COFFEE DISPENSER

Abstract

The coffee dispenser disclosed herein may serve a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may include a coffee concentrate grinder which receives a single serving of dehydrated and hardened single serve of coffee for 8 fluid ounces. The grinder may be disposed above a mixing chamber which receives hot water. The hot water dissolves the ground dehydrated coffee.

Claims

1. A coffee dispenser for dispensing a single serving of coffee, the coffee dispenser comprising: a water reservoir in liquid tight communication with a mixing chamber, the water reservoir being capable of retaining water and delivering water to the mixing chamber; a coffee concentrate grinder disposed above the mixing chamber for grinding a hardened coffee concentrate to a plurality of smaller sized flakes.

2. The coffee dispenser recited in claim 1, further comprising a heater inline between the water reservoir and the mixing chamber for heating water flowing from the water reservoir to the mixing chamber.

3. The coffee dispenser recited in claim 1 further comprising a pump for pumping water from the water reservoir to the mixing chamber.

4. The coffee dispenser recited in claim 1 further comprising a main controller that generates operational instructions which cause coffee concentrate grinder to grind the hardened coffee concentrate to the smaller size then flow heated water from the water reservoir to the mixing chamber.

5. The coffee dispenser recited in claim 1, wherein the flakes of hardened coffee concentrate is forced into the mixing chamber by gravity as the coffee concentrate grinder grinds the hardened coffee concentrate into the smaller size.

6. A method of forming a single serving of coffee, the method comprising the steps of: disposing a hardened coffee concentrate into a coffee concentrate grinder; actuating the coffee concentrate grinder to grind the hardened coffee concentrate into a smaller sized flakes; receiving the flakes of hardened coffee concentrate into a mixing chamber; actuating a heater and pump to flow water from a water reservoir to the mixing chamber; flowing between 7 ounces to 20 ounces of water into the mixing chamber.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the actuating the grinder includes the step of actuating the grinder until the hardened coffee concentrate is converted into small sized flakes less than 1 mm in diameter.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising sensing a closed position where a cap is put on an opening of a housing of a coffee dispenser, and the actuating the coffee concentrate grinder step is initiated when the closed position of the cap is sensed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a coffee dispenser;

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the coffee dispenser and supply containers shown in FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the coffee dispenser without the supply containers attached;

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the operative parts of the coffee dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of the operative parts and controls of the coffee dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of a coffee dispenser;

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of a coffee dispenser;

[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the machine;

[0050] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a block of coffee using the machine shown in FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 10 is an alternate schematic diagram of the machine shown in FIG. 1;

[0052] FIG. 11 is an alternate embodiment of the coffee dispenser shown in FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the coffee dispenser and grinder for grinding coffee tablets (i.e., pucks);

[0054] FIG. 13 illustrates the coffee dispenser and the grinder shown in FIG. 12; and

[0055] FIG. 14 illustrates a crusher device instead of a grinder device for crushing coffee tablets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Referring now to the drawings, a coffee dispenser 10 for preparing coffee by mixing a liquid coffee extract and hot water is disclosed. The coffee dispenser 10 may dispense a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser 10 may have one or more ports for receiving a container having liquid coffee extract, flavoring and a creamer. These ports may be in fluid communication with a mixing chamber or blending chamber 88 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) which may receive a single serving of liquid coffee extract and hot water. The mixing chamber 88 may also optionally receive other flavors desired by the consumer. The mixing chamber 88 outputs the mixed ingredients to an outlet port valve 92 (see FIG. 5) into a cup 12 below. One benefit of such a design is the elimination of single serving cups used to store and deliver coffee grounds to consumers, and the plastic waste associated with their use. A container of liquid coffee extract may contain from 50 to 300 servings, depending on the selected serving size. Although the preferred embodiment utilizes a large container that can hold multiple servings, it is also contemplated that the container may store and deliver a single serving of coffee extract. In this regard, the container of liquid coffee extract may contain between 1 to 300 servings depending on the selected serving size. Further, by utilizing the liquid coffee extract, certain benefits may be achieved including but not limited to weight loss. Further, the chlorogenic acids in coffee extract can reduce blood pressure. by way of example and not limitation, 140 mg of green coffee bean extract per day may reduce blood pressure. Finally, antioxidants found in coffee, which reduce free radicals in the body may reduce general cell damage and stress. Antioxidants, using the same process, may also reduce the proliferation of four kinds of cancer cells. Green coffee may be useful in preventing some types of cancer. Other coffee extracts may provide similar or additional benefits.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 1, a coffee dispenser 10, for dispensing a single serving of coffee 12 is shown. The coffee dispenser 10 may include a housing 14 with an upper portion 16 and a lower portion 18. The lower portion 18 may be supported by a base 20 and may be defined by an arcuate wall 22 which supports the upper portion 16. The upper portion 16 may have a flat side 24 that rests on top of the arcuate wall 22. Two controls, a serving size selector 26 and a froth level control 28 may be located on an exterior surface 30 of the upper portion 16 of the housing 14. A water reservoir 68 may surround the lower portion 18 and rests on the base 20.

