Apparatus and method for roasting coffee beans

Abstract

The invention concerns an apparatus for roasting coffee beans comprising: a vessel (1) to contain coffee beans, a heating device (12) to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel, a control system (180) operable to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe (R) providing the temperature T.sub.@t1, T.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, wherein for a customised quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to obtain at least the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and the control system is configured to get access to at least one series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and to said pre-determined quantities Mi, Mi+1, . . . , and based on said accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and based on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe (R) to be applied on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel.

Claims

1. An apparatus for roasting coffee beans, the apparatus comprising: a vessel to contain coffee beans; a heating device to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel; and a control system operable to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe providing the temperature T.sub.@t1, T.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, wherein, for a customised quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to obtain at least the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and the control system is configured to get access to at least one series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and to the pre-determined quantities Mi, Mi+1, . . . , and based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and based on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, wherein the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel from one or two recipes of the at least one accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ), each of the one or two recipes being adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity of beans respectively and the pre-determined quantity or quantities of beans presenting the smallest difference(s) of quantity with the obtained quantity m.

2. An apparatus for roasting coffee beans, the apparatus comprising: a vessel to contain coffee beans; a heating device to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel; and a control system operable to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe providing the temperature T.sub.@t1, T.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, wherein, for a customised quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to obtain at least the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and the control system is configured to get access to at least one series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and to the pre-determined quantities Mi, Mi+1, . . . , and based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and based on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, wherein the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel by selecting one of the recipes of the at least one accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ), and the selection comprising identifying the roasting recipe (R.sub.i) adapted to the roasting of a pre-determined quantity (M.sub.i) of beans, the pre-determined quantity of beans presenting the smallest difference of quantity with the obtained quantity m.

3. An apparatus for roasting coffee beans, the apparatus comprising: a vessel to contain coffee beans; a heating device to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel; and a control system operable to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe providing the temperature T.sub.@t1, T.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, wherein, for a customised quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to obtain at least the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and the control system is configured to get access to at least one series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and to the pre-determined quantities Mi, Mi+1, . . . , and based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and based on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, wherein the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel by: identifying in the at least one series of roasting recipes the two accessible roasting recipes R.sub.i and R.sub.i+1 adapted to the roasting of two successive pre-determined quantities M.sub.i and M.sub.i+1 of beans respectively, wherein the quantity m is comprised between the two successive pre-determined quantities M.sub.i and M.sub.i+1, and from the two identified roasting recipes R.sub.i and R.sub.i+1, the roasting recipes R.sub.i and R.sub.i+1 providing the temperatures T.sub.Mi@t1, T.sub.Mi@t2, . . . and T.sub.Mi+1@t1, T.sub.Mi+1@t2, . . . respectively applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , and determining the temperature T.sub.m@t1, T.sub.m@t2, . . . to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of the discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . as follows:
T.sub.m@tz=T.sub.Mi@tz+[(T.sub.Mi+1@tzT.sub.Mi@tz).Math.C.Math.(mM.sub.i)/(M.sub.i+1M.sub.i)] with C1.

4. The apparatus for roasting coffee beans according to claim 3, wherein C equals 1.

5. An apparatus for roasting coffee beans, the apparatus comprising: a vessel to contain coffee beans; a heating device to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel; and a control system operable to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe providing the temperature T.sub.@t1, T.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, wherein, for a customised quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to obtain at least the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and the control system is configured to get access to at least one series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and to the pre-determined quantities Mi, Mi+1, . . . , and based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and based on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, wherein the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel by: identifying in the at least one series of roasting recipes the two accessible roasting recipes R.sub.i and R.sub.i+1 adapted to the roasting of two successive pre-determined quantities M.sub.i and M.sub.i+1 of beans respectively, wherein the quantity m is comprised between these two successive pre-determined quantities Mi and Mi+1, and from the two identified roasting recipes R.sub.i and R.sub.i+1 respectively, providing the temperatures TMi.sub.@t1, T.sub.Mi@t2, . . . and T.sub.Mi+1@t1, T.sub.Mi+1@t2, . . . respectively applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , determining the temperature T.sub.m@t1, T.sub.m@t2, . . . to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of the discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . as follows:
if m is closer to M.sub.i, then T.sub.m@tz=T.sub.Mi@tz+[(T.sub.Mi+1@tzT.sub.Mi@tz).Math.C.Math.(mM.sub.i)/(M.sub.i+1M.sub.i)]
if m is closer to M.sub.i+1, then T.sub.m@tz=T.sub.Mi+1@tz[(T.sub.Mi+1@tzT.sub.Mi@tz).Math.C.Math.(M.sub.i+1m)/(M.sub.i+1M.sub.i)] with C<1.

