Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of hot beverage vending kettles and more particularly to a kettle which can prepare a hot beverage and dispense once the beverage is ready. The kettle described herein may also be capable of dispensing only hot water through a separate tap.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The quality, safety, and authenticity of food and beverage products are critical concerns in the industry. The risks of counterfeiting and passing off inferior products as renowned brands remain significant issues. Consumers and suppliers alike require solutions that assure the integrity and quality of the products they purchase and distribute.
[0004] In the preparation of mixed beverages in kettles, such as those created from premixes, consistent quality in the beverage's taste and texture is paramount. However, several challenges impede achieving this quality. For instance, in current systems, the powder often settles at the bottom of the kettle, primarily due to inadequate stirring mechanisms. This lack of proper assimilation between the powder and water leads to deterioration in the taste and overall quality of the beverage.
[0005] Additionally, the quantity of the beverage dispensed is often inconsistent when relying on manual intervention, which further compromises the drink's quality and customer satisfaction. Existing kettle also lack mechanisms for precise water intake, often relying on manual feeding, which can vary the taste and quality of the beverage, particularly in delicate drinks like tea, where water quality and quantity are crucial.
[0006] Furthermore, most current beverage kettle do not incorporate modern tracking and monitoring technologies. They lack GPS or remote access capabilities, increasing the risk of theft or damage and making it challenging to locate and manage the kettles efficiently. Also, the absence of real-time beverage consumption tracking in existing kettles complicates inventory management and resource planning, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.
[0007] Another significant limitation of current beverage vending kettles is their inability to offer contactless dispensing options. In the wake of health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless solutions have become increasingly important to ensure the safety and health of consumers.
[0008] Thus, there exists a substantial need for an improved beverage vending kettle that addresses these deficiencies. Such a kettle may incorporate an effective stirring mechanism, ensure consistent and precise beverage dispensing, integrate advanced tracking and monitoring technologies, support real-time data analytics for inventory and resource management, and enable contactless dispensing options to enhance consumer safety and convenience.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed hereinbelow.
[0010] A general object of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with the existing beverage vending kettles.
[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to improve beverage quality by providing a beverage vending that incorporates an effective stirring mechanism that may prevent the settling of ingredients at the bottom of the kettle and ensure uniform distribution throughout the beverage, thus maintaining the intended flavor and quality of each serving.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to ensure consistent dispensing of beverages from the beverage vending kettle which may be designed to dispense precise and consistent quantities of beverages, reducing variability in taste and quality, which is crucial for enhancing customer satisfaction and trust in the beverage brand.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to enhance the security and manageability of the beverage vending kettles, by integrating advanced tracking and monitoring technologies, including GPS and remote access capabilities, which may allow owners and operators to effectively track the location and operational status of the kettle, reducing risks such as theft and facilitating easier overall management.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to enable real-time data analytics for effective inventory management and resource planning in beverage vending kettles, which may provide real-time tracking of beverage consumption data and aid operators in maintaining optimal stock levels and reducing wastage, thus improving operational efficiency.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to facilitate contactless dispensing of beverages from beverage vending kettles, by providing contactless dispensing mechanisms controlled via mobile applications or other non-contact methods. This feature may be designed to meet the increasing consumer demand for hygienic, touch-free interactions, particularly important in the wake of global health concerns.
[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to automate water intake in the beverage vending kettles, which may provide automated and precise control over the quantity and quality of water used in beverage preparation, ensuring that the drinks produced have consistent taste and quality with each serve.
[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to reduce the risk of product counterfeiting in beverage vending kettles, by enhancing measures against the counterfeiting of popular and renowned products by ensuring the authenticity of ingredients used, thereby protecting brand integrity and consumer trust.

SUMMARY
[0018] The present disclosure relates to the field of hot beverage vending kettles and more particularly to a kettle which can prepare a hot beverage and dispense once the beverage is ready. The kettle described herein may also be capable of dispensing only hot water through a separate tap.