[0058] As shown, the cup size selector 26 may be defined by a rotatable knob 32 and two or more cup size icons 34. In FIG. 1, three cup size icons 34 are shown for small, medium and large. The knob includes an indicator 36, which points to the cup size icon 34 that is currently selected by the serving size selector 26. Instead of a rotatable knob 32, the serving size selector 26 may be a three button system, with one button for each of the cup sizes. Alternatively, the serving size selector may be integrated in to a touch panel control. In a further alternative, the serving size selector may be a toggle control in combination with an indicator or display. By way of example and not limitation, there may be three LED lights, one for each of the possible size selections. Also, instead of LED lights, a display may be provided which shows the selected cup size, either via a number or an icon, as a user toggles through the possible cup sizes.

[0059] The froth level control 28 may be control by a horizontal slider 38. The horizontal slider 38 may move from a first end 39 of the slider's range of motion to a second end 40 of the slider's range of motion. The first end may correspond to a minimal amount of froth, and the second end may correspond to a maximum amount of froth or vice versa. The slider may be positioned at any number of positions between the two ends.

[0060] The upper portion 16 may have three ports. A coffee concentrate port 42 may also be disposed on the upper portion 16. The coffee concentrate port 42 may have a larger circumference than the other two ports in order to accommodate a correspondingly sized coffee concentrate container 44. A flavor concentrate port 46 may be disposed on a left side of the coffee concentrate port 42. The flavor concentrate port 46 may accept a correspondingly sized flavor concentrate container 48. On a right side of the upper portion 16, a cream concentrate port 50 may be disposed. The cream concentrate port 50 may accept a correspondingly sized cream concentrate container 52. Although the port 42 have been described as having a different size compared to ports 46, 50, it is also contemplated that the ports 42, 46, 50 may be all the same size, or each of the ports 42, 46, 50 may be a different size from each other. Each of the containers may contain a liquid concentrate. The coffee concentrate may be an extract of a coffee bean. The cream concentrate may be a de-hydrated dairy product, and the flavor concentrate may be a liquid formulated to impart the flavor of a specified coffee beverage, such as cappuccino, mocha, espresso, or other flavors. As shown in FIG. 2, the ports 42, 46, 50 may use a threaded connection. However, other attachment methods are also contemplated. By way of example and not limitation, the ports 42, 46, 50 may use a friction connection or a twist and lock connection, or a detent connection. The ports 42, 46, 50 may be located in other areas on the upper portion on elsewhere on the coffee dispenser 10. The ports and the containers that hold the liquid flavors (i.e. coffee extract, flavor, creamer) may be disposed above the mixing chamber 88 so that the liquid may flow into the mixing chamber 88 by way of gravity. Other means of flowing the liquid flavors into the mixing chamber 88 are also contemplated including but not limited to providing a pump that actively forces the liquid flavor into the mixing chamber. In this case, the courts and the containers that holds the liquid flavors may be disposed below the mixing chamber 88.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, the ports may further include a valve 53, 54, 55. Each of the coffee port valve 53, flavor port valve 54, and cream port valve 55 may include a connection portion 58, a spike 60, and a valve portion 62. The connection portion 58 may have a thread, corresponding with a thread 94 on the coffee concentrate container 44, flavor concentrate container 48, and cream concentrate container 52. The valve portion 62 may include a spring-biased valve 64, and a sealing element 66. The spring-biased valve 64 may be biased closed by and may seal against the sealing element 66. The sealing element 66 may be made of rubber or another elastomeric compound. The spring biased valve 64 may return to its original position once displaced. The valve 64 allows fluid to flow through the valve 64 when displaced. It is also contemplated that the valve may be, for example, a ball valve, or a butterfly valve, or a needle valve, or any other valve that offers the required control while allowing sufficient flow. The valve 64 may be displaced either through an actuator controlled by the computer or by manually pressing the container downward. By way of example and not limitation, the user may press any one of the containers 44, 48, 52 once for a single serving of liquid contained in the containers 44, 48, 52. If additional servings of the liquid are desired, the user may depress any one of the containers 44, 48, 52 additional times.

[0062] The water reservoir 68 may surround the lower portion 18 of the housing 14. A bottom of the water reservoir may also rest on the base 20. The water reservoir 68 may be generally U-shaped along its horizontal cross section. The water reservoir 68 may have an open top. The open top of the U-shape may be sufficiently wide to allow the water reservoir to surround the housing 14 on three sides. The water reservoir 68 may be fabricated from a transparent material in order to allow a user to observe the water level therein, and a lid 70, which is shown as being opaque. Removal of the lid 70 allows a user to fill the water reservoir 68 with water. The water reservoir 68 interfaces with the base 20 at an intake 72 formed in the top of the base 20, and located at a position on the base near the center-bottom of the water reservoir 68. The lid 70 may fits under the flavor concentrate port 46 and the cream concentrate port 50 as the ports extend outward from the upper portion 16 of the housing 14. This configuration gives additional stability to the water reservoir 68 by preventing vertical movement of the water reservoir 68 once the water reservoir 68 is installed in the coffee dispenser 10.

