the controller. The fourth gear 242d is also engaged with a carriage 246 in which the outer burr 240a is disposed, as shown in FIG. 3U.

The carriage 246 is shown as a standalone element in FIG. 3V, and the fourth gear 242d is shown as a standalone element in FIG. 3W. The carriage 246 includes at least one pin 246a that extends radially outward. The four gear 242d includes at least one track 242e formed in an inner surface thereof. Each of the one or more tracks 242e is helical, although not necessarily extending helically around an entire circumference of the inner surface of the four gear 242d. The one or more tracks being helical help the grinder 240 produce a more consistent coffee grind particle size as compared to a blade grinder, which may be particularly important for espresso and sprover-style drinks since particle size affects beverage quality. The carriage 246 is engaged with the fourth gear 242d with the at least one pin 246a of the carriage 246 being slidably seated in the at least one track 242e formed in the fourth gear 242d. The carriage 246 includes three pins 246a (one of the pins 246a is obscured in FIG. 3V), and the fourth gear 242d includes three tracks 242e (one of the tracks 242e is obscured in FIG. 3W) each configured to seat one of the pins 246a therein. Another number of pins 246a and tracks 242e may be used, e.g., one, two, four, etc. In other implementations, the carriage 246 can include at least one track, and the fourth gear 242d can include at least one pin.

In response to rotation of the wheel 222, the first gear 242a is configured to rotate, which causes the second gear 242b to rotate, which causes each of the third and fourth gears 242c, 242d to rotate. The encoder 244 is configured to measure a position of the third gear 242c and transmit a signal indicative of the measured position to the controller, similar to that discussed above regarding the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A. The rotation of the fourth gear 242d is in a horizontal plane. The fourth gear 242d does not move upward or downward during its rotation. The rotation of the fourth gear 242d causes the one or more pins 246a of the carriage 246 to slide within the fourth gear's one or more tracks 242e, which causes the carriage 246 to either move vertically upward or downward due to the helical nature of the one or more tracks 242e, depending on the direction of fourth gear's rotation and thus depending on the direction the user's rotation of the wheel 222.

Coffee grinds are configured to exit the grinder 240 through a chute 248 (see FIG. 3T) to be delivered to the portafilter 218. FIGS. 3A-3C, 3I, and 3J show the portafilter 218 coupled to the espresso machine 200 in a first position in which the portafilter 218 is configured to receive coffee grinds through an upper opening of the portafilter 218. FIGS. 3X and 3Y show the portafilter 218 as a standalone element with the portafilter 218 removably coupled with a funnel 217. FIG. 3Z shows the espresso machine 200 with the portafilter 218 (and funnel 217) removed therefrom. The portafilter 218 includes a bayonet mechanism 218a, in the form of radially extending tabs, that is configured to mate with a bayonet mechanism 250a of a portafilter dock 250 of the espresso machine 200. The portafilter 218 in the first position is configured to be seated in the portafilter dock 250 with the bayonet mechanisms 218a, 250a mated together. The portafilter 218 can include the bayonet mechanism 218a, or, as in this illustrated implementation as shown in FIGS. 3X, 3Y, and 3FF, the funnel 217 includes the bayonet mechanism 218a that is configured to engage the bayonet mechanism 250a of the portafilter dock 250. The funnel 217 including the bayonet mechanism 218a may help ensure that the funnel 217 is coupled to the portafilter 218 before the portafilter 218 is coupled to the espresso machine 200 via the portafilter dock 250 and thus allow the funnel 217 to provide various benefits as discussed herein.

In an exemplary implementation, the portafilter dock 250 includes a weight sensor, such as a load cell or other sensor configured to measure weight, configured to sense a weight of coffee grounds in the portafilter 218. The weight sensor is configured to be operatively coupled to the controller such that sensed weight data can be transmitted from the weight sensor to the controller. The controller is configured to use weight data received from the weight sensor in controlling at least one functionality of the espresso machine 200. In an exemplary implementation, the controller is configured to use weight data received from the weight sensor in controlling the delivery of coffee beans from the grinder 240 to the portafilter 218, thereby allowing a certain amount of coffee to be ground by the grinder 240 for a particular user-selected beverage and delivered to the portafilter 218 through the chute 248.

In implementations in which the user interface 208 is configured to allow user input of a ground setting for sprover-style drinks, the controller is configured to use weight data received from the weight sensor in achieving the selected ground setting by controlling the delivery of coffee beans from the grinder 240 to the portafilter 218, thereby allowing the certain amount of coffee to be ground by the grinder 240 for the selected ground setting and delivered to the portafilter 218 through the chute 248.

In some implementations, controlling the delivery of coffee beans from the grinder 240 to the portafilter 218 is performed without use of a weight sensor. In such implementations, the espresso machine 200 omits the weight sensor and can optionally include another element, such as a counter or other timer, configured to facilitate the controller's controlling of the delivery of coffee beans from the grinder 240 to the portafilter 218.

The funnel 217 is configured to help guide the coffee grounds from the chute 248 into the portafilter 218 to help prevent loose coffee grounds from escaping from the espresso machine 200 and causing a mess. As mentioned above, the funnel 217 is configured to be removably coupled with the portafilter 218, such as by engaging the portafilter's bayonet mechanism 250a as shown in FIGS. 3X and 3Y. The funnel 217 is shown as a standalone element in FIG. 3FF.

The portafilter 218 is configured to removably seat therein a selected one of a plurality of baskets 219a. 219b, 219c, as shown in FIGS. 3GG-3II, respectively, which can be selectively used for making a plurality of different drink styles. The baskets 219a, 219b, 219c are each configured to receive the coffee grounds therein and for water (heated or not heated) to pass therethrough. Each of the baskets 219a, 219b, 219c has a plurality of openings defining a filter in a bottom thereof. Each of the openings has a size configured to allow water to pass therethrough but not allow coffee grounds to pass therethrough. FIG. 3HH shows the plurality of openings 219d at the bottom of the second basket 219b. The selected one of the baskets 219a, 219b, 219c removably coupled to the portafilter 218 is configured to be removed from the portafilter 218 to allow for a user to easily swap between the plurality of baskets 219a, 219b, 219c based on a desired drink style of the plurality of different drink styles.

The plurality of baskets 219a, 219b, 219c each has a different capacity, so each of the baskets 219a. 219b, 219c is configured to hold therein a different maximum amount of coffee grinds. This illustrated implementation includes three baskets 219a, 219b, 219c, but another number of baskets may be used, e.g., one, two, four, etc. The first basket 219a is configured for use in preparing single espresso shots, the second basket 219b is configured for use in preparing double espresso shots, and the third basket 219c is configured for use in preparing other beverages (e.g., quad espresso shots and other coffee beverages). The first basket 219a has a smaller capacity than the second basket 219b, which has a smaller capacity than the third basket 219c.

The espresso machine 200 in this illustrated implementation includes a basket storage area configured to store the plurality of baskets 219a. 219b, 219c therein, which may help prevent the baskets 219a, 219b, 219c from being lost and/or may help ensure that a desired basket 219a, 219b, 219c is available when a user is ready for its use. FIGS. 3B and 3D illustrate a door 202i configured to be opened to access the basket storage area formed in the housing 202. The door 202i is hingedly attached to the housing 202 in this illustrated implementation but may be fully removable from the housing 202 in other implementations. The basket storage area can include an organization mechanism therein, such as one or more shelves, one or more hooks, etc., configured to facilitate organized storage of the plurality of baskets 219a, 219b, 219c therein.