6. The apparatus for roasting coffee beans according to claim 5, wherein C equals 1.

7. An apparatus for roasting coffee beans, the apparatus comprising: a vessel to contain coffee beans; a heating device to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel; and a control system operable to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe providing the temperature T.sub.@t1, T.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, wherein, for a customised quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to obtain at least the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and the control system is configured to get access to at least one series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and to the pre-determined quantities Mi, Mi+1, . . . , and based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and based on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, wherein the control system is configured to: obtain the further use ux of the roasted beans in a list of pre-determined uses (u, u, . . . ), and based on the obtained specific further use ux, to get access at least to a series of roasting recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans for the specific further use ux, and optionally to a coefficient Cx specific to the use ux of coffee beans, and determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans, based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, . . . ) adapted to the further use ux of the beans and optionally based on the coefficient Cx.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control system is configured to: obtain the type Ny of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel and the further use ux, and based on the obtained type Ny and the further use ux, to get access to at least one series of roasting recipes (Ryxi, Ryxi+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (Mi, Mi+1, . . . ) of beans for the specific further use ux of the roasted beans of type Ny, and determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans, based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (Rxyi, Rxyi+1, . . . ) adapted to the further use ux of the beans Ny.

9. A method of roasting coffee beans using an apparatus comprising: a vessel to contain coffee beans; a heating device to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel; and a control system operable to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe providing the temperature T.sub.@t1, T.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , respectively, wherein, for a customised quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to obtain at least the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and the control system is configured to get access to at least one series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and to the pre-determined quantities Mi, Mi+1, . . . , and based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and based on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel and applying a roasting recipe providing the temperature T.sub.@t1, T.sub.@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , the method comprising: obtaining the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel; getting access to at least one series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ), the recipes being adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and to the pre-determined quantities Mi, Mi+1, . . . ; based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and based on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, determining the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel; obtaining the further use ux of the roasted beans introduced inside the vessel in a list of pre-determined uses (u, u, . . . ); getting access to at least one series of roasting recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) for the further use ux; and determining the roasting recipe to be applied on the obtained quantity m of coffee beans based on the accessible series of roasting recipes (Rxi, Rxi+1, . . . ) adapted to the further use ux.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood in relation to the following figures:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a general roasting apparatus enabling the implementation of the method of the present invention,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control system of the general apparatus according to FIG. 1,

(4) FIG. 3 represents schematically series of roasting recipes (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, . . . ) of beans of same nature,

(5) FIG. 4 represents the determination of the roasting recipe R for a customised quantity m of beans from a series of recipes,

(6) FIGS. 5 and 6 represent schematically series of roasting recipes (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, . . . ),

(7) FIGS. 7a to 7d schematically illustrate different embodiments of the system according to the present invention,

(8) FIGS. 8 and 9 represent schematically methods to use systems according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Roasting Apparatus

(9) FIG. 1 shows an illustrative view part of a roasting apparatus 1. Functionally, the roasting apparatus 1 is operable to roast coffee beans hold in a vessel 11 by means of a flow of hot air introduced inside this vessel. At a first level, the apparatus comprises: a housing 15, a roasting unit 10 and a control system 180. These components will now be sequentially described.

Housing of Roasting Apparatus

(10) The housing 15 houses and supports the aforementioned components and comprises a base 151 and a body 152. The base 151 being for abutment with a support surface, preferably through feet 154 that provide a gap between the base and the support surface. The body 152 is for mounting thereto the components.

Roasting Unit of Roasting Apparatus

(11) The roasting unit 10 is operable to receive and roast coffee beans.

(12) The roasting unit 10 typically comprises at a second level of the roasting apparatus 1: a vessel 11 and a heating device 12, which are sequentially described.

(13) The vessel 11 is configured to receive and hold the coffee beans introduced by the operator. A removable cover 17 enables the introduction and removal of beans. The bottom of the vessel is configured to enable air to pass through, specifically it can be a perforated plate 14 on which the beans can lie and through which air can flow upwardly.

(14) A chaff collector 16 is in flow communication with the vessel 1 to receive chaffs that progressively separate from the beans and due to their light density are blown off to the chaff collector.

(15) The vessel 11 comprises a handle 112 in order to enable the user to remove the vessel from the housing 15 and get the roasted beans.

(16) In the illustrated embodiment the vessel 1 is at least partially transparent and comprises an upper level line 111b and a lower level line 111a designed on the vessel. Once the beans have been introduced inside the vessel 1, the user is able to check the quantity of beans introduced by reference to these levels 111a, 111b. In particular, the operator is able to check if the quantity is inferior to the lower level, between the lower and upper levels or above the upper level.