[0063] It is contemplated that the water reservoir 68 may be merely translucent, or may be opaque and have a transparent window to allow a user to gauge the water level in the container. The lid 70 may be translucent or transparent to allow a user to more easily gauge the water level. The lid 70 may have sides 74 which extend over the corresponding sides 76 of the water reservoir 68 at an open end 78 of the water reservoir 68. The lid 70 may include a sealing strip (not shown), made from rubber or a similar elastomer, which is located on an interior surface of the sides 74 of the lid 70, and extends inwardly to seal against the sides of the water reservoir 68. It is also contemplated that the sides 74 of the lid 70 extend in to an interior of the water reservoir 68 and include the sealing strip for sealing on an exterior surface of the sides 74 of the lid 70. In this configuration, the sealing strip extends outwardly, and seals against an interior surface of the sides 76 of the container 69 near the open end.

[0064] The operating systems, including the operating internal components of the coffee dispenser 10, are shown schematically in FIGS. 4 and 5. The primary difference between the schematics provided in FIGS. 4 and 5 is that the dispenser 10 shown in FIG. 4 dispenses the concentrate manually, whereas the dispenser 10a shown in FIG. 5 dispenses the concentrate via a computer controlled valve.

[0065] The froth level control 28 and serving size selector 26 may be connected to the computer 84 via a wired 96 or wireless connection. The water reservoir 68 may be connected, through the intake 72, to a pump 82 via tubing or piping 56. The pump 82 may be electrically connected, either wired 96 or wirelessly, to the computer 84, which allows the computer 84 to turn the pump 82 on and off. The pump 82 may be connected to a boil chamber 86 via piping or tubing 56. The boil chamber is a heater for heating water. The boil chamber 86 may be connected to a mixing chamber 88 with piping or tubing 56. The boil chamber may be in communication with a computer either with a wire 96 or wirelessly. The computer 84 may turn the boil chamber 86 on and off in coordination with the pump 82. Based on the froth level control setting, the computer may set the temperature to which the boil chamber will heat the water therein. Thus, the water reservoir 68, pump 82 and heater 86 are connected in line to the mixing chamber 88, and the boil chamber 86 and pump 82 have individual electronic connections to the computer 84. The boil chamber is computer controlled but may be controlled through other non computerized means including but not limited to an electronic circuit.

[0066] The flavor concentrate ports 42, 46, 50 may be connected to the mixing chamber 88 with valves 53, 54, 55 placed in between to control the flow of concentrate. The flavor concentrate port 46 may be directly connected to the mixing chamber 88 or the flavor concentrate port may be connected to the mixing chamber via tubing or piping 56. As discussed above, a valve 54 may be disposed between the flavor concentrate port 46 and the mixing chamber. The flavor port valve may be operated manually or electrically connected to the computer 84 for operation. The coffee concentrate port 42 may be directly connected to the mixing chamber or the flavor concentrate port may be connected to the mixing chamber via tubing or piping. A coffee port valve 53 may be disposed between the coffee concentrate port and the mixing chamber. The coffee port valve may be operated manually or electrically connected to the computer for operation. The cream concentrate port 50 may be directly connected to the mixing chamber or the flavor concentrate port may be connected to the mixing chamber via tubing or piping. A cream port valve 55 may be disposed between the cream concentrate port and the mixing chamber. The cream port valve may be operated manually or electrically connected to the computer for operation.

[0067] In operation, a user may select the amount of froth desired in the serving of coffee 12 using the froth level control 28, and set the desired serving size using the serving size selector 26. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the user may also operate the valves 53, 54, 55 by pressing on the corresponding concentrate container in order to move the container toward the corresponding valve. As the user applies enough force, the bias in the valve is overcome, and the valve operates to allow concentrate through the valve. Each press of the concentrate container operates the valve to allow a predetermined quantity of flavor concentrate, coffee concentrate, and cream concentrate to enter the mixing or blend chamber 88, where they come into contact, mixing to some degree. The concentrate containers 44, 48, 52 and corresponding valves are sized and shaped such that one press on the concentrate container corresponds with a small serving size set by the serving size selector. Two presses on either of the concentrate containers with introduce a predetermined quantity of concentrate to the mixing chamber corresponding to a medium serving of coffee. Three presses on either of the concentrate containers with introduce a predetermined quantity of concentrate to the mixing chamber corresponding to a large serving of coffee. However, each concentrate container may be pressed as many times as desired by a user to reach the user's desired flavor combination.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, to begin the automated portion of the process of making a serving of coffee, the user presses the activation button or control 90. The activation button may be a push button function built in to the serving size selector rotatable knob 32. Alternatively, the activation button may be a separate button or non-latching switch. Once the activation control is operated by the user, the computer 84 may operate the pump 82 to draw water from the water reservoir 68 in to and through the boil chamber 86, which heats the water to a temperature determined by the froth level control and communicated to the boil chamber by the computer. The boil chamber may heat water to a temperature of 100 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Preferably, the boiler chamber heats water to a boiling temperature of 190° F. to 210° F. The boil chamber may steam water and send it to the mixing chamber at a temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Thus, the water that is introduced into the mixing chamber 88 may be at a temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 210 degrees Fahrenheit in order to bring out the flavor of the liquid coffee extract. At temperatures of 190 degrees or more water will boil, and at 210 degrees or more, will change states to steam. As the water boils or changes phase from water to steam, the boil water or steam creates increasing degrees of froth, according to the froth setting selecting by the user via the froth level control, as described above.