Similar to that discussed above regarding the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, the portafilter 218 having coffee grounds therein is configured to be removed from the espresso machine 200 for tamping of the coffee grounds using the tamp 220. In this illustrated implementation, the tamp 220 is removably coupled to the espresso machine 200 to allow the user to selectively remove the tamp 220 for tamping, but as mentioned above, the tamp can instead be non-removably coupled to the espresso machine or can be a standalone device that is not coupled to the espresso machine 200. FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3H, 3I, and 3Z show the tamp 220 coupled to the espresso machine 200. FIGS. 3AA and 3BB show the tamp 220 as a standalone element. FIG. 3CC shows the espresso machine 200 with the tamp 220 removed therefrom.

As shown in FIGS. 3CC and 3DD, the housing 202 of the espresso machine 200 includes a first cavity 202g formed therein that is configured to releasably seat the tamp 220 therein. A spring-loaded pin 252 protrudes into the first cavity 202g. The pin 252 is biased into the first cavity 202g. FIGS. 3CC and 3DD also show that the housing 202 includes a second cavity 202h formed therein that is configured to releasably seat the filter 217 therein. The second cavity 202h is located vertically above the first cavity 202g in this illustrated implementation, but the first and second cavities 202g, 202h can be located in the housing 202 relative to one another at any of a variety of locations.

As shown in FIGS. 3AA and 3BB, the tamp 220 includes a groove 220a extending circumferentially therearound. The pin 252 is configured to releasably seat in the tamp's groove 220a to help hold the tamp 220 within the first cavity 202g. The groove 220a extending fully around the tamp 220 is configured to allow the tamp 220 to be seated in the first cavity 202g at any rotational position relative to the housing 202.

The tamp 220 is configured to be inserted into the portafilter 218 through the upper opening of the portafilter 218, with or without the funnel 217 removably coupled thereto. A bottom surface 220b of the tamp 220 is configured to be pressed down and on coffee grinds in the portafilter 218 to form a puck. The bottom surface 220b of the tamp 220 is smooth and solid, which may help form a uniform, compressed puck of coffee grinds.

The tamp 220 includes an upper housing 220c and a lower housing 220d. The lower housing 220d includes the tamp's bottom surface 220b. The upper housing 220c is movably coupled to the lower housing 220d. A spring 220e that is internal to the tamp 220 is operably coupled to the upper and lower housings 220c, 220d and biases the upper housing 220c upward in a direction away from the lower housing 220d. With the tamp 220 inserted at least partially into the portafilter 218 with the tamp's bottom surface 220b contacting the coffee grinds in the portafilter 218, the upper housing 220c is configured to be pressed downward by a user to help apply pressure to the coffee grinds to form the puck. The upper housing 220c being pressed downward overcomes the biasing force of the spring 220e to allow the upper housing 220c to move downward relative to the lower housing 220d. When the user releases pressure on the upper housing 220c, the biasing force provided by the spring 220e is configured to cause the upper housing 220c to move back upward. In some aspects, the spring 220e can also provide haptic feedback to the user to indicate that the correct tamp force has been achieved and also to limit over tamping.

Similar to that discussed above with respect to the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, the portafilter 218 having the tamp 220 removed therefrom and having tamped coffee grounds therein is configured to be positioned by a user below the group head 214 and re-coupled to the espresso machine 200 to allow water to pass through the group head 214 into the portafilter 218, e.g., before being dispensed as brewed espresso into a cup or other container positioned on the drip tray 208. As shown in FIG. 3EE, the group head 214 includes a bayonet mechanism 214a that is configured to mate with the bayonet mechanism 218a of the portafilter 218.

Also similar to that discussed above with respect to the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, water is configured to pass out of the first solenoid valve to the group head 214. The group head 214 includes a plurality of holes 214b, as shown in FIG. 3EE, through which the water is configured to pass at high pressure into the portafilter 218 containing a tamped coffee puck therein. The group head 214 is an E61 group head in this illustrated implementation, although other types of group heads may be used.

Over time, water flowing in the espresso machine 200 causes mineral deposits in various conduits through which the water flows en route to being dispensed through the hot water outlet 210 (e.g., as hot water or unheated water), the steam frother arm 212 (e.g., dispensed as steam), or the group head 214 (e.g., dispensed as a brewed beverage). A first water flow path in which mineral deposits build up extends from the reservoir 204 through the hot water outlet 210. A second water flow path in which mineral deposits build up extends from the reservoir 204 through the steam frother arm 212. A third water flow path in which mineral deposits build up extends from the reservoir 204 through the group head 214. As discussed further below, in an exemplary implementation, the espresso machine 200 is configured to perform descaling to clean mineral deposits that may be in the various conduits along the first, second, and third water flow paths.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate another implementation of an espresso machine 400 configured to brew and dispense espresso. The espresso machine 400 in this illustrated implementation is also configured to dispense water, to froth milk (e.g., dairy milk or a non-dairy milk substitute), and to brew and dispense sprover-style drinks. The espresso machine 400 of FIGS. 4A-4C is generally configured and used similar to the espresso machine 200 of FIGS. 3A-3D, and thus similar to the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A. Particular elements of the espresso machine 400 of FIGS. 4A-4C are thus not specifically discussed since they are similar to that discussed above regarding the espresso machine 200 except as discussed below.

The espresso machine 400 includes a door 402i configured to be opened to allow access to a basket storage area 402j, similar to that discussed above regarding the espresso machine 200 of FIGS. 3A-3D. FIG. 4D illustrates the door 402i separated from the espresso machine's housing 402 for purposes of illustration. In this illustrated implementation, as shown in FIG. 4A, the door 402i is hingedly attached to the housing 402.

FIG. 4D illustrates one implementation of an organization mechanism in the basket storage area 402j. The organization mechanism includes a plurality of shelves each configured to hold one of a plurality of baskets similar to the plurality of baskets 219a, 219b, 219c discussed above. A bottom shelf 402k is configured to hold the first basket, a top shelf 402L is configured to hold the second basket, and a middle shelf 402m is configured to hold the third basket.

In this illustrated implementation, a tamp 420 of the espresso machine 400 is non-removably coupled to the espresso machine 400, and a portafilter 418 of the espresso machine is configured to remain coupled to the espresso machine 400 for tamping. The tamp 420 (see FIG. 4E) is configured to be inserted into the portafilter 418 through an upper opening of the portafilter 418, with or without a funnel removably coupled thereto. A bottom surface 420b of the tamp 420 is configured to be pressed down and on coffee grinds in the portafilter 418 to form a puck. The bottom surface 420b of the tamp 420 is smooth and solid, which may help form a uniform, compressed puck of coffee grinds.

The tamp 420 includes an upper housing 420c and a lower housing 420d. The lower housing 420d includes the tamp's bottom surface 420b. The upper housing 420c is movably coupled to the lower housing 420d. A spring 420e (see FIG. 4G) that is internal to the tamp 420 is operably coupled to the upper and lower housings 420c, 420d and biases the lower housing 420d downward in a direction away from the upper housing 420c. The spring 420e extends vertically and is coiled around a central post 420f of the tamp 420. The lower housing 420d includes the central post 420f. The central post 420f extends upwardly toward the upper housing 420c.

The tamp 420 is operably coupled to a tamp handle 421. The tamp handle 421 extends from the housing 402 and is accessible to a user for operating the tamp 420. The tamp handle 421 is configured to be moved by a user to actuate the tamp 420 so the tamp's bottom surface 420b contacts and presses down coffee grinds in the portafilter 418. The tamp handle 421 is shown as a lever in this illustrated embodiment but can have another configuration, such as a knob.

As shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, the tamp handle 421 is operably coupled to an elongate shaft 423. The elongate shaft 423 extends horizontally in the housing 402. The elongate shaft 423 is operably coupled with a pinion 425 that is operably engaged with a rack 427, e.g., with teeth of the pinion 425 engaged with teeth of the rack 427. The rack 427 extends vertically in the housing 402. The rack 427 is operably coupled to the tamp 420. e.g., the upper housing 420c thereof.