(17) In an alternative embodiment of the roaster, illustrated in FIGS. 7b to 7d, the roasting unit can comprise a device to automatically detect the quantity of beans introduced inside the vessel 1, like a weight scale or a level sensor (capacitive or optical) inside the vessel.

(18) In another embodiment of the roaster, not represented, the roasting unit can comprise a set of different vessels, each vessel being configured to hold a specific quantity of coffee beans. The roasting unit can comprise a vessel recognition device.

(19) The heating device 12 comprises an air flow driver 121 and a heater 122.

(20) The air flow driver 121 is operable to generate a flow of air in direction of the bottom of the vessel. The generated flow is configured to heat the beans and to agitate and lift the beans. As a result the beans are homogenously heated. Specifically, the air flow driver can be a fan powered by a motor 13. Air inlets 153 can be provided inside the base 151 of the housing in order to feed air inside the housing, the air flow driver blowing this air in direction of the vessel 11 as illustrated by doted lines arrows.

(21) The heater 122 is operable to heat the flow of air generated by the air flow driver 121. In the specific illustrated embodiment, the heater is an electrical resistance being positioned between the fan and the perforated plate 14 with the result that the flow of air is heated before it enters the vessel 11 to heat and to lift the beans.

(22) The heater 122 and/or the air flow driver 121 is/are operable to apply a roasting profile to the beans, this roasting profile being defined as a curve of temperature against time.

(23) Although the invention is described with a roaster implementing a fluidized bed of hot air, the invention not limited to this specific type of roasting apparatus. Drum roasters and other kinds of roasters can be used.

(24) The roasting apparatus 10 usually comprises a user interface 20 enabling the display and the input of information.

(25) The roasting apparatus can comprise a code reader to read a code associated to a type of coffee beans, for example present on the package of coffee beans. Preferably, this code reader is positioned in the apparatus so that the operator is able to easily position a code in front of it. It is preferably positioned at the front face of the apparatus, for example close to a user interface 20 of the apparatus. Accordingly, information provided by the code can be immediately displayed through the display of the user interface 20 positioned aside.

Control System of Roasting Apparatus

(26) With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the control system 180 will now be considered: the control system 180 is operable to control the components of the roasting unit to roast coffee beans. The control system 180 typically comprises at a second level of roasting apparatus: a user interface 20, a processing unit 18, sensors 23, a power supply 21, a memory 19, optionally a communication interface 24 for remote connection, optionally a code reader 3, optionally a measuring device 4, optionally a database 25.

(27) The user interface 20 comprises hardware to enable a user to interface with the processing unit 1, by means of user interface signal. More particularly, the user interface receives commands from a user, the user interface signal transfers the said commands to the processing unit 18 as an input. The commands may, for example, be an instruction to execute a roasting process and/or to adjust an operational parameter of the roasting apparatus 1 and/or to power on or off the roasting apparatus 1. The processing unit 18 may also output feedback to the user interface 20 as part of the roasting process, e.g. to indicate the roasting process has been initiated or that a parameter associated with the process has been selected or to indicate the evolution of a parameter during the process or to create an alarm.

(28) In a particular embodiment, the user interface can be used: to provide the quantity m of the coffee beans introduced inside the vessel by manual input. to provide identification N.sub.y of the coffee beans introduced inside the vessel by manual input such as selection of an identification type in a list of pre-selected coffee beans or by entering a digital reference of the coffee, for example read from a coffee beans package. to provide the further use u.sub.x of the beans introduced in and to be roasted inside the vessel by manual input such as selection of the use in a list of pre-determined uses (u, u, . . . ).

(29) The hardware of the user interface may comprise any suitable device(s), for example, the hardware comprises one or more of the following: buttons, such as a joystick button, knob or press button, joystick, LEDs, graphic or character LDCs, graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons. The user interface 20 can be formed as one unit or a plurality of discrete units.

(30) A part of the user interface can also be on a mobile app when the apparatus is provided with a communication interface 24 as described below. In that case the input and output can be transmitted to the mobile device through the communication interface 24.

(31) The sensors 23 are operable to provide an input signal to the processing unit 18 for monitoring of the roasting process and/or a status of the roasting apparatus. The input signal can be an analogue or digital signal. The sensors 23 typically comprise at least one temperature sensor 231 and optionally one or more of the following sensors: level sensor associated with the vessel 1, air flow rate sensor, position sensor associated with the vessel and/or the chaff collector.