[0069] After the boil chamber 86 heats the water, the pump 82 then moves the water to the mixing chamber 88. The mixing chamber may be shaped as an inverted truncated pyramid in order to facilitate, via the force of gravity, the movement of the serving of coffee in the mixing chamber to an outlet port valve. The inverted truncated pyramid configuration is shown schematically FIG. 4. However, the inverted truncated pyramid configuration may also be incorporated into the mixing chamber 88 shown in FIG. 5. After mixing, the outlet port valve at a bottom of the mixing chamber opens to allow the coffee to flow out of the mixing chamber and in to a cup below. The outlet port valve, may be, for example, a spring loaded pressure valve, or any other type of pressure valve which would open the valve when the proper pressure inside the mixing chamber is reached. The outlet port valve may also include a cooling element 100 which operates to cool liquid passing through the outlet port valve if the liquid is above a certain temperature such as 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling element ensures that the liquid passing out of the outlet port valve is at or below the predetermined temperature. For example, the cooling element may ensure that the liquid passing out of the open valve between 170° F. and 190° F. if the heater or boiling chamber raises the liquid to a temperature that is too high (e.g. above 190° F.).

[0070] The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 operates in a very similar manner to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 except for how the concentrate is added to the mixing chamber 88. In particular, the computer 84 is connected to flavor port valve 54, coffee port valve 53, and cream port valve 55. After operation of the froth level control 28 and serving size selector 26, and subsequent operation of the activation button 90 by a user, the computer using the selected serving size, operates the valves 53, 54, 55 to add a corresponding pre-determined amount of each type of concentrate based on a size indicated by the serving size selector 26. The remainder of the operation is the same as that described for the embodiment of FIG. 4, above.

[0071] Although the embodiment shown in the figures illustrates a dispenser that can dispense more than one serving, it is contemplated that the dispenser can be configured to be a single serve dispenser with or without a container 69. If no container is used, then the water for the coffee will be inserted into a container having an open top that is filled each time the user wants to make a single serving of coffee.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, schematic representations are shown of additional embodiments of coffee dispensers which may differ from the coffee dispensers discussed above. In particular, the coffee dispensers of FIGS. 6 and 7 may be formed with a mixing chamber that is smaller than the mixing chambers associated with the previous embodiments. The mixing chamber may refer to an area of the coffee dispenser where a coffee concentrate fluid line and a water fluid line may intersect. Mixing of coffee concentrate and water may occur as the coffee concentrate and water flows from their respective reservoirs, through the junction of fluid lines in the coffee dispenser, and ultimately, into a user's cup. Accordingly, a coffee dispenser having a mixing chamber including intersecting fluid lines may be smaller in size and less expensive to manufacture, making it desirable in smaller kitchens or areas, where space may be limited.

[0073] A coffee dispenser 110 shown in FIG. 6 allows for mixing of coffee concentrate and water through intersecting fluid lines 112, 114, which may intersect at a junction 116, wherein the fluid lines 112, 114 are combined. Upstream of the junction 116, coffee concentrate and water may flow separately in respective fluid lines 112, 114. However, as the coffee concentrate and water flow through the junction 116, mixing may occur resulting in the desired coffee beverage flowing downstream of the junction 116. An outlet fluid line 118 may extend from the junction 116 for dispensing the mixed coffee beverage into a cup 120.

[0074] The coffee dispenser 110 may include a housing having a coffee concentrate port 122 formed thereon. The coffee concentrate port 122 is sized and structured to engage with a coffee concentrate container 124. The engagement between the coffee concentrate container 124 and the coffee concentrate port 122 may be via threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, or other engagements which allow for fluid communication from the coffee concentrate container 124 and the coffee concentrate port 122. When the coffee concentrate container 124 is engaged with the coffee concentrate port 122, coffee concentrate is capable of flowing from the coffee concentrate container 124 to the coffee concentrate port 122.

[0075] The coffee dispenser 110 further includes the coffee concentrate fluid line 112 (e.g., the first fluid line) in liquid tight connection to the coffee concentrate port 122. It is contemplated that the flow of coffee concentrate from the coffee concentrate container 124 to the coffee concentrate fluid line 112 may be either manually actuated or electronically actuated, with the flow of fluid in the coffee concentrate fluid line 112 being gravity feed, pressurized, or a combination of both.

[0076] Optional manual control of coffee concentrate may include the use of a manually actuated pump, which dispenses a single serving of coffee concentrate from the coffee concentrate container 124 into the coffee concentrate fluid line 112. The user may press the manually actuated pump to cause the dispensing of coffee concentrate into the coffee concentrate fluid line 112. The coffee concentrate may flow along the coffee concentrate fluid line 112 through gravitational force.