The actuation of the tamp handle 421 is configured to cause the elongate shaft 423 to rotate about a longitudinal axis defined by the elongate shaft 423. The rotation of the elongate shaft 423 is configured to cause the pinion 425 to correspondingly rotate. The rotation of the pinion 425 is configured to cause the rack 427 to move vertically, which causes the tamp 420 to correspondingly move vertically. The user's actuation of the tamp handle 421 to cause tamping causes the rack 427 to move downward and thus the tamp 420 to move downward to press down on coffee grounds in the portafilter 418. Initially, both the upper and lower housings 420c, 420d move downward. As the tamp 420, e.g., the bottom surface 420d thereof, begins to press on the coffee grounds, the force overcomes the biasing force of the spring 420e to allow the lower housing 420d to move upward relative to the upper housing 420c. In this way, over-tamping may be prevented, as over-tamping coffee grounds may adversely affect coffee beverage quality.

The tamp handle 421 is configured to be moved manually by a user from a resting or non-tamping position, shown in FIGS. 4A-4C and 4E-4G, to a tamping position, in which the tamp 420 is pressing down on the coffee grounds in the portafilter 418. A spring 429 operably coupled to the tamp handle 421 is configured to automatically return the tamp handle 421 to the resting position from the tamping position. The spring 429 is thus configured as a return spring. The spring 429 extends horizontally and is coiled around the elongate shaft 423, as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F. The spring 429 is configured to be compressed in response to the elongate shaft 423 being rotated in response to the actuation, e.g., pressing down, of the tamp handle 421. A user's release of the tamp handle 421 removes a force being applied to the tamp handle 421 and thus allows the spring 429 to decompress. The decompression of the spring 429 is configured to cause the elongate shaft 423 to rotate in an opposite direction, which is configured to cause the tamp handle 421 to move toward and return to the resting position. The tamp handle 421 is thus configured to move automatically to the resting position, which may help ensure that the tamp handle 421 is in a ready position for a next tamping operation.

The espresso machine 400 is configured to notify a user when the tamp 420 has moved to the tamping position. The notification is configured to signal the user that tamping has occurred properly and completely and that the tamp handle 421 may be released. Over-tamping may thus be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 4H, the espresso machine 400 includes first and second electrical contacts 431a, 431b. The first and second electrical contacts 431a, 431b are located above the central post 420f of the lower housing 420d.

With the tamp 420 in the resting position, the central post 420f of the lower housing 420d does not contact the first and second electrical contacts 431a, 431b. As the tamp 420 moves from the resting position toward the tamping position, the central post 420f of the lower housing 420d moves upward toward the first and second electrical contacts 431a, 431b. When the tamp 420 reaches the tamping position, the central post 420f. e.g., an upper surface thereof, contacts the first and second electrical contacts 431a, 431b, which causes an electrical circuit to be completed. The central post 420f is conductive, such as by being formed of a metal or other conductive material, to allow completion of the circuit. The electrical circuit is operably coupled to the espresso machine's controller, e.g., by one or both of the electrical contacts 431a, 431b being electrically coupled with the controller. The controller is thus configured to receive a signal indicative of the electrical circuit being completed. thereby indicating to the controller that tamping has been completed. In response receiving the signal indicative of the electrical circuit being completed, the controller is configured to cause the notification to be provided to a user. The notification can be audible and/or visual, such as by a beep sounding and/or a light illuminating on a user interface 406 of the espresso machine 400.

Over time, water flowing in the espresso machine 400 causes mineral deposits in various conduits through which the water flows en route to being dispensed through a hot water outlet 410 (e.g., as hot water or unheated water) of the espresso machine 400 (see FIG. 4I), a steam frother arm 412 (e.g., dispensed as steam) of the espresso machine 400 (see FIGS. 4C and 4I), or a group head 414 (e.g., dispensed as a brewed beverage) of the espresso machine 400 (see FIG. 4I). A first water flow path in which mineral deposits build up extends from a reservoir 404 of the espresso machine 400 (see FIG. 4C) through the hot water outlet 410. A second water flow path in which mineral deposits build up extends from the reservoir 404 through the steam frother arm 412. A third water flow path in which mineral deposits build up extends from the reservoir 404 through the group head 414. As discussed further below, in an exemplary implementation, the espresso machine 400 is configured to perform descaling to clean mineral deposits that may be in the various conduits along the first, second, and third water flow paths.

The steam frother arm 412 is configured to move between an upper or open position and a lower or closed position, such as by being pivoted with the steam frother arm 412 being pivotally attached to the housing 402. The steam frother arm 412 in this illustrated implementation includes a handle 412b, as shown in FIG. 4A, configured to facilitate user handling of the steam frother arm 412 when moving the steam frother arm 412 between the upper and lower positions. In the upper position, the steam frother arm 412 is pivoted upward to allow a milk tin 432 (or other milk receptacle) to be more easily seated on a milk receptacle base 434 of the espresso machine 400. In the lower position, the steam frother arm 412 extends downwardly to allow an exit opening (obscured in the figures) of the steam frother arm 412 to be positioned within the milk tin 432 (or other milk receptacle) seated on the milk receptacle base 434. FIGS. 4A-4C and 4I show the steam frother arm 412 in the lower position.

FIG. 5A illustrates another implementation of an espresso machine 500 configured to brew and dispense espresso. The espresso machine 500 in this illustrated implementation is also configured to dispense water, to froth milk (e.g., dairy milk or a non-dairy milk substitute), and to brew and dispense sprover-style drinks. The espresso machine 500 of FIG. 5A is generally configured and used similar to the espresso machine 400 of FIGS. 4A-4C, and thus similar to the espresso machine 200 of FIGS. 3A-3D and the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A. Particular elements of the espresso machine 500 of FIG. 5A are thus not specifically discussed since they are similar to that discussed above regarding the espresso machine 200 except as discussed below.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the espresso machine 500 includes a portafilter retention feature 549 configured to help retain a portafilter 518 in a portafilter dock 550. The portafilter retention feature 549 in this illustrated implementation includes a pair of opposed retention fingers extending into a space 550b defined by the portafilter dock 550 (one of the two retention fingers is obscured in the views of FIG. 5A). The retention fingers are resilient members, such as rubber or other material, configured to facilitate gripping and non-slippage of the portafilter 518 relative to the portafilter dock 550. FIG. 5A shows the portafilter 518 removably coupled to a group head 514 of the espresso machine 500. The portafilter 518 and the portafilter dock 550 are discussed further in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/652,309 entitled “Beverage Machine Filters And Portafilters” filed on May 1, 2024, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/652,415 entitled “Beverage Machine Portafilters” filed on May 1, 2024, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/652,514 entitled “Coffee Tamping” filed on May 1, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The portafilter dock 550 in this illustrated implementation also includes railing 550c (see FIG. 5A) extending along the inner surface 550a. The railing 550c is configured to further help retain the portafilter 518 in the portafilter dock 550. In other implementations, the espresso machine 500 includes only one of the railing 550c and the portafilter retention feature 549, or includes neither the railing 550c and the portafilter retention feature 549.

FIG. 5B also shows a reed switch 515 that is generally configured and used similar to the reed switches of the espresso machines 200, 400 discussed above in relation to detecting which of a plurality of baskets is seated in a portafilter.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the espresso machine 500 includes a hopper 516 that is generally configured and used similar to the hopper 216 of FIGS. 3R and 3S discussed above. Similar to a hopper 416 of the espresso machine 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the hopper 516 extends above a top surface of a housing 502 of the espresso machine 500, as shown in FIG. 5A. The hopper 516, a reservoir 504, and a grinder of the espresso machine 500 are discussed further in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/651,926 entitled “Suggesting Coffee Bean Grind Size For Beverage Machines” filed on May 1, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 5A and 5C show a steam frother arm 512 of the espresso machine 500 that is generally configured and used similar to the stream frother arm 212 of FIG. 3A discussed above. As shown in FIG. 5C, the steam frother arm 512 includes an outer tube 512b and an inner tube 512c disposed coaxially within the outer tube 512b. Fluid flows in the steam frother arm 512 in a passageway of the inner tube 516c and thus within a passageway of the outer tube 512b in which the inner tube 512c is disposed.