(32) If the apparatus or the system comprises a measuring device 24, this device is operable to provide the input 22 that is the quantity of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel 11. This input 22 can be the weight of the beans measured by a scale or a volume of beans or a level measured by a level sensor associated with the vessel 11.

(33) A code reader 3 can be provided and operable to read a code on coffee beans package and automatically provide an input that is the identification of the coffee beans introduced in the measuring device 4 or in the vessel 11.

(34) The processing unit 18 generally comprise memory, input and output system components arranged as an integrated circuit, typically as a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processing unit 18 may comprises other suitable integrated circuits, such as: an ASIC, a programmable logic device such as a PAL, CPLD, FPGA, PSoC, a system on a chip (SoC), an analogue integrated circuit, such as a controller. For such devices, where appropriate, the aforementioned program code can be considered programed logic or to additionally comprise programmed logic. The processing unit 18 may also comprise one or more of the aforementioned integrated circuits. An example of the later is several integrated circuits is arranged in communication with each other in a modular fashion e.g.: a slave integrated circuit to control the user interface 20 in communication with a master integrated circuit to control the roasting unit 10.

(35) The power supply 21 is operable to supply electrical energy to the said controlled components and the processing unit 18. The power supply 21 may comprise various means, such as a battery or a unit to receive and condition a main electrical supply. The power supply 21 may be operatively linked to part of the user interface 20 for powering on or off the roasting apparatus

(36) The processing unit 18 generally comprises a memory unit 19 for storage of instructions as program code and optionally data. To this end the memory unit typically comprises: a non-volatile memory e.g. EPROM, EEPROM or Flash for the storage of program code and operating parameters as instructions, volatile memory (RAM) for temporary data storage. The memory unit may comprise separate and/or integrated (e.g. on a die of the semiconductor) memory. For programmable logic devices the instructions can be stored as programmed logic.

(37) The instructions stored on the memory unit 19 can be idealised as comprising a coffee beans roasting program.

(38) The control system 180 is operable to apply this coffee beans roasting program by controlling the heating device 12that is, in the particular illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the air flow driver 121 and/or the heater 122usually using signal of the temperature probe 231.

(39) The coffee beans roasting program can effect control of the said components using extraction information encoded on a code and/or other information that may be stored as data on the memory unit 19 or from a remote source through the communication interface and/or input via the user interface 20 and/or signal of the sensors 23.

(40) In particular, the control system is configured to apply a roasting recipe (R) providing the temperature T.sub.@t1, T.sub.@t2, . . . T.sub.@tfinal to be applied at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , t.sub.final respectively.

(41) With that aim, the processing unit 18 is operable to: receive an input of the temperature sensor 231, process the input according to roasting recipe R, provide an output, which is the roasting recipe R. More specifically the output comprises the operation of at least the heater 122 and the air flow driver 121.

(42) The temperature measured by the temperature sensor 231 is used to adapt the power of the heater 122 and/or the power of the motor 13 of the air driver 121 in a feedback loop in order to apply the roasting recipe R to the beans.

(43) Depending on the type of control applied in the roaster, the heater 122 can be powered at one pre-determined power, meaning its temperature is constant, and in that case the power of the motor 13 of the air driver 121 can be controlled based on the temperature monitored at the sensor 231 in order to vary the time of contact of the flow air through the heater during its movement.

(44) Alternatively, the motor 13 of the air driver 121 can be powered at one pre-determined power, meaning the flow rate of air is constant, and in that case the power of the heater 122 can be controlled based on the temperature monitored at the sensor 231 in order to heat more or less air during its passage through the heating device.

(45) In a last alternative, both heater 122 and motor 13 can be controlled based on the monitoring of the temperature by sensor 231.

(46) The processing unit can comprise a communication interface 24 for data communication of the roasting apparatus 1 with another device and/or system, such as a server system, a mobile device and/or a physically separated measuring apparatus 2. The communication interface 24 can be used to supply and/or receive information related to the coffee beans roasting process, such as roasting process information, type of the beans, quantity of beans. The communication interface 24 may comprise a first and second communication interface for data communication with several devices at once or communication via different media.

(47) The communication interface 24 can be configured for cabled media or wireless media or a combination thereof, e.g.: a wired connection, such as RS-232, USB, I2C, Ethernet define by IEEE 802.3, a wireless connection, such as wireless LAN (e.g. IEEE 802.11) or near field communication (NFC) or a cellular system such as GPRS or GSM. The communication interface 24 interfaces with the processing unit 18, by means of a communication interface signal. Generally the communication interface comprises a separate processing unit (examples of which are provided above) to control communication hardware (e.g. an antenna) to interface with the master processing unit 18. However, less complex configurations can be used e.g. a simple wired connection for serial communication directly with the processing unit 18.