[0077] The optional electronic control of coffee concentrate flow may include the use of a coffee concentrate flow controller 126 (e.g., a first flow controller) in fluid communication with the coffee concentrate fluid line 112. In one optional embodiment, the coffee concentrate flow controller 126 includes a valve 128, coupled to the coffee concentrate fluid line 112, wherein the valve 128 may be opened and closed to control the flow of coffee concentrate along the coffee concentrate fluid line 112. When the valve 128 is opened, coffee concentrate is gravity fed and may flow from the coffee concentrate container 124, through the coffee concentrate port 122, and along the coffee concentrate fluid line 112. Conversely, when the valve 128 is closed, coffee concentrate is restricted from flowing along the coffee concentrate fluid line 112. Therefore, by selectively opening and closing the valve 128, the flow of coffee concentrate along the coffee concentrate fluid line 112 may be controlled. In this regard, the coffee concentrate fluid line 112 may be arranged to include a vertical component, to allow the force of gravity to urge the coffee concentrate along the first fluid line 112.

[0078] The valve 128 may be opened for only so long as may be required to dispense a single serving of coffee concentrate from the coffee concentrate container 124. In this regard, the valve 128 may assume a normally closed configuration, and only transition to an open configuration for allowing coffee concentrate to flow along the coffee concentrate fluid line 112. A user may be able to control the strength of the coffee via a strength selector 130, which may allow a user to select a particular coffee strength in a defined strength range. For instance, the user may be able to select a weak coffee strength, a medium coffee strength, or a strong coffee strength. A ratio of coffee concentrate-to-water increases as the strength increases, and conversely, the ratio of coffee concentrate-to-water decreases as the strength decreases. In other words, the amount of coffee concentrate associated with a single serving of coffee may be smallest for the weak coffee strength, greater for the medium coffee strength, and greatest for the strong coffee strength. The ratio of coffee-to-water may be controlled by varying the duration which the valve 128 is opened, which may be controlled by the strength selector 130. Keeping the valve 128 open for longer periods of time may create stronger coffee, than when the valve 128 is open for shorter periods of time. The strength selector 130, which may include an external slider on the housing, button(s), a dial, touch screen interface, or other user interfaces known in the art.

[0079] As an alternative to controlling the coffee concentrate-to-water ratio by varying the duration which the valve 128 is opened, it is contemplated that the coffee concentrate-to-water ratio may be varied by allowing a user to control the degree to which the valve is opened. Partial opening of the valve may define a smaller flow passage through the valve, and thus, result in a lower to coffee concentrate-to-water ratio than when the valve is fully opened. For instance, the valve 128 may include a ball-valve, which may be incrementally rotated between a closed position, which completely restricts flow of coffee concentrate therethrough, and an open position, wherein coffee concentrate may flow freely therethrough. Partial opening between the closed and open positions may be associated with flow rates through the valve that are less than the flow rate associated with the open position, and thus, result in coffee concentrate-to-water ratios that are less than the coffee concentrate-to-water ratio associated with the fully open position.

[0080] As another option, the coffee concentrate flow controller 126 may include a pump 132 for pumping coffee concentrate along the first fluid line 112. When the optional pump 132 is actuated, the pump 132 may urge fluid along the first fluid line 112. The pump 132 may operate only so long as may be required to dispense a single serving of coffee concentrate from the coffee concentrate container 124. The user may select a particular coffee strength, as described in more detail above. Accordingly, the pump 132 may operate for a longer period of time for stronger coffee, and a shorter period of time for weaker coffee.

[0081] The coffee dispenser 110 may additionally include a water reservoir 134 in liquid tight communication with the second fluid line 114. The water reservoir 134 may be capable of retaining water and delivering water to the second fluid line 114. A water flow controller 136 (i.e., a water flow controller) may be in fluid communication with the second fluid line 114 to control the flow of water along the second fluid line 114. In one embodiment, the water flow controller 136 may be a pump 138, which when actuated draws water from the water reservoir 134 and urges water to flow along the second fluid line 114 away from the water reservoir 134. A heater 140 may be in communication with the second fluid line 114 to heat water flowing along the second fluid line 114.

[0082] In general, a single serving of coffee may be prepared by the coffee dispenser 110 by allowing coffee concentrate 124 to flow along the coffee concentrate fluid line 112, and water to flow along the water fluid line 114, such that the coffee concentrate and the water simultaneously pass through the junction 116, thereby causing mixing of the coffee concentrate within the water to form the coffee beverage. The coffee concentrate and water may pass through the junction 116 under pressure to cause a turbulent mixing of the coffee concentrate within the water, such that the coffee concentrate is evenly distributed within the water to create the coffee beverage. The third fluid line 118 may extend from the junction 116 and terminate at a discharge opening, wherein the mixed coffee beverage may be dispensed into the cup 120 or other receptacle. In this regard, the mixing of the coffee concentrate and the water may occur during the normal flow through the coffee dispenser 110.

[0083] To allow for such simultaneous passage of the coffee concentrate and the water through the junction 116, the coffee dispenser 110 may include a main controller 142 which controls operation of the first and second flow controllers 126, 136, and thus, controls the flow of coffee concentrate and water along the first and second fluid lines 112, 114, respectively. The main controller 142 may include a processor having preprogrammed operating instructions for operating the first and second flow controllers 112, 114. In this regard, the main controller 142 may generate command signals for actuating the first flow controller 126 to control the flow of coffee concentrate along the first fluid line 112, as well as actuating the second flow controller 136 to control the flow of water along the second fluid line 114. It is contemplated that the main controller 142 may control operation of the first and second flow controllers 126, 136 in several different operational modes.