The outer tube 512b is a metal (e.g., stainless steel or other metal), conductive tube. The outer tube 512b being metal may help the steam frother arm 512 be easy to clean externally by a user and/or help the steam frother arm 512 retain its shape. The inner tube 512c is a polymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon™) or other polymer), non-conductive tube. The inner tube 512c may help prevent the outer tube 512b from becoming too hot for a user to touch, especially during longer froth processes, and/or may help prevent internal wear of the steam frother arm 512 due to repeated use since the polymer of the inner tube 512c is more resistant to such wear that the metal of the outer tube 512b.

The steam frother arm 512 includes an exit opening that is obscured in the figures. The exit opening is formed in a tip 512d of the steam frother arm 512. The steam frother arm 512 includes one or more seals 512e between the tip 512d and the outer tube 512b to help prevent any steam leaks from the steam frother arm 512 and to help prevent any unintentional fluid ingress into the outer tube 512b. The steam frother arm 512 also includes one or more seals 512e between the tip 512d and the inner tube 512c to help prevent any steam leaks from the steam frother arm 512 and to help prevent any unintentional fluid ingress into the inner tube 512c. The seals 512e are each an o-ring in this illustrated implementation, but other types of seals may be used.

The stream frother arms of the espresso machines 200, 400 of FIGS. 3A and 4A each include a metal, conductive tube that is generally configured and used similar to the outer tube 512b of FIG. 5C but does not have an inner tube disposed therein, which may help case the manufacturing process and/or may reduce cost. However, the stream frother arms of the espresso machines 200, 400 of FIGS. 3A and 4A can include such an inner tube.

The espresso machine 500 includes a drip tray fill level indicator configured to indicate a fill level of the espresso machine's drip tray 508, e.g., a fill level within a cavity 508c defined by a base 508a of the drip tray 508. A user may therefore be visually signaled by the espresso machine 500 when emptying the drip tray 508 is advisable so the drip tray 508 does not become completely full or overflow. Drip trays of other beverage machines described herein can similarly include a drip tray fill level indicator.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5D, the drip tray fill level indicator in this illustrated implementation includes a pin 501 movably coupled to the drip tray 508. The pin 501 is configured to float in liquid, such as by being a hollow, polymer member. A height of the pin 501 relative to the drip tray 508, e.g., how much the pin 501 extends vertically above a top surface of a lid 508b of the drip tray 508, is configured to show the fill level of the drip tray 508. The higher the pin 501 relative to the drip tray 508, the more full the drip tray 508. In other words, the more the pin 501 extends vertically above the top surface of a lid 508b of the drip tray 508, the more full the drip tray 508. With the drip tray 508 empty, the pin 501 is at its lowest vertical level. With the drip tray 508 full, the pin 501 is at its highest vertical level.

The pin 501 in the illustrated implementation is configured to rise gradually as the drip tray's fill level increases. In another implementation, the pin 501 is configured to rise abruptly to indicate that the drip tray 508 has reached a threshold fill level. A user may be more likely to notice an abruptly risen pin 501 than a gradually rising pin 501 and thus be more likely to empty the drip tray 508 before the drip tray 508 becomes completely full or overflows. For example, in such an implementation, a first portion 508f within the cavity 508c is walled off by a wall from a second, adjacent portion 508g of the cavity 508c. For example, an internal wall 508h of the drip tray 508 can be extended in a forward direction to wall the first portion 508f off from the second portion 508g.

The first and second portions 508f, 508g of the cavity 508c are in communication with one another. When the second portion 508g of the cavity 508c becomes full enough with liquid to reach a top of the wall walling the second portion 508g of the cavity 508c from the first portion 508f of the cavity 508c, the wall can no longer prevent the liquid from entering the first portion 508f from the second portion 508g. The liquid spills over the wall to enter the first portion 508f from the second portion 508g. The pin 501 therefore rises to indicate that the drip tray 508 has reached a threshold fill level.

The pin 501, whether configured to rise gradually or abruptly, is a mechanical drip tray fill level indicator. Instead of or in addition to a mechanical drip tray fill level indicator, the drip tray 508 (or other drip tray described herein) can include an electrical drip tray fill level indicator. The electrical drip tray fill level indicator is operably coupled with the espresso machine's controller. The controller is configured to, based on a signal received from the electrical drip tray fill level indicator, cause a drip tray fill level alert to a user, such as by a light, text, an audible sound, etc. provided via the espresso machine's user interface 506.

FIG. 5E illustrates one implementation of an electrical drip tray fill level indicator 503. The electrical drip tray fill level indicator 503 in this illustrated implementation includes a pair of electrical contacts 503a, such as copper contacts or other conductive contacts. The pair of electrical contacts 503a are coupled to the drip tray 508 at a top of the drip tray's base 508b and in communication with the drip tray's cavity 508c. When the cavity 508c is empty, the pair of electrical contacts 503a are not in electrical communication with one another. When enough liquid fills the cavity 508c to reach a level of the pair of electrical contacts 503a, the liquid bridges the pair of electrical contacts 503a so the pair of electrical contacts 503a become in electrical communication with one another to complete a circuit including the controller. The controller thus receives a signal in response to the drip tray 508 being filled to a predetermined level defined by a location of the pair of electrical contacts 503a relative to the cavity 508c of the drip tray 508 in which liquid is collected.

In an exemplary implementation, an espresso machine, such as the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A, the espresso machine 200 of FIGS. 3A-3D, the espresso machine 400 of FIGS. 4A-4C, the espresso machine of FIG. 5A, or other espresso machine, is configured to perform descaling to clean mineral deposits that may be present in conduits along various water flow paths of the espresso machine. Descaling helps avoid bitter coffee caused by mineral deposits. Descaling helps prevent clogging of the water flow paths and thus helps prevent the espresso machine from becoming unusable due to mineral deposits. Descaling is discussed below with respect to espresso machines but can be similarly implemented in other beverage preparation machines, as mentioned above.

In an exemplary implementation, the espresso machine is configured to prompt a user, e.g., via a user interface of the espresso machine, to start a decaling process. The espresso machine's user interface is configured to receive an input from a user in response to the prompt, such as a user pressing a button on the user interface, turning a knob on the user interface, etc. In response to receiving the input, the espresso machine is configured to perform the descaling operation.

In an exemplary implementation, the espresso machine is configured to provide the prompt for decaling after a predetermined number of dispensing operations have occurred. The espresso machine, e.g., a controller of the espresso machine, is configured to determine that the predetermined number of dispensing operations has occurred based on a value of a counter that is incremented each time a dispensing operation occurs, e.g., when water is dispensed via a hot water outlet of the espresso machine, when a beverage is dispensed via a group head of the espresso machine, or when steam is dispensed out of a steam frother arm of the espresso machine.

The predetermined number of dispensing operations is preprogrammed at a default value. In implementations in which the espresso machine is configured to receive an input of a hard water test result, in an exemplary implementation, the espresso machine is configured to use the hard water test result in setting the predetermined number of dispensing operations because, depending on the hardness of the water to be used with the espresso machine, more or less frequent descaling may be preferable to the default predetermined number of dispensing operations. For harder water, the default predetermined number of dispensing operations is decreased since more mineral deposits may be building up than if softer water was being used. For less hard water, the default predetermined number of dispensing operations is increased since less mineral deposits may be building up than if harder water was being used.