(48) The processing unit 18 enables access to different roasting recipes (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, . . . ) of beans and to said pre-determined quantities (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, . . . ).

(49) The recipes and the pre-determined quantities can be stored in a memory 19 of the processing unit 18. Alternatively, these data can be stored in a remote server and the processing unit 18 can be supplied with access to this remote server through the communication interface 24, directly or indirectly through a mobile device establishing connection between the remote server and the processing unit.

(50) These recipes and quantities can be part of a database 25 stored in the memory unit 19 or remotely as mentioned above.

(51) In one alternative embodiment, the control system can be provided with the roasting recipes and their associated pre-determined quantities M, during a code reading operation, these pieces of information being encoded inside the code and decoded by the control system.

(52) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the type of roasting recipes accessible to the processing unit. Each of the illustrated roasting recipes R.sub.1, R.sub.2, . . . R.sub.5 provides the temperature profile to be applied to a corresponding dedicated quantity of beans M.sub.1, M.sub.2, . . . M.sub.5 respectively in function of time. For example, the different pre-determined quantity of beans M.sub.1, M.sub.2, . . . M.sub.5 can be discrete weights, such as: 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g, of the same type of beans or of the same blend of beans.

(53) These temperature profiles are usually defined by experimentation by defining the optimal profile for a pre-determined quantity of beans.

(54) Usually, one series of roasting recipes R.sub.1, R.sub.2, . . . R.sub.5 is adapted for a specific type of coffee beans. The type of coffee beans can relate to specific features such as: the origin of the beans (Arabica, Robusta, . . . ) or a particular mixture of beans of different origins. The mixture can be defined as the blend of beans of different specific origins and by the ratio of these beans of different specific origins, the level of pre-roasting of the beans. The coffee beans to be roasted can be green beans or can be partially pre-roasted beans that is beans having been obtained by heating green coffee beans and stopping said heating process before the end of the first crack. These partially pre-roasted beans can be pre-roasted at different levels with a direct impact on the subsequent roasting. the moisture of the beans, the size of the beans.

(55) FIG. 5 illustrates three different series of roasting recipes (R.sub.1;1, R.sub.1;2 . . . R.sub.1;5), (R.sub.2;1, R.sub.2;2, . . . R.sub.2;5) and (R.sub.3;1, R.sub.3;2, . . . R.sub.3;5) adapted to three different types of beans (Beans 1, Beans 2, Beans 3) and to pre-determined quantities (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, . . . M.sub.5) similarly to FIG. 3.

(56) In a particular embodiment, one series of roasting recipes R.sub.1, R.sub.2, . . . R.sub.5 can be adapted for a specific further use of the roasted beans. Depending on the desired use of the final roasted beans that is the way to extract a coffee beverage from the roasted beans the sensory profile of the roasted coffee beans can be adapted to this subsequent preparation.

(57) This further use can be: preparation of an espresso coffee with pressurised hot water, preparation of coffee with a French press, preparation of coffee with a drip filter, preparation of coffee by cold brew method, preparation of a coffee whatever the extraction with the final aim to prepare a white cup that is mixing extracted coffee with a white component such as milk, creamer, . . . ,

(58) FIG. 6 illustrates series of roasting recipes R.sub.1, R.sub.2, . . . R.sub.5 adapted to different pre-determined quantities (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, . . . M.sub.5) of different types of beans (Beans 1, Beans 2, Beans 3, . . . ) and to different further uses of said beans (Beans 1Use 1, Beans 1Use 2, Beans 1Use 3, . . . and Beans 2Use 1, Beans 2Use 2, Beans 2Use 3, . . . and Beans 3Use 1, . . . ).

(59) These temperature profiles are usually defined by experimentation by defining the optimal profile for the pre-determined quantity M.sub.i of the specific type N.sub.y of beans and for each specific further use u.sub.x.

(60) When a customised quantity m of coffee beans is introduced inside the vessel 11 in order to be roasted, the processing unit 18 of the apparatus of the present invention is configured to implement several steps.

(61) First, the processing unit 18 of the apparatus of the present invention is configured to obtain for beans introduced inside the vessel the quantity m of said type of coffee beans.

(62) Optionally and preferably, the processing unit is configured to obtain the type N.sub.y of said coffee beans.

(63) Optionally, the processing unit is configured to obtain the future use ux of the coffee beans.

(64) As mentioned earlier, these pieces of information about identification, quantity and use can be provided through the user interface 20 of the roasting apparatus, the display of the user interface guiding the user to enter information for each types of coffee.