[0084] In a first operational mode, it is contemplated that the first and second controllers 126, 136 may be operated in a manner which causes the coffee concentrate and water to flow through the junction 116 at approximately the same time. In a single serving of coffee, there may be a greater volume of water than coffee concentrate. As such, the coffee concentrate flow controller 126 and the water flow controller 136 may be operated by the main controller 142 to allow for flow of coffee contrate at a slower flow rate than the flow rate of the water. For instance, if a single serving of coffee is comprised of approximately 80% water and 20% coffee concentrate, the water flow controller 136 may allow water to flow at approximately five times the rate at which the coffee concentrate flows. This difference in flow rate may be implemented through the size of the valve 128 which controls flow of coffee concentrate along the first fluid line 112. For instance, the valve 128 may include an orifice which defines a prescribed flow rate, and the water pump 138 may be operated to pump the water along the water fluid line 114 at a flow rate which is five times greater than the prescribed flow rate defined by the valve 128 controlling the flow of coffee concentrate. As such, coffee concentrate flows through the junction 116 for approximately the same amount of time as the water to allow for substantially uniform mixing of the coffee concentrate within the water.

[0085] In a second operational mode, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the water may flow through the junction 116 after all of the coffee concentrate has flowed through the junction 116. The benefit associated with the second operational mode is that the water flowing through the junction 116 subsequent to the coffee concentrate may having a cleansing effect on the junction 116, as well as the third fluid line 118. In the second operational mode, it is contemplated that, similar to the first operational mode, there may be simultaneous flow of the coffee concentrate and the water through the junction 116. However, once the coffee concentrate stops flowing, some water may flow through the junction 116, and through the third fluid line 118 and into the cup 120 within which the single serving of coffee is dispensed.

[0086] The flow rate of the water along the second fluid line 114, in any operational mode, may be effected by the presence of the heater 140. More specifically, the heater 140 may slow down the overall flow rate of water. As such, the impact of the heater 140 on the flow of the water may be accounted for by the main controller 142 when controlling the first and second flow controllers 126, 128.

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternate embodiment of a coffee dispenser 210, wherein respective fluid lines for coffee concentrate and water do not intersect. Rather, each fluid line includes a dedicated outlet to dispense coffee concentrate and water separately into a cup 212. As such, the mixing of the coffee concentrate and the water does not occur until the coffee concentrate and water have exited the coffee dispenser 210.

[0088] The coffee dispenser 210 includes a coffee concentrate port 214 engageable with a container of coffee concentrate 216, and water reservoir 218 for storing water. The coffee concentrate port 214 is in liquid tight connection with a coffee concentrate flow line 220, and the water reservoir 218 is in liquid tight connection with a water flow line 222. A coffee concentrate flow controller 224 controls the flow of coffee concentrate along the coffee concentrate flow line 220. The coffee concentrate flow controller 224 may include a valve or a pump, as described in more detail above. A water flow controller 226 controls the flow of water along the water flow line 222, with the water flow controller 226 including a pump. A heater 228 may be in communication with the water flow line 222 to heat water as it flows along the water flow line 222. A main controller 230 generates and transmits operational control instructions to the coffee flow controller 224 and the water flow controller 226 for operating the flow controllers 224, 226 to make a single serving of coffee.

[0089] In one exemplary embodiment, a single serving of coffee is made by actuating the coffee concentrate flow controller 224, thereby causing coffee concentrate to flow along the coffee concentrate flow line 220 and exit the flow line 220 into the cup 212. The water flow controller 226 is also actuated to allow water to flow along the water flow line 222, through the heater 228, and exit the flow line 222 into the cup 212. It is contemplated that the coffee concentrate and water may enter the cup 212 at substantially the same time, or alternatively, the coffee concentrate or water may be dispensed into the cup in a staggered fashion.

[0090] The coffee concentrate and/or the water may be dispensed from the coffee dispenser 210 under pressure to create turbulent mixing of the coffee concentrate and water within the cup 212. To promote mixing, the outlet(s) of the coffee concentrate flow line 220 and/or the water flow line 222 may be angled toward a specific location, which may be associated with the center of the cup 212, when the cup 2125 is placed under the dispenser 210. In this regard, the dispenser 210 may include an indicator as to where the cup should be placed. The indicator may include an X, star, light, or other demarcation to notify the user as to where to place the cup.

[0091] In another aspect, referring now to FIGS. 8-10, a machine 10 for grinding a block 412 of instant coffee and funneling flakes of the instant coffee into a cup 414, and also preparing hot water and pumping hot water into the cup 414 is disclosed.

[0092] Referring now to FIG. 8, the machine 412 may include a top plate 416. The top plate 416 may have a plurality of spikes 418 that may be pushed into the block 412 of instant coffee so that the top plate 416 is fixedly attached to the block 412. It is also contemplated that the top plate 416 may apply a downward force onto the block 412 so that the block 412 is also pushed against the bottom plate 420. The downward pressure may be applied by the heavy weight of the top plate 16 or other component that is above the top plate 416 and pushes down on the top plate 416 such as a spring. By way of example and not limitation, the top plate 416 may be manufactured from a heavy metallic material and the weight of the top plate can supply a sufficient amount of downward pressure that is transmitted from the bottom surface of the block 412 to a serrated side of the bottom plate 420. The top plate 416 may be connected to a motor or screw drive which forces the top plate 16 downward to generate the downward pressure.