[0019] According to an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a kettle for preparing and vending beverages. The kettle comprises a first housing, a second housing concentrically disposed within the first housing such that a first space is formed within an annular gap between the first housing and the second housing, and a second space is formed within the second housing, and a pump fluidically configured with the first housing and the second housing, where the pump is configured to receive and enable supply a first liquid in the first space and/or a second liquid in the first space. Further, the kettle comprises a stirring mechanism configured within the second space of the second housing, and a heating element in thermal contact with the first housing and the second housing, where the heating element is configured to control the temperature of the corresponding liquids in the first space and the second space. Accordingly, upon authentication and validation of the first liquid, the second liquid, and a brewing material associated with a beverage to be prepared, the kettle is configured to receive and store the first liquid in the first space and further actuate the heating element to heat the stored first liquid at a first temperature, and/or receive and store the second liquid and the brewing material in the second space and further actuate the heating element to heat the second liquid at a second temperature while actuating the stirring mechanism to mix and stir the heated second liquid and the brewing material for a predefined time to prepare the beverage.
[0020] In an aspect, the first liquid and the second liquid are selected from a group comprising water, milk, and edible liquid, whereas the brewing material is selected from a group comprising tea, coffee, soup, and nutraceutical supplements.
[0021] In an aspect, the kettle comprises a first tap fluidically connected to the first housing via a first dispensing valve and configured to dispense a first predefined volume of the heated first liquid, and a second tap fluidically connected to the second housing via a second dispensing valve and configured to dispense a second predefined volume of the prepared beverage.
[0022] In an aspect, the first housing and the second housing are cylindrical members where a radius of the first housing is greater than radius of the second member to form the annular gap or the first space therebetween. The kettle further comprises a thermally insulative outer shell enclosing the first housing and the second housing, and a lid movably fitted on top of the first housing, the second housing, and the outer shell. The lid is configured with an automatic electronic lock to move the lid between a closed position and an open position.
[0023] In an aspect, the stirring mechanism comprises a set of stirrer blades rotatably connected to a motor, wherein the set of stirrer blades remains within the second housing and the motor remains secured outside the second housing.
[0024] In an aspect, the kettle comprises a controller in communication with the pump, the heating element, the first and second dispensing valves, the motor of the stirring mechanism, and the automatic electronic lock. The controller comprises one or more processors coupled to a memory storing instructions executable by the processors, which causes the controller to control the pump to fill a first level of the first liquid in the first space and/or a second level of the second liquid in the second space, actuate the automatic electronic lock to move the lid between the closed position and the open position, where the kettle allows feeding the brewing material within the second space when the lid is in the open position, actuate the heating element to adjust temperature of the first liquid at the first temperature in the first space and/or adjust temperature of the second liquid at the second temperature in the second space, control brewing time of the brewing material in the second space and further actuate the motor to adjust stirring speed and stirring duration of the second liquid and the brewing material in the second space, and actuate the first dispensing valve to dispense the first volume of the heated first liquid via the first tap and/or actuate the second dispensing valve to dispense the second volume of the prepared beverage via the second tap.
[0025] In an aspect, the kettle comprises one or more sensors that enable the controller to monitor the level of the first liquid and the second liquid in the first space and the second space respectively, monitor the temperature of the heating element, the first liquid, the second liquid, and/or the beverage within the kettle, monitor volume of the first liquid and the beverage dispensed via the first tap and the second tap respectively, and detect opening and closing of the lid, where the controller restricts the operation of the kettle when the lid is detected to be in the open position.
[0026] In an aspect, the controller is in communication with a human-machine interface (HMI) device installed on the kettle and one or more HMI devices associated with one or more registered users. The HMI devices allow the one or more registered users to scan a unique code provided on a packet of the brewing material, and storage tanks of the first liquid and the second liquid, to enable the controller to authenticate the first liquid, the second liquid, and the brewing material and correspondingly allow the registered users to access and use the kettle upon a positive authentication, select any or a combination of beverage type, the level of the first liquid and the second liquid available in the kettle, the temperature of the first liquid and/or the beverage, the brewing time of the beverage, the stirring speed and stirring duration, and the volume of the first liquid and/or the beverage being dispensed.