(65) Alternatively, for the identification of the coffee type, information can be obtained by means of a code reader 3, the user being able or incited to scan the code of the different beans in front of the code reader.

(66) Alternatively, for the quantity of beans, the quantity can be measured and automatically communicated to the control system 180, for example by the use of a measuring device 4 directly connected to the apparatus or indirectly through the communication interface, as illustrated in FIG. 8 or 9.

(67) Then, in a further step, the control system of the roasting apparatus is configured to get access to information related to the roasting of coffee beans and in particular to at least one series of roasting recipes (R.sub.i, R.sub.i+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . ) of beans of same type and to said pre-determined quantities M.sub.i, M.sub.i+1, . . . , the roasting recipes R.sub.i, providing the temperatures T.sub.Mi@t.sub.z to be applied to this quantity of beans at discrete successive times t.sub.z respectively. For example, based on FIG. 3, the control system is configured to get access to the series of the roasting recipes R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 adapted to the roasting of pre-determined quantities M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 respectively of the same type. The pre-determined quantities represent successive values of quantity.

(68) In a further step, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe (R) to be applied on said obtained customised quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel.

(69) In one simplest first embodiment, the processing unit 18 is operable to select one recipe in the accessible series of roasting recipes R1, R2, R3, R4, R5. The selection consists in identifying the roasting recipe R.sub.i, adapted to the roasting of a pre-determined quantity of beans M.sub.i, said pre-determined quantity of beans M.sub.i presenting the smallest difference of quantity with the obtained quantity m.

(70) For illustration, based on the series of recipes R1, . . . R5 of FIG. 3 to be applied to different pre-determined weights M1, . . . M5 of beans such as: 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g, if the input for the quantity m of beans is 210 g, then the processing unit 18 is operable to select the roasting recipe R4 corresponding to the pre-determined quantity M4 of beans 200 g because the smallest difference between 210 and the five pre-determined quantities 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g, 250 g is the difference between 210 g and 200 g.

(71) In the second embodiment, the processing unit 18 is operable to calculate a specific roasting recipe (R) to be applied on said specific quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel from the accessible series of recipes (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) as illustrated in FIG. 4 and explained below.

(72) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a series of roasting recipes R1, R2, . . . R5 providing the temperature profile to be applied to a corresponding dedicated quantity of beans M1, M2, . . . M5 respectively, for example 50 g, 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g, in function of time for one type of beans, for example pure Arabica beans.

(73) In a first step of determination of the roasting recipe (R), the processing unit identifies, in the series, the two roasting recipes R.sub.i and R.sub.i+1 adapted to the roasting of two successive pre-determined quantities M.sub.i and M.sub.i+1 of beans wherein the quantity m is comprised between these two successive pre-determined quantities M.sub.i and M.sub.i+1. For example, if the obtained quantity m is 160 g, then roasting recipes R3 and R4 corresponding respectively to 150 g and 200 g of coffee beans are identified.

(74) In a second step, at discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . , t.sub.6, the temperature T.sub.m to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . t.sub.6 is calculated from the roasting recipes R3 and R4 as follows:
T.sub.m@tz=T.sub.Mi@tz+[(T.sub.Mi+1@tzT.sub.Mi@tz).Math.C.Math.(mM.sub.i)/(M.sub.i+1M.sub.i)]
with C1.

(75) In particular, at time t.sub.1, the temperature T.sub.m@t1 to be applied is:
T.sub.M3@t1+[(T.sub.M4@t1T.sub.M3@t1).Math.C.Math.(mM.sub.3)/(M.sub.4M.sub.3)]
meaning, for example, for the exemplifying above weights:
T.sub.M3@t1+[(T.sub.M4@t1T.sub.M3@t1).Math.C.Math.(160150)/(50]

(76) The calculation is reproduced at each time t.sub.2 to t.sub.6 determining the full roasting recipe R for the quantity m of beans.

(77) These discrete successive times can be pre-defined to provide a final roasting recipe with enough points to be implemented by the roasting apparatus. For example, successive times may differ by about 20 to 40 seconds.

(78) In the above formula, the coefficient C is usually fixed experimentally and can vary depending on the roaster specifications (power, vessel size, type of heater, . . . ), the type of the beans and/or the future use of the roasted beans.

(79) In one embodiment, the coefficient C can be set according to the roaster specifications only.

(80) In another embodiment, the coefficient C can be set according to the type of beans. In that case, coefficient C can be set: generally at a high level of definition of the beans such as the origin of the beans, e.g. Arabica or Robusta providing a coefficient C.sub.A when Arabica beans are roasted and a coefficient C.sub.R when Robusta beans are roasted, or more precisely for each type of beans N.sub.y by reference to coefficient C.sub.y adapted to specific type of beans N.sub.y with more precise criteria than the two general origins.