The espresso machine is configured to prompt the user for the hard water test result as part of initial setup of the espresso machine so the hard water test result is available prior to any water passing through the espresso machine and thus prior to any dispensing operations being performed that could cause mineral deposit buildup. In some implementations, the espresso machine is configured to prompt the user after a descaling operation is performed to input a hard water test result, which may help account for any water changes since a prior hard water test result (if any) was input to the espresso machine. In some implementations, the espresso machine is configured to only prompt the user to input a hard water test result as part of initial setup of the espresso machine and is also configured to allow a user to, at the user's discretion, input a hard water test result by selecting a hard water test result input option via the espresso machine's user interface.

In an exemplary implementation, the espresso machine is configured to prompt a user to fill a reservoir of the espresso machine with a cleaning liquid in preparation for the descaling operation. The fill prompt can be provided, for example, in response to the user providing the input to begin the descaling operation. The espresso machine can be configured to require a user input confirming that the reservoir has been filled with the cleaning liquid before any liquid from the reservoir is pumped through the espresso machine for descaling, which may help ensure that the descaling operation is performed using cleaning liquid and not water that may have been present previously in the reservoir.

The cleaning liquid used in the descaling operation is configured to descale the water flow paths of the espresso machine through which the cleaning liquid flows. Water is not used alone as the cleaning liquid because the water could cause mineral deposits instead of removing mineral deposits coating, layered in, or otherwise built up in the espresso machine's conduits. In an exemplary implementation, the cleaning liquid is a mixture of water and vinegar, such as in a 1:1 ratio. Other cleaning liquids may be used, such as lemon juice, water having a cleaning tablet dissolved therein, or water mixed with a descaling powder.

In an exemplary implementation, the espresso machine is configured to prompt a user to empty a drip tray of the espresso machine in preparation for the descaling operation. The drip tray being emptied before descaling continues may help prevent the drip tray from overflowing before descaling is completed since cleaning liquid pumped through the espresso machine during the descaling exits the espresso machine, e.g., through the espresso machine's hot water outlet, steam frother arm, and group head, and falls into the drip tray. The espresso machine can be configured to require a user input confirming that the drip tray has been emptied before any liquid from the reservoir is pumped through the espresso machine for descaling, which may help ensure that the drip tray does not overflow during the descaling operation.

FIG. 6A illustrates one implementation of a method 600 of descaling an espresso machine. The method 600 is described with respect to the espresso machine 100 of FIG. 1A for ease of explanation but can be similarly performed with respect to another machine (e.g., the espresso machine 200 of FIGS. 2A-2D, the espresso machine 400 of FIGS. 4A-4C, the espresso machine of FIG. 5A, or other machine).

The method 600 includes the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, initiating 602 descaling, such as in response to a user input to the espresso machine 100 via the espresso machine's user interface, as discussed above.

After the descaling is initiated 602, espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, determines 604 whether the steam frother arm 160 is closed, e.g., is in a lower or closed position, and whether a milk receptacle is present, e.g., a milk receptacle is seated on a milk receptacle base of the espresso machine 100. For example, in some aspects, the espresso machine 100 can include a microswitch (not shown) communicatively coupled to the controller thereof and configured to detect a position of the steam frother arm (e.g., steam frother arm 212). In this case, the microswitch can be engaged/disengaged as the user moves the steam frother arm 212 between the upper and lower positions. Similarly, in some aspects, the espresso machine 100 can include a microswitch (not shown) communicatively coupled to the controller thereof and configured to detect a position of the milk tin (e.g., milk tin 232, or other receptacle). In this case, the microswitch can be engaged/disengaged as the user places/removes the milk tin 232 from the milk receptacle base 234. If the steam frother arm 160 is not closed or if the milk receptacle is not present, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, prompts 606 a user to correct the problem, which may be by closing the steam frother arm 160, placing a milk receptacle on the milk receptacle base, or both. The prompt can be visual and/or auditory. For example, the prompting 606 can include presenting a prompt on the espresso machine's user interface and/or illuminating the problem area (the steam frother arm 160 if the problem is the steam frother arm 160 not being closed and the milk receptacle base if the problem is the milk receptacle not being present) with a light.

If the steam frother arm 160 is closed and the milk receptacle is present, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, sets 608 solenoid valve positions to allow cleaning liquid flow through a one of the espresso machine's first, second, and third water flow paths. The second water flow path is cleaned first, with the first water flow path being cleaned next, and the third water flow path being cleaned last. Which of the water flow paths is cleaned, and thus how the solenoid valve positions are set 608, depends on evaluation of end conditions, as discussed further below.

If the steam frother arm 160 is closed and the milk receptacle is present, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, initially sets 608 solenoid valve positions to allow cleaning liquid flow through the espresso machine's second water flow path. In this way, cleaning liquid can pass through the second water flow path to clean mineral deposits along the second water flow path before exiting the espresso machine 100 through the steam frother arm 160 and falling into the drip tray 132. Setting 608 the solenoid positions to allow cleaning liquid flow through the second water flow path includes opening the first outlet 142 of the first solenoid valve 140 (if not already open), closing the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve 140 (if not already closed), closing the first outlet 148 of the second solenoid valve 146 (if not already closed), and opening the second outlet 150 of the second solenoid valve 146 (if not already open).

In some implementations, an espresso machine or other beverage device may include only one or two of a hot water outlet, a steam frother arm, and a group head. In such implementations, a different number of solenoid valves may need to be set 608 for descaling. For example, if the espresso machine or other beverage device includes a steam frother arm and a group head but does not include a hot water outlet, only solenoid valves for the steam frother arm and the group head need be set 608. For another example, if the espresso machine or other beverage device includes a steam frother arm and a hot water outlet but does not include a group head, only solenoid valves for the steam frother arm and the hot water outlet need be set 608.

With the solenoid positions set 608 for flow through the second water flow path, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, performs 610 a liquid delivery stage of the descaling. In general, in the liquid delivery stage, cleaning liquid is delivered from the reservoir 108 to the heater 134.

FIG. 6B illustrates one implementation of performing 610 the liquid delivery stage. In the liquid delivery stage, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, runs 612 the heater 134 and the pump 118. The running 612 of the pump 118 pumps cleaning liquid from the reservoir 108 and through the first flowmeter 122 to the heater 134. The first flowmeter 122 measures an amount of the cleaning liquid flowing therethrough to the heater 134. The running 612 of the heater 134 heats the cleaning liquid pumped thereto.

The liquid delivery stage also include incrementing 614 a cycle counter, which is initially zero when descaling is initiated 602. The cycle counter is shown in FIG. 6B as being incremented 614 after the pump 118 and the heater 134 begin running, but the cycle counter can be incremented 614 before the pump 118 and the heater 134 begin running.

In the water delivery stage, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, controls the pump 118 to run 612. In an exemplary implementation, the pump 118 is an alternating current (AC) pump and the heater 134 is an AC heater. In such an implementation, the pump 118 and the heater 134 are run 612 with an “X” duty cycle, where X is an integer, e.g., 100 or other value. The duty cycle is converted, e.g., by the controller, to a firing angle according to the following formula:

$\mathrm{Firing}\mathrm{Angle}=180-\left[X*180/100\right]$

With the pump 118 running 612, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, detects 616, based on data received from the first flowmeter 122, whether a predetermined amount of liquid has flowed through the first flowmeter 122 and thus flowed to the heater 134. The predetermined amount of liquid may be different in different devices due to, for example, a size of the reservoir 108, a capacity of the heater 134, and/or other factor. The predetermined amount of liquid can be, for example, in a range of about 20 ml to about 22 ml; about 20 ml; about 21 ml; about 22 ml; or other value. In response to detecting 616 that the predetermined amount of liquid has flowed through the first flowmeter 122, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, continues to performing 618 a heating stage of descaling, which is discussed further below.