[0027] In an aspect, the first housing, the second housing, and the outer shell are configured over a base, wherein the pump, the heating element, the motor, and the controller are secured in the base.
[0028] In an aspect, the kettle comprises a GPS device connected with the controller which enables tracking of a location of the kettle using the one or more HMI devices.
[0029] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent features.
[0030] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and particularly the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description,
[0032] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary block diagram depicting functional modules of the proposed kettle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGs. 1B to 1I illustrate exemplary views of the proposed kettle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary view of the outer shell associated with the proposed kettle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of the first housing (middle shell) associated with the proposed kettle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of the second housing (inner shell) associated with the proposed kettle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary view of the stirrer mechanism associated with the proposed kettle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary view of the heating element associated with the proposed kettle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary view of the first valve associated with the proposed kettle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0040] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure elaborate upon an automated, portable, and easy-to-use beverage vending kettle that can prepare a hot beverage and dispense it once the beverage is ready, and which is also capable of dispensing only hot water through a separate tap.
[0042] The present disclosure overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with the existing beverage vending kettles, by providing an improved, automated, and easy-to-use beverage vending kettle that ensures consistent and precise beverage dispensing, has advanced tracking and monitoring technologies, supports real-time data analytics for inventory and resource management, and enables contactless dispensing options to enhance consumer safety and convenience.
[0043] Referring to FIGs. 1A to 1I, a beverage vending kettle 100 (referred to as kettle 100, hereinafter, is disclosed. The kettle 100 may include a first housing 102 (also referred to as a middle shell 102, herein), a second housing 104 (also referred to as an inner shell 104, herein) concentrically disposed within the first housing 102 such that a first space S1 (also referred to as water heating space) is formed within an annular gap between the first housing 102 and the second housing 104, and a second space S2 (also referred to as brewing space) is formed within the second housing 104 as depicted in FIG. 1I. In an embodiment, the first housing 102 and the second housing 104 may be hollow cylindrical members as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4, where the radius of the first housing 102 is selected to be greater than the radius of the second member to form the annular gap or the first space S1 therebetween. Further, the kettle 100 may include a thermally insulative outer shell 106 as shown in FIG. 2, enclosing the first housing 102 and the second housing 104 as shown in FIGs. 1A to 1I. In addition, the kettle 100 may include a lid 108 movably fitted on top of the first housing 102, the second housing 104, and the outer shell 106, where the components of the kettle 100 may be installed over a stable base 110 to define the outer shape of the kettle 100. Furthermore, the lid 108 may be configured with an automatic electronic lock to move the lid 108 between a closed position and an open position.
[0044] In an embodiment, the first housing 102, the second housing 104, the outer shell 106, the lid 108, and the base 110 may be made of a water-proof or rust-proof durable material, to prevent the kettle 100 and associated components from damage from external factors like accidental impacts, water spills, or exposure to moisture. However, the first housing 102, the second housing 104, the outer shell 106, the lid 108, and the base 110 may also be made of any other durable material which may be coated with a layer of water-proof or rust-proof material. An outer structure of the kettle 100 may be designed to be user-friendly, convenient to use, compact, portable, and aesthetically pleasing.
[0045] The kettle 100 may further include a pump 112 fluidically configured with the first housing 102 and the second housing 104. The pump 112 may be configured to receive and enable the supply of a first liquid in the first space S1 and/or a second liquid in the first space S1. In an exemplary embodiment, the first liquid and the second liquid may be selected from a group comprising water, milk, and edible liquid. The first liquid and the second liquid have been mentioned as water hereinafter for the sake of brevity.