(81) In these cases, the control system is configured to obtain the type of beans (Arabica, Robusta or Ni) introduced in the vessel and then to get access to the coefficient C.sub.A, C.sub.R or Ci corresponding to that type of beans.

(82) Preferably, the coefficient C is set according to the roaster specifications and the type of beans.

(83) In a particular embodiment, the coefficient C can be set according to the further use of the beans. In that embodiment, the coefficient C is preferably set according to the roaster specifications too and in addition, even more preferably, according to the type of beans.

(84) In absence of information about the roaster or the type of beans or the further use, by default, the coefficient C equals 1.

(85) In a third embodiment, the processing unit 18 is operable to calculate a specific roasting recipe (R) to be applied on said specific quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel from the accessible series of recipes (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) in a similar way as in the second embodiment, except that in the second step of determination of the roasting recipe (R), the temperature T.sub.m to be applied to the obtained quantity m of beans at each of said discrete successive times t.sub.1, t.sub.2, . . . t.sub.6 is calculated from the roasting recipes R3 and R4 as follows:
if m is closer to M.sub.3, then T.sub.m@ti=T.sub.M3@ti+[(T.sub.M4@tiT.sub.M3@ti).Math.C.Math.(mM.sub.3)/(M.sub.4M.sub.3)]
if m is closer to M.sub.4, then T.sub.m@ti=T.sub.M4@ti[(T.sub.M4@tiT.sub.M3@ti).Math.C.Math.(M.sub.4m)/(M.sub.4M.sub.3)]
with C1.

(86) As a result, it means that if the obtained quantity m is 160 g, m is closer to M.sub.3 that is 150 g and the temperature to be applied at t.sub.1 is T.sub.M3@t1+[(T.sub.M4@t1T.sub.M3@t1).Math.C.Math.(160150)/50].

(87) But, if the obtained quantity m is 180 g, m is closer to M.sub.4 that is 200 g and the temperature to be applied at t.sub.1 is T.sub.M4@ti[(T.sub.M4@tiT.sub.M3@ti).Math.C.Math.(200180)/50].

(88) In general, if the quantity provided by the measuring device is a volume and not a weight, the weight can be deduced indirectly from an average density of coffee beans or more preferably, the identification of the nature of the beans provides access to the exact density of said beans enabling the calculation of the weight of beans introduced in the vessel.

(89) In the step of processing the output, the processing unit 18 operates the heating device 12 usually in a closed-loop control using the input signal from the temperature sensor 231 as feedback to apply the temperature versus time profile to the coffee beans corresponding to the determined roasting recipe (R).

(90) Where the processing unit is configured to obtain the type N.sub.y of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system of the roasting apparatus can be configured to get access, for each of the different types of beans (Beans 1, Beans 2, . . . ) to a series of roasting recipes like, as illustrated in FIG. 5: the series Beans 1 (R1;1, R1;2, R1;3 . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M1, M2, M3, . . . ) of coffee beans of type Beans 1, and the series Beans 2 (R2;1, R2;2, R2;3 . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M1, M2, M3, . . . ) of coffee beans of type Beans 2, and the series Beans 3 (R3;1, R3;2, R3;3 . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M1, M2, M3, . . . ) of coffee beans of type Beans 3.

(91) In that case, the above described first, second or third embodiment can be implemented to determine the roasting profile of the customised quantity m of beans of type N.sub.y introduced inside the vessel by accessing to the series of roasting recipes (R.sub.yi, R.sub.yi+1, . . . ) adapted to the roasting of beans of said type N.sub.y. For example, if beans of type Beans 2 are introduced inside the vessel and identified, then the step of determining the roasting profile of a quantity m of Beans 2 is based on the series of roasting profiles (R2;1, R2;2, R2;3 . . . ) as illustrated in FIG. 5.

(92) It is noticed that the invention covers embodiments where, in the different series of curves, the pre-determined quantities Mi, Mi+1, . . . are not the same in all series.

