초록 ▼

An automated beverage brewing system includes a liquid storage tank and a metering chamber. The metering chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid in the storage tank. The chamber includes a sealable liquid inlet port communicating with the interior of the storage ta

An automated beverage brewing system includes a liquid storage tank and a metering chamber. The metering chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid in the storage tank. The chamber includes a sealable liquid inlet port communicating with the interior of the storage tank beneath the standing level of liquid. The chamber also includes a liquid outlet port and an aperture that receives compressed air, wherein the compressed air forces a predetermined amount of liquid from the liquid output port of the chamber for use in preparing a brewed beverage. A pump provides the compressed air and a controller monitors a pressure signal value indicative of the air pressure in the metering chamber. The controller commands the pump on to commence flow of the predetermined amount of liquid from the metering chamber. The controller then commands the pump off several seconds after detecting a drop in air pressure within the chamber, indicating that the predetermined amount of liquid has been delivered to the brewing chamber. The chamber is then vented to ambient pressure, which opens the sealable liquid inlet port and refills the chamber.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A brewing system for brewing a beverage from an extract contained in a sealed disposable cartridge, said system comprising:a housing defining a brewing chamber for receiving said cartridge;means associated with said housing means for piercing said cartridge to provide a f

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A brewing system for brewing a beverage from an extract contained in a sealed disposable cartridge, said system comprising:a housing defining a brewing chamber for receiving said cartridge;means associated with said housing means for piercing said cartridge to provide a first inlet and a first outlet communicating with the interior of said cartridge;a storage tank comprising a supply of liquid;a sealed metering chamber contained in said storage tank at least partially submerged in said liquid, said chamber being in communication with said storage tank via a second inlet and being in communication with said cartridge via a second outlet;valve means associated with said second inlet for admitting liquid into said chamber from said storage tank and for preventing reverse liquid flow from said chamber into said tank;means for delivering compressed air to said metering chamber to transfer a predetermined volume of liquid from said metering chamber via said second outlet for delivery to and through said cartridge via said first inlet and said first outlet, and for sensing the pressure of said compressed air and providing a sensed pressure signal value indicative thereof; anda controller that (i) commands said means for delivering to provide compressed air to said metering chamber, (ii) monitors said sensed pressure signal value and (iii) commands said means for delivering to terminate delivery of compressed air to said metering chamber after detecting that said sensed pressure signal value has dropped below a threshold value indicating said predetermined volume of liquid has been delivered through said second outlet.