[0093] The bottom plate 420 may have a plurality of serrations 422 that is capable of grinding a bottom portion of the block 412 into flakes of instant coffee. To this end, the top plate 416 may push down on the block 412 while simultaneously rotating in the direction of arrow 424. The top plate 16 may rotate about a central axis aligned to rotating axis of a rotating shaft 426. The block 412 may have a cylindrical shape and also define a central axis which may be coaxial aligned to the rotating axis of the top plate 416.

[0094] The serrations 422 of the bottom plate 420 may cover an entire bottom area of block 412. In this manner, as the block 412 is being ground down, the bottom portion is being evenly ground down. As the block 412 is being ground down from the bottom up, the top plate 416 continues to apply downward pressure until a substantial amount of the block 412 is ground away. The rotating shaft 426 may be a hex shaped shaft. The top plate 416 may have a matching hex shaped hole which receives the hex shaped shaft 426. When the shaft 426 rotates, the top plate 416 rotates. When the bottom of the block 412 is being ground down, the top plate 416 slides down on the shaft 426.

[0095] The flakes of instant coffee that are ground off at the serrations 422 may be directed into the cup 414 with the funnel 430. The funnel 430 may collect the flakes of instant coffee and output the flakes at the bottom aperture 432 into the cup 414.

[0096] The machine 410 may also have a water source 434, a pump 436 and a heater 438. The water source 434 may be a water container which is in fluid communication with the pump and heater 436, 438. The pump, when turned on, may force or pump water from the water source 434 through the heater 438 in order to deliver hot water into the cup 414. The heater 438 may be operative to heat the water and supply water that is greater than 4100 degrees Fahrenheit and preferably up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The machine 410 may also have a switch 440. The switch 440 is operative to activate the motor 442 for rotating the top plate 416, the pump 436 and the heater 438. Electricity may be provided to the motor 442, pump and heater via an electrical outlet or be battery powered.

[0097] To operate the machine, a user may depress or turn the machine on with the switch 440. When the switch 440 is activated, the machine may produce one or more cups of coffee. In particular, the motor 442 may be turned on in order to rotate the top plate 416. A weight of the top plate 416 may be sufficient to apply downward force so that the serrations 422 of the bottom plate 420 grinds off a bottom portion of the block 412 of instant coffee. The motor 442 may be turned on for a sufficient amount of time to produce enough flakes of instant coffee for one or more cups of coffee. Additionally, when the switch 440 is turned on, the pump 436 and heater 438 may be turned on for a sufficient amount of time to provide enough heated water into the cup 414. The motor, heater and pump may be controlled with a programmable logic controller to time operation of the motor, heater and pump to produce one or more predetermined cups of coffee.

[0098] The block 412 of instant coffee may be manufactured by the method described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/794,017 (hereinafter '017 Application), filed on Oct. 10, 2018, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. The dehydrated coffee disclosed in the '017 application may be formulated into a block 412 that has a dimension between 1.5 inches and 6 inches in diameter 446. The block 412 may also be between 1 inch and 12 inches in height 448. The dehydration method disclosed in the '017 application may be used to produce a large block 12 by using a larger mold and also by forming holes in the block 12. For example, the large molds may have large pins formed in the mold or the holes may be formed by drilling the holes in the frozen instant coffee before being inserted into the dehydration unit. FIG. 9 illustrates a block 412 with holes 448. During the dehydration process, the holes 448 allow air to flow through the block 412 and allow the block 412 to dehydrate from the center-outward as well as from the outside-in. Moreover, the block 412 may have a cylindrical shape, as shown in FIG. 9, but it is also contemplated that the block 412 may have other configurations, including but not limited to square and triangular.

[0099] The block of instant coffee may be a block of solidified coffee concentrate. By way of example and not limitation, the block of solidified coffee concentrate may be frozen coffee concentrate that is in liquid form at room temperature. Alternatively, the block of solidified coffee concentrate may also be formed by providing granules of coffee concentrate and attaching them to each other with ultrasonic vibrations. The granules of coffee concentrate may be poured into a mold having an interior with the desire external shape plus a central hole in which a rotating shaft is received during use. The mold applies ultrasonic energy to the flowable material. The mold may contact the granules of coffee concentrate to apply the ultrasonic energy to the granules of coffee concentrate. The ultrasonic energy delivered by the mold may have a frequency between 20 Khz to 35 Khz and more preferably between 27 Khz to 33 Khz. The mold may deliver the contact forces to the granules of coffee concentrate. The ultrasonic energy fuses the granules of coffee concentrate so that after the mold and the ultrasonic energy is removed, the granules of coffee concentrate becomes a non-flowable mass of coffee concentrate configured in the shape of an interior cavity of the mold.