(93) In the same manner, where the processing unit is configured to obtain the type N.sub.y of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel and the further use u.sub.x desired by the operator, the control system of the roasting apparatus can be configured to get access, for each of the different types of beans (Beans 1, Beans 2, . . . ) and for each further use of sais beans (Use 1, Use 2, . . . ) to a series of roasting recipes like, as illustrated in FIG. 5: series (R1;1;1, R1;1;2+, R1;1;3 . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M1, M2, M3, . . . ) of coffee beans of type Beans 1 for the further Use 1, and series Beans 1Use 2 (R1;2;1, R1;2;2, R1;2;3 . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M1, M2, M3, . . . ) of coffee beans of type Beans 1 for the further Use 2, and series Beans 2Use 1 (R2;1;1, R2;1;2, R2;1;3 . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M1, M2, M3, . . . ) of coffee beans of type Beans 2 for the further Use 1, and series Beans 2Use 2 (R2;2;1, R2;2;2, R2;2;3 . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M1, M2, M3, . . . ) of coffee beans of type Beans 2 for the further Use 2, and series Beans 3Use 1 (R3;1;1, R3;1;2, R3;1;3 . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M1, M2, M3, . . . ) of coffee beans of type Beans 3 for the further Use 1, and series Beans 3Use 2 (R3;2;1, R33;2;2, R3;2;3 . . . ) adapted to the roasting of different successive pre-determined quantities (M1, M2, M3, . . . ) of coffee beans of type Beans 3 for the further Use 2.

System

(94) FIG. 7a illustrates a system 10 of a roasting apparatus 1 and a measuring device 4, preferably a scale. The roasting apparatus comprises a vessel 11 configured for holding beans during the roasting operation. The measuring device 2 is configured to measure the quantity of coffee beans and to communicate the measured quantity input 22 through a communication interface to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus.

(95) FIG. 7b illustrates an alternative system 10 of a roasting apparatus 1 and a measuring device 4, preferably a scale. The measuring device 2 is part of the roasting apparatus, precisely it is integrated in the same frame as the roasting apparatus, aside from the roasting apparatus. The measuring device 2 is configured to measure the quantity of coffee beans and to communicate the measured quantity input 22 to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus.

(96) FIG. 7c illustrates an alternative system 10 of a roasting apparatus 1 and a measuring device 4. The measuring device 4 is part of the roasting apparatus. In one mode, the measuring device can be a scale, and, in its roasting position, the vessel 11 can be suspended to the scale. In that mode, the vessel is weighted before the vessel is completely locked in the roasting apparatus to apply roasting.

(97) In another mode, the measuring device can be a level sensor, and, in its roasting position, the level of beans can be measured. The measuring device 2 is configured to communicate the measured quantity as an input 22 to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus.

(98) FIG. 7d illustrates an alternative system 10 of a roasting apparatus 1 and a measuring device 4. The measuring device 4 is a scale that is part of the roasting apparatus. Precisely in its roasting position, the vessel 11 lays on the scale. The scale 4 is configured to weight coffee beans and to communicate the measured weight as an input 22 to the control system 180 of the roasting apparatus. Then the vessel is locked inside the roasting apparatus and roasting can be applied.

(99) FIG. 8 illustrates a system 100 where the roasting apparatus 10 and the measuring apparatus 4 are physically separated. In this system, the coffee beans 5 are introduced and measured in an intermediate container 6 before being introduced inside the vessel 11 of the roasting apparatus 1.

(100) This system is particularly useful when the vessel is not removable form the roaster, for example in case of drum roasters.

(101) The measuring device 6 is connected through a cable (USB, Serial) to the roasting apparatus and is able to supply the control system of the roasting apparatus with the measured quantity of beans 22. Alternatively, the connection can be established through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

(102) FIG. 9 provides an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 8 where the vessel 11 is removable from the roasting apparatus and can be placed on the measuring apparatus 4 in filling and measuring position before being positioned back on the roasting apparatus in a roasting position. Preferably the measuring apparatus 4 comprises a receiving area configured for holding the vessel 11 of a roasting apparatus so that it is securely hold during filling and measuring. For example, the measuring device can present an interface matching with the bottom of the vessel. Preferably, the measuring device is configured to automatically provide the weight of beans without the tare weight of the vessel.

(103) The roasting apparatus of the present invention presents the advantage of providing the operator with flexibility in terms of quantity of beans to be roasted while guaranteeing a constant quality of roasting.

(104) Although the invention has been described with reference to the above illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not limited in any way by these illustrated embodiments.

(105) Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.

(106) As used in this specification, the words comprises, comprising, and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean including, but not limited to.

LIST OF REFERENCES IN THE DRAWINGS

(107) roaster 1 roasting unit 10 vessel 11 levels 111a, 111b handle 112 heating device 12 air flow driver 121 heater 122 motor 13 perforated plate 14 housing 15 base 151 body 152 air inlet 153 feet 154 chaff collector 16 cover 17 processing unit 18 control system 180 memory 19 user interface 20 power supply 21 measured quantity input 22 sensor 23 temperature sensor 231 communication interface 24 database 25 measuring device 2 measured quantity input 22 code reader 3 measuring device 4 coffee beans 5 intermediate container 6 system 100