If the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, does not receive data from the first flowmeter 122 indicative of liquid flow through the first flowmeter 122, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, cannot detect 616 that the predetermined amount of liquid has flowed through the first flowmeter 122. Such a situation indicates that a clog may be present in the first flowmeter 122, e.g., due to mineral buildup, that is preventing cleaning liquid from flowing from the reservoir 108 through the first flowmeter 122. The lack of detection 616 of liquid flow triggers performance 620 of a booster stage of descaling, which is discussed further below.

As shown in FIG. 6A, after performing 610 the water delivery stage and detecting 616 that the predetermined amount of liquid has flowed through the first flowmeter 122, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, performs 618 the heating stage. In the heating stage, the heater 134 heats the cleaning liquid therein. Heated liquid dissolves mineral deposits more quickly than non-heated liquid.

FIG. 6C illustrates one implementation of performing 618 the heating stage. In the heating stage, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, stops 622 the pump 118 and continues running 624 the heater 134. The heater 134 is run 624 until the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, determines 626 that a predetermined target temperature is reached as indicated by the temperature sensor 136. In response to the predetermined target temperature being reached, e.g., as determined by the controller of the espresso machine using data from the temperature sensor 136, the method 600 continues with the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, determining 628 whether an end condition has been reached. As shown in FIG. 6A, if an end condition has been reached, descaling ends 630 for the current water flow path being cleaned. If an end condition has not been reached, the method 600 continues by again performing 610 the liquid delivery stage.

In an exemplary implementation, determining 628 whether an end condition has been reached includes determining whether at least one of a plurality of end conditions is satisfied. In an exemplary implementation, the plurality of end conditions includes first, second, and third end conditions. The first, second, and third end conditions can be checked in any order. In other implementations, only one of the first, second, and third end conditions may be checked as being satisfied or not. In still other implementations, at least one of two of the first, second, and third end conditions may be checked as being satisfied or not.

The first end condition in an exemplary implementation is whether the cycle counter is above a predetermined number, e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, etc. The higher the predetermined number, the more likely that all mineral deposits will have been cleaned out of the water flow path being cleaned. The lower the predetermined number, the faster the method 600 may be performed, which may improve user experience. The predetermined number may vary between different devices based on any of a variety of factors, such as a capacity of the reservoir 108, an amount of liquid that is pumped to the heater 134 in each liquid delivery stage, or other factor.

If the cycle counter is above the predetermined number, the end condition has been reached and descaling ends 630 for the current water flow path being cleaned because a certain number of liquid delivery stages have been completed for that water flow path. If the cycle counter is not above the predetermined number, the end condition has not been reached and another water delivery stage is performed 610 for cleaning the current water flow path being cleaned. Performing 610 another liquid delivery stage includes running 612 the pump 118, as discussed above, such that the cleaning liquid in and heated by the heater 134 will be pumped out of the heater 134 and through the second water flow path to clean the second water flow path.

The predetermined number is different for different water flow paths being cleaned. Initially, the second water path is cleaned, as mentioned above, followed by the first water flow path and then the third water flow path. The predetermined number used for evaluating the first end condition when cleaning the second water flow path in a first phase of the descaling operation is a first predetermined number that is less than a second predetermined number used for evaluating the first end condition when cleaning the first water flow path in a second phase of the descaling operation, which is less than a third predetermined number used for evaluating the first end condition when cleaning the third water flow path in a third phase of the descaling operation The third predetermined number corresponds to a number indicating that the descaling operation is ready to end 646. In this way, when the first end condition is met in the first phase of the descaling operation, e.g., the cycle counter is above the first predetermined number, the descaling operation continues with setting 608 the solenoid valve positions for the second phase of the descaling operation to clean the first water flow path; when the first end condition is met in the second phase of the descaling operation, e.g., the cycle counter is above the second predetermined number, the descaling operation continues with setting 608 the solenoid valve positions for the third phase of the descaling operation to clean the third water flow path; and when the first end condition is met in the third phase of the descaling operation, e.g., the cycle counter is above the third predetermined number, a final end condition is determined 644 to have been met and the descaling operation ends 646.

Setting 608 the solenoid positions to allow cleaning liquid flow through the first water flow path includes opening the first outlet 148 of the second solenoid valve 146 (which was closed for cleaning of the second water flow path), closing the second outlet 150 of the second solenoid valve 146 (which was open for cleaning of the second water flow path), closing the first outlet 154 of the third solenoid valve 152 (if not already closed), and opening the second outlet 156 of the third solenoid valve 152 (if not already open). The first outlet 142 of the first solenoid valve 140 remains open, and the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve 140 remains closed.

Setting 608 the solenoid positions to allow cleaning liquid flow through the third water flow path includes closing the first outlet 142 of the first solenoid valve 140 (which was open for cleaning of the first and second water flow paths), opening the second outlet 144 of the first solenoid valve 140 (which was closed for cleaning of the first and second water flow paths), and closing the outlet 162 of the fourth solenoid valve 164 (if not already closed).

Instead of determining whether the cycle counter is above a predetermined number, the first end condition can be determining whether cycle counter equals a predetermined number.

The second end condition in an exemplary implementation is whether a predetermined amount of total time has elapsed since a start of a first liquid delivery stage. The method 600 can thus include starting a timer, which is operatively coupled with the espresso machine's controller, at a start of the first liquid delivery stage. The predetermined amount of total time can be, for example, about 30 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 60 minutes, about 75 minutes, about 80 minutes, about 85 minutes, about 90 minutes, about 95 minutes, about 100 minutes, or other amount of time. The higher the predetermined amount of total time, the more likely that all mineral deposits will have been cleaned out of the water flow path being cleaned. The lower the predetermined amount of total time, the faster the method 600 may be performed, which may improve user experience. The predetermined amount of total time may vary between different devices based on any of a variety of factors, such as a capacity of the reservoir 108, an amount of liquid that is pumped to the heater 134 in each liquid delivery stage, or other factor.

If the predetermined amount of total time has elapsed, the end condition has been reached and descaling ends 630 for the current water flow path being cleaned because a certain amount of cleaning been completed for that water flow path. If the predetermined amount of total time has not elapsed, the end condition has not been reached and another water delivery stage is performed 610 for cleaning the current water flow path being cleaned.

The predetermined amount of total time is different for different water flow paths being cleaned. Initially, the second water path is cleaned, as mentioned above, followed by the first water flow path and then the third water flow path. The predetermined amount of total time used for evaluating the second end condition when cleaning the second water flow path in the first phase of the descaling operation is a first predetermined amount of total time that is less than a second predetermined amount of total time used for evaluating the second end condition when cleaning the first water flow path in the second phase of the descaling operation, which is less than a third predetermined amount of total time used for evaluating the second end condition when cleaning the third water flow path in the third phase of the descaling operation The third predetermined amount of total time corresponds to an amount of total time for the entire descaling operation, indicating that the descaling operation is ready to end 646. In this way, when the second end condition is met in the first phase of the descaling operation, e.g., the first predetermined amount of total time has elapsed, the descaling operation continues with setting 608 the solenoid valve positions for the second phase of the descaling operation to clean the first water flow path; when the second end condition is met in the second phase of the descaling operation, e.g., the second predetermined amount of total time has elapsed, the descaling operation continues with setting 608 the solenoid valve positions for the third phase of the descaling operation to clean the third water flow path; and when the second end condition is met in the third phase of the descaling operation, e.g., the third predetermined amount of total time has elapsed, a final end condition is determined 644 to have been met and the descaling operation ends 646.

