METHOD AND DEVICE FOR APPLYING DECORATIVE EFFECTS TO A MULTILAYERED COFFEE SURFACE

Abstract

In order to apply decorative effects to a multilayered coffee surface, more particulary to a crema, a focused air jet for drawing or writing is contactlessly guided across the surface, wherein the air jet pressure at the action point is selected to overcome the surface tension of the multilayered surface and to produce swirls between the individual layers. To carry out this method, a wand is used as a writing implement, the wand containing a compressed air source and a switching element, more particularly a control valve for the airjet, and a small airflow tube (9, 15, 21) protruding from the housing (1, 10, 16) of the wand as a drawing- or writing nib. The compressed air source can comprise a pump (2), and a compressed air vessel (6) connected thereto, the vessel having a non-return valve (5) for the pump (2), and a control valve (7) for the small airflow tube (9). The compressed air source can also be a replaceable capsule (12) filled with compressed air. It is particularly effective if a blower (19) driven by a battery-powered electric motor (18) is accommodated in the housing (16) of the wand as a compressed air source.

Claims

1. A method for applying decorative effects to a multi-layered coffee surface, in particular to a crema, a focused air jet for drawing is guided over the surface, wherein the air jet pressure at the active point is selected to overcome the surface tension of the multi-layered surface and to produce swirls between the individual layers.

2. A device for implementing the method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a compressed air source and a switching element, in particular a metering valve for the air jet, and also a preferably longitudinally displaceable small airflow tube which projects beyond the wand are provided in a housing of an elongate, hand-guidable wand.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the compressed air source is a pump with a compressed air vessel attached thereto.

4. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the compressed air source is a replaceable capsule filled with compressed air.

5. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein a blower driven by an electric motor is provided as the compressed air source and an electric switch, possibly with voltage control, as the switching element in the housing of the wand.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wand can be moved in a computer-controlled manner in an x, y and z direction in a holder of a plotter.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein an ultrasound sensor is arranged on the plotter, by means of which the distance between the wand and the multi-layered surface can be measured, wherein the values determined are used for setting the optimal distance of the wand from the multi-layered surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Exemplary embodiments for implementing the method are schematically depicted in the figures.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a slightly enlarged longitudinal section through a wand with a pump

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a screwable wand with a replaceable capsule for compressed air

[0019] FIG. 3 shows a wand with an electric fan and

[0020] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a theoretical arrangement with plotter guidance of a wand according to FIG. 3.

METHOD(S) OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0021] According to FIG. 1, a pump 2 is housed in a tubular housing 1 of a wand, the piston 3 of said pump being actuable by means of a pushbutton 4. The pump is attached to a compressed air vessel 6 via a non-return valve 5 (ball valve). A metering valve 7 is located at the outlet of said vessel, which valve can be opened more or less wide by means of a pushbutton 8 depending on the pushbutton pressure. A small airflow tube 9 that is telescopic in this case is attached to the metering valve 7. This acts as a drawing or writing nib, as soon as a compressed air jet is released via the pushbutton 8. The tip of the small tube is guided just above the crema or the surface of the coffee and in this way decorative effects or lettering can be applied to this surface.

[0022] An embodiment according to FIG. 2 again comprises a slim, small tube-shaped wand housing 10 with a screw cap 11 at the upper end. In the upper part of the housing, space is provided for a replaceable capsule 12 with compressed air. Following insertion by screwing on the screw cap 11, this is pressed against a hollow spike, a sealing membrane of the capsule 12 is pierced and the compressed air is supplied. A subsequent metering valve 13 with pressure reduction is actuated by a pushbutton 14. The deeper the pushbutton 14 is pressed into the housing against the spring force, the more air reaches the subsequent small airflow tube 15. The wand according to FIGS. 1 to 3 is held in a similar manner to a writing instrument and the metering switch-on of the focused air flow for drawing or writing on the crema or surface of the coffee in the cup is achieved with the index finger.

[0023] According to FIG. 3, in the upper part of a circular cylindrical wand housing 16 are provided a replaceable battery 17 and an electric motor 18 which drives a fan wheel of a blower 19. Suction openings 20 are provided in the housing 16. The air flow of the blower 19 reaches the tip of the small tube via a nozzle in a small airflow tube 21 where it escapes. A switching element in the form of an electrical switch 22 applies voltage from battery 17 to the electric motor 18. This switch is actuated with the help of a pushbutton 23. The switch arrangement may also be configured as a speed controller for the electric motor 18.

[0024] FIGS. 4 and 5 relate to the use of a plotter 24 with an arm 25 that can be displaced in the x-z plane which supports a holder 26 for a wandpreferably the wand according to FIG. 3. The plotter 24 is controlled by a computer 27 in which various surface designs, monograms or the like, are stored for retrieval. In this way, decorative elements can be depicted on the surface 28, in particular on the crema of a coffee in a coffee cup 29, by the focused air jet.