[0100] Referring now to FIG. 10, a machine 410a is shown. The machine 410a is identical in structure and operation as that of machine 410 described and shown in FIG. 8 except for the following. In particular, instead of the motor 442 being operative to rotate the top plate 416, the motor is engaged to the bottom plate 420 and is operate to rotate the bottom plate 420 so that the flakes are produced as the bottom plate 420 rotates. Moreover, the tube 450 that delivers the hot water into the cup 414 may be re-routed to deliver the hot water directly into the funnel 430 so that any flakes of water dissolvable instant coffee may be dissolved and the hot water may clean the funnel 430 during each use or preparation of coffee.

[0101] In another aspect, referring now to FIGS. 11-13, a coffee dispenser 10b is shown. The coffee dispenser is identical to coffee dispenser 10, 10a except that the coffee concentrate container 44 and the coffee port valve 53 is replaced with a coffee grinder component 512 identical to the machine 412 discussed in relation to FIGS. 8-10 except that the coffee grinder component 512 is smaller. In particular, a motor 442, shaft 426, spikes 418, bottom plate 420 may make up the coffee grinder component 512, which may be be positioned within or immediately above the mixing chamber 88 of the housing 514. A cap 516 may cover the hole 518 of the housing 514. The motor 442, shaft 426, bottom plate 420 may be sized so as to fit within an upper portion of housing 42 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0102] In FIGS. 8-10, the block 412 is about 1.5 to 6 inches in diameter and 1 inch to 12 inches in height. However, in relation to FIGS. 11-13, a smaller sized block 412 which may be referred to as a puck 520 (e.g., tablet sized) may be sized to be about ⅛ inch to 2 inches inches in diameter (e.g., preferably, ¼ inch to 1½ inch) and ⅛ to 1½ inches in height (e.g., preferably ¼ inch). The puck 520 may be a dissolvable coffee concentrate which is solidified to withstand impact caused during shipping. During use, the user removes the cap 516 from the housing 514. The user may insert the puck 520 between the spikes 418 and the bottom plate 420 of the coffee grinder component 512. The cap 516 may then be replaced to cover the hole of the upper portion of the housing 514. The coffee grinder component 512 may then grind the puck 520 into flakes. The flakes may have the size of granular sugar or table salt. By way of example and not limitation, the flakes of the puck 520 may fall into the mixing chamber 88. By grinding the puck 520 into smaller flake pieces, the water is able to dissolve the flakes by the time the hot water in the amount of one serving (8 fluid ounces) flow through the mixing chamber 88.

[0103] Other configurations of the coffee grinder component are also contemplated. By way of example and not limitation, the coffee grinder component shown in FIGS. 11-13 may instead be a crushing device 600, as shown in FIG. 14. The crushing device 600 may have first and second wheels 610, 612. The puck or tablet 520 may be inserted between the wheels 610, 612. Upon insertion a sensor 614 (e.g., proximity sensor, infrared sensor) may sense the presence of the tablet 520 and activate one or more motors which turn one or both of the wheels 612, 614 in the direction 620, 622 shown in FIG. 14. The wheels 612, 614 grip the tablet 520 and pulls the tablet 520 in the direction of arrow 616. Because a gap 618 is smaller than a thickness 620 of the tablet 520, the wheels 612, 614 crushes the tablet 520. The tablet 520 being brittle will be crushed into smaller pieces. The pieces may be sufficiently small so that when the smaller flakey pieces of dehydrated coffee is gravity fed into the mixing chamber or the cup and hot water contacts the flaked crushed dehydrated coffee, the dehydrated coffee will dissolve within 2 minutes and preferably less than 1 minute or 15 seconds without stirring. With stirring, the dehydrated crushed coffee dissolves faster than without stirring and preferably will dissolve in less than 10 seconds.

[0104] The size of the crushed dehydrated coffee may be between 1/32 inch in width to 3/32 inches in width. The size of the crushed dehydrated coffee may be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the distance of the gap 618. For smaller sized crushed dehydrated coffee, the gap 618 between the outer surface of the wheels 610, 612 may be 1/32 inches to 1/16 inches. To produce larger sized flakes, the gap 618 may be 1/16 inches to 5/32 inches.

[0105] The diameter of the wheels 610, 612 may be between ⅛ inch to 1 inch. For example, the diameter of the wheels 610, 612 may be ½ inch. The wheels 610, 612 may have the same diameter or different diameters. If they have different diameters, then the tablet 520 will turn when the tablet 520 is gripped and pulled between the wheels 610, 612 to further crush the dehydrated coffee to a smaller size compare to a set up where the wheels 610, 612 with the same gap 618 but with the same sized wheels 610, 612.

[0106] The exterior surface of the wheels 610, 612 may be smooth or knurled. Other bumps or spikes may be formed on the exterior surface.

[0107] The puck 520 may be formed in the following ways. First, the coffee concentrate in liquid form may be dehydrated. For example, the coffee concentrate may be dehydrated by freeze drying the coffee concentrate or by the method discussed in relation to the '017 application. Alternatively, the coffee concentrate may be dehydrated by thermal dehydration. Thereafter, the dehydrated coffee concentrate may be pressed into the shape of the puck 520 shown and described herein. The dehydrated coffee concentrate may be converted into a powder form so as to fit within a mold in the shape of the puck 510. The dehydrated coffee concentrate compressed with force between 0.5 tons to 10 tons, and more preferably between 1.5 tons and 6 tons.

[0108] The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, including various ways of configuring the stand. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.