Instead of determining whether the predetermined amount of total time has elapsed in a count up format, the second end condition can be determining whether a time countdown, which starts when a first liquid delivery stage starts, has reached zero.

The third end condition in an exemplary implementation is whether a total amount of liquid delivery, e.g., as indicated by measurements by the first flowmeter 122 for each of the liquid delivery stages that has been performed 610, is above a predetermined total amount of liquid delivery, e.g., 1000 ml, 1025 ml, 1050 ml, 1075 ml, 1100 ml. 1125 ml, 1150 ml, 1200 ml, or other amount. The higher the predetermined total amount of liquid delivery, the more likely that all mineral deposits will have been cleaned out of the current water flow path being cleaned. The lower the predetermined total amount of liquid delivery, the faster the method 600 may be performed, which may improve user experience. The predetermined total amount of liquid delivery may vary between different devices based on any of a variety of factors, such as a capacity of the reservoir 108, an amount of liquid that is pumped to the heater 134 in each liquid delivery stage, or other factor.

If the total amount of liquid delivery is above the predetermined total amount of liquid delivery, the end condition has been reached and descaling ends 630 for the current water flow path being cleaned because a certain amount of cleaning liquid has been passed through that water flow path. If the total amount of liquid delivery is not above the predetermined total amount of liquid delivery, the end condition has not been reached and another water delivery stage is performed 610 for cleaning the current water flow path being cleaned

The predetermined total amount of liquid delivery is different for different water flow paths being cleaned. Initially, the second water path is cleaned, as mentioned above, followed by the first water flow path and then the third water flow path. The predetermined total amount of liquid delivery used for evaluating the third end condition when cleaning the second water flow path in the first phase of the descaling operation is a first predetermined total amount of liquid delivery that is less than a second predetermined total amount of liquid delivery used for evaluating the third end condition when cleaning the first water flow path in the second phase of the descaling operation, which is less than a third predetermined total amount of liquid delivery used for evaluating the third end condition when cleaning the third water flow path in the third phase of the descaling operation. The third predetermined total amount of liquid delivery corresponds to an amount of cleaning liquid that a user is instructed to put in the reservoir 108 for descaling. In this way, the third end condition being met in the third phase of the descaling operation reflects that the reservoir 108 has been emptied of cleaning liquid. In this way, when the third end condition is met in the first phase of the descaling operation, e.g., the total amount of liquid delivery is above the first predetermined total amount of liquid delivery, the descaling operation continues with setting 608 the solenoid valve positions for the second phase of the descaling operation to clean the first water flow path; when the third end condition is met in the second phase of the descaling operation, e.g., the total amount of liquid delivery is above the second predetermined total amount of liquid delivery, the descaling operation continues with setting 608 the solenoid valve positions for the third phase of the descaling operation to clean the third water flow path; and when the third end condition is met in the third phase of the descaling operation, e.g., the total amount of liquid delivery is above the third predetermined total amount of liquid delivery, a final end condition is determined 644 to have been met and the descaling operation ends 646.

Instead of determining whether the total amount of liquid delivery is above a predetermined total amount of liquid delivery, the third end condition can be determining whether total amount of liquid delivery equals a predetermined total amount of liquid delivery.

As shown in FIG. 6A, after performing 610 the water delivery stage and not detecting 616 that the predetermined amount of liquid has flowed through the first flowmeter 122, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, performs 620 the booster stage. In general, the booster stage combines features of the liquid delivery stage and the heating stage in a way to account for the first flowmeter 122 not providing flow data to the controller that the controller may use in controlling the descaling operation. In the booster stage, cleaning liquid is delivered to the heater 134, and the heater 134 heats the cleaning liquid therein.

FIG. 6D illustrates one implementation of performing 620 the booster stage. In the booster stage, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, controls the pump 118 based on time instead of being based on measured flow amount as in the liquid delivery stage.

In the booster stage, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, runs 632 the heater 134 and the pump 118. The running 632 of the pump 118 pumps cleaning liquid from the reservoir 108 and through the first flowmeter 122 to the heater 134. The running 632 of the heater 134 heats the cleaning liquid pumped thereto.

The pump 118 is run 632 until the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, determines 634 that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the pump 118 started running 632 in this cycle of the pump 118 running. The method 600 can thus include starting a timer, which is operatively coupled with the espresso machine's controller, when the pump 118 starts pumping in this cycle of the pump 118 running. The predetermined amount of time can be, for example, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, about 4 seconds, about 5 seconds, about 6 seconds, about 7 seconds, about 8 seconds, about 9 seconds, about 10 seconds, or other amount of time.

In response to determining 634 that the predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, stops 636 the pump 118 and continues running the heater 134 to maintain 636 the temperature of the cleaning liquid at the predetermined target temperature for a second predetermined amount of time. The second predetermined amount of time can be, for example, about 20 seconds, about 30 seconds, about 32 seconds, about 35 seconds, about 40 seconds, about 42 seconds, about 45 seconds, about 48 seconds, about 50 seconds, about 55 seconds, about 60 seconds, or other amount of time. In response to determining 638 that the second predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, determines 640 whether the predetermined amount of total time has elapsed since the start of the first liquid delivery stage. As discussed above, the method 600 can include starting a timer, which is operatively coupled with the espresso machine's controller, at the start of the first liquid delivery stage. If the predetermined amount of total time has elapsed, an end condition has been determined 628 to have been reached and descaling ends 630 because a certain amount of cleaning been completed.

If the predetermined amount of total time has not elapsed, an end condition may still have been reached. If the predetermined amount of total time has not elapsed, the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, determines 642 whether a predetermined amount of liquid flow has occurred in the booster stage, based on flow measured by the first flow meter 122. The predetermined amount of liquid flow can be, for example, about 28 ml, about 32 ml, about 36 ml, about 40 ml, about 44 ml, about 48 ml, or other amount. Determining 642 whether the predetermined amount of liquid flow has occurred in the booster stage allows the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, to identify whether the first flowmeter 122 is now measuring liquid flowing therethrough, e.g., because enough mineral deposits have been cleaned in the booster stage to allow again for flow measurement. The predetermined amount of liquid used in the booster stage is thus much less than the predetermined total amount of liquid delivery.

If the predetermined amount of liquid flow is determined 642 to have not occurred in the booster stage, the booster stage begins again by running the pump 118 and the heater 134.

If the predetermined amount of liquid flow is determined 642 to have occurred in the booster stage, the method 600 continues with the espresso machine 100, e.g., the controller thereof, determining 628 whether an end condition has been reached, e.g., one of the plurality end conditions discussed above. As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 6A, if an end condition has been reached, descaling ends 630 for the current water flow path being cleaned and either proceeds for cleaning a next water flow path by again setting 608 solenoid positions before proceeding to performing 610 the liquid delivery stage or descaling ends 646 for all cleaning.

Various implementations of beverage machines are further described in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/651,926 entitled “Suggesting Coffee Bean Grind Size For Beverage Machines” filed on May 1, 2024, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/651,936 entitled “Milk Frothing” filed on May 1, 2024, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/651,970 entitled “Preventing Coffee Bean Grinder Jamming” filed on May 1, 2024, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/652,309 entitled “Beverage Machine Filters And Portafilters” filed on May 1, 2024, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/652,415 entitled “Beverage Machine Portafilters” filed on May 1, 2024, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/652,514 entitled “Coffee Tamping” filed on May 1, 2024, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/652,063 entitled “Preparation Of Beverage Machines For Cold Beverage Brewing” filed on May 1, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog electronic circuitry, digital electronic circuitry, and/or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structural means disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof or in combinations of them. The subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer program products, such as one or more computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a machine-readable storage device), or embodied in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers). A computer program (also known as a program, algorithm, software, software application, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code).

The processes and logic flows described in this specification, including the method steps of the subject matter described herein, can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions of the subject matter described herein by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processor of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices). The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

The techniques described herein can be implemented using one or more modules. As used herein, the term “module” refers to computing software, firmware, hardware, and/or various combinations thereof. At a minimum, however, modules are not to be interpreted as software that is not implemented on hardware, firmware, or recorded on a non-transitory processor-readable recordable storage medium (i.e., modules are not software per se). Indeed “module” is to be interpreted to always include at least some physical, non-transitory hardware such as a part of a processor or computer. Two different modules can share the same physical hardware (e.g., two different modules can use the same processor). The modules described herein can be combined, integrated, separated, and/or duplicated to support various applications. Also, a function described herein as being performed at a particular module can be performed at one or more other modules and/or by one or more other devices instead of or in addition to the function performed at the particular module.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, this disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

The present disclosure has been described above by way of example only within the context of the overall disclosure provided herein. It will be appreciated that modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims may be made without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a steam frother arm of a beverage preparation machine;a hot water outlet of the beverage preparation machine;a group head of the beverage preparation machine;a housing of the beverage preparation machine, the housing including: a reservoir coupled thereto and configured to contain a cleaning liquid therein,a first flow path therethrough through which the cleaning liquid is configured to flow in a descaling operation before flowing out of the beverage preparation machine through the steam frother arm,a second flow path therethrough through which the cleaning liquid is configured to flow in the descaling operation before flowing out of the beverage preparation machine through the hot water outlet, anda third flow path therethrough through which the cleaning liquid is configured to flow in the descaling operation before flowing out of the beverage preparation machine through the group head;a controller; anda memory storing instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations comprising: controlling the flow of the cleaning liquid through the first, second, and third flow paths such that the first, second, and third flow paths are sequentially descaled in the descaling operation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the flow of the cleaning liquid is controlled through the first, second, and third flow paths such that the second flow path is descaled, then the first flow path is descaled, and then the third flow path is descaled.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein controlling the flow of the cleaning liquid comprises: causing the cleaning liquid to flow through the second flow path until one of a plurality of end conditions is reached;causing the cleaning liquid to flow through the first flow path until one of the plurality of end conditions is reached; andcausing the cleaning liquid to flow through the third flow path until one of the plurality of end conditions is reached.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of end conditions includes first, second, and third end conditions; the first end condition is based on a total number of times the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first, second, and third flow paths in the descaling operation;the second end condition is based on a total amount of time elapsed since a start of the descaling operation; andthe third end condition is based on a total amount of cleaning liquid delivered from the reservoir in the descaling operation.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the total number of times is different based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled; the total amount of time is different based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled; andthe total amount of cleaning liquid is different based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein, with the first flow path being descaled, the first end condition is met if the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first flow path in the descaling operation a first predetermined number of times; with the second flow path being descaled, the first end condition is met if the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first and second flow paths in the descaling operation a second predetermined number of times that is greater than the first predetermined number of times; andwith the third flow path being descaled, the first end condition is met if the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first, second, and third flow paths in the descaling operation a third predetermined number of times that is greater than the second predetermined number of times.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein, with the first flow path being descaled, the second end condition is met if the total amount of time is greater than a first predetermined amount of time; with the second flow path being descaled, the second end condition is met if the total amount of time is greater than a second predetermined amount of time that is greater than the first predetermined amount of time; andwith the third flow path being descaled, the second end condition is met if the total amount of time is greater than a third predetermined amount of time that is greater than the second predetermined amount of time.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein, with the first flow path being descaled, the third end condition is met if the total amount of cleaning liquid is greater than a first predetermined amount of liquid; with the second flow path being descaled, the third end condition is met if the total amount of cleaning liquid is greater than a second predetermined amount of liquid that is greater than the first predetermined amount of liquid; andwith the third flow path being descaled, the third end condition is met if the total amount of cleaning liquid is greater than a third predetermined amount of liquid that is greater than the second predetermined amount of liquid.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the housing also includes a flow meter operatively coupled to the controller and configured to measure an amount of the cleaning liquid flowing out of the reservoir.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the housing also includes a pump configured to pump the cleaning liquid from the reservoir; and the one or more operations further comprise, in response to the flow meter not measuring cleaning liquid flowing out of the reservoir, causing the pump to pump the cleaning liquid from the reservoir at least one time until the flow meter measures a fourth predetermined amount of liquid.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein, with the first flow path being descaled, the first end condition is met if the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first flow path in the descaling operation a first predetermined number of times; with the second flow path being descaled, the first end condition is met if the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first and second flow paths in the descaling operation a second predetermined number of times that is greater than the first predetermined number of times; andwith the third flow path being descaled, the first end condition is met if the cleaning liquid has flowed through the first, second, and third flow paths in the descaling operation a third predetermined number of times that is greater than the second predetermined number of times;with the first flow path being descaled, the second end condition is met if the total amount of time is greater than a first predetermined amount of time;with the second flow path being descaled, the second end condition is met if the total amount of time is greater than a second predetermined amount of time that is greater than the first predetermined amount of time; andwith the third flow path being descaled, the second end condition is met if the total amount of time is greater than a third predetermined amount of time that is greater than the second predetermined amount of time.

12. The system of claim 3, wherein, with a first one of the first, second, and third flow paths being descaled and one of the plurality of end conditions is reached, the descaling operation continues by descaling a second one of the first, second, and third flow paths; with the second one of the first, second, and third flow paths being descaled and one of the plurality of end conditions being reached, the descaling operation continues by descaling a third one of the first, second, and third flow paths; andwith the third one of the first, second, and third flow paths being descaled and one of the plurality of end conditions being reached, the descaling operation ends.

13. The system of claim 3, wherein the flow of the cleaning liquid is controlled through the first, second, and third flow paths such that the second flow path is descaled, then the first flow path is descaled, and then the third flow path is descaled.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing also includes a plurality of solenoid valves; and the one or more operations further comprise controlling the plurality of solenoid valves to be open or closed based on which of the first, second, and third flow paths is being descaled.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing also includes a heater configured to receive and heat the cleaning liquid from the reservoir; and the housing also includes a pump configured to pump the cleaning liquid from the reservoir to the heater and from the heater along a selected one of the first, second, and third flow paths.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing also includes a tray configured to receive therein the cleaning liquid flowing out of the beverage preparation machine.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is configured to contain water therein; and the one or more operations further comprise controlling the flow of the water through the first, second, and third flow paths.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the housing also includes a heater configured to receive and heat the water from the reservoir; the housing also includes a pump configured to pump the water from the reservoir to the heater and from the heater along a selected one of the first, second, and third flow paths;the heater is also configured to receive and heat the cleaning liquid from the reservoir; andthe pump is also configured to pump the cleaning liquid from the reservoir to the heater and from the heater along a selected one of the first, second, and third flow paths.

19. A system, comprising: a housing of a beverage preparation machine, the housing including: a reservoir coupled thereto and configured to contain a cleaning liquid therein, andat least one flow path therethrough through which the cleaning liquid is configured to flow in a descaling operation before flowing out of the beverage preparation machine;a controller; anda memory storing instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform one or more operations comprising: controlling the flow of the cleaning liquid through the at least one flow path until one of first, second, and third end conditions is met;wherein the first end condition is based on a total number of times the cleaning liquid has flowed through the at least one flow path in the descaling operation;the second end condition is based on a total amount of time elapsed since a start of the descaling operation; andthe third end condition is based on a total amount of cleaning liquid delivered from the reservoir in the descaling operation.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising a steam frother arm; a hot water outlet; anda group head;wherein the at least one flow path includes a first flow path having an exit at the steam frother arm, a second flow path having an exit at the hot water outlet, and a third flow path having an exit at the group head.