[0046] In an embodiment, the kettle 100 may include a stirring mechanism 114 configured within the second space S2 of the second housing 104. The stirrer mechanism 114 may include a set of stirrer blades 114-1 rotatably connected to a motor 114-2, where the set of stirrer blades 114-1 remains within the second housing 104 and extends longitudinally along a length of the second space S2, and the motor 114-2 remains secured outside the second housing 104, thereby protecting the stirrer motor 114-2 from the liquid or beverage. Accordingly, rotation of the stirrer blades 114-1 at a predefined speed within the second space S2 may stir the beverage while preventing the accumulation of brewing material at the bottom of the second space S2. In an embodiment, the stirrer blades 114-1 may extend between the bottom of the second housing 104 and the lid 108 on top. Further, the stirrer blades 114-1 may be configured to be removably attached to the stirrer motor 114-2, which may allow the stirrer blades 114-1 to be removed from the second space S2 for cleaning or maintenance of the stirrer blades 114-1 as well as the second housing 104.
[0047] Further, the kettle 100 may include a heating element 116 in thermal contact with the first housing 102 and the second housing 104. The heating element 116 may be configured to control the temperature of the corresponding liquids (water and beverage) in the first space S1 and the second space S2. In an embodiment, a single heating element 116 may be employed for the first space S1 and the second space S2, however, two separate heating elements 116 may also be employed for the first space S1 and the second space S2. In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element 116 may be of a circular or disk-shaped profile as shown in FIG. 6, having a diameter that is based on the diameter of the first housing 102 and the second housing 104. In an embodiment, the heating element 116 may be a coil-type heater or an induction-type heater but is not limited to the like.
[0048] In an embodiment, upon authentication and validation of the water (first liquid and second liquid) being used, and a brewing material associated with a beverage to be prepared, the kettle 100 may be configured to receive and store the water in the first space S1 and further actuate the heating element 116 to heat the stored water at a first temperature. In addition, the kettle 100 may be configured to receive and store the water and the brewing material in the second space S2 and further actuate the heating element 116 to heat the water at a second temperature while actuating the stirring mechanism 114 to mix and stir the heated second liquid and the brewing material for a predefined time to prepare the beverage. In an exemplary embodiment, the brewing material may be selected from a group comprising tea, coffee, soup, and nutraceutical supplements, but is not limited to the like.
[0049] The first space S1 and the second space S2 of the kettle 100 may be adapted to be connected to a water tank (not shown) of a predefined capacity via a set of conduits 128 and the pump 112. In an embodiment (not shown), the water tank may be adapted to be removably attached to or secured in the kettle 100. However, the tank may also be an integral part of the kettle 100. In an embodiment, an inlet of the pump 112 may be adapted to be connected to the outlet of the water tank and an outlet of the pump 112 may be connected to the first space S1 and the second space S2 via two separate conduits being configured with a solenoid valve (not shown). The pump 112 may be driven by a motor (not shown) that may cause the pump 112 to enable the pumping of water from the water tank into the first space S1 and second space S2.
[0050] In an embodiment, the heating element(s) 116 may further include a thermostat or temperature sensor that may be configured to monitor the temperature of the heating element 116 or the water/beverage in the first space S1 and the second space S2, and automatically adjust the heating capacity of the heating elements 116 to maintain the temperature of the heating element 116 or water/beverage at the predefined temperature. Further, the thermostat may switch OFF the heating element(s) 116 when the temperature of the heating element(s) 116 exceeds a safe level. In an embodiment, the thermostat may be installed in the lid 108. However, the thermostat or temperature sensor may also be installed within the first housing 102 and second housing 104, or in the base 110 of the kettle 100.
[0051] Further, in an embodiment (not shown), the kettle 100 may include a compartment provided in the base 110 (or as a separate housing) which may be configured to receive and securely hold the brewing material associated with the beverage selected from a group comprising tea, coffee, soup, nutraceutical supplement, but not limited to the like. The compartment may have a movable door enclosing the interior of the capsule storage compartment. The kettle 100 may allow users to open the door to collect the brewing material from the compartment and place the brewing material in the second space S2 of the kettle 100 for brewing upon authentication and valid 108ation of the users accessing the kettle 100.
[0052] In an embodiment, the kettle 100 may include a first tap 118 fluidically connected to the first housing 102 via a first dispensing valve, where the first tap 118 may be configured to dispense a first predefined volume of the heated water (first liquid) present in the first space S1. Further, the kettle 100 may include a second tap 120 fluidically connected to the second housing 104 via a second dispensing valve, where the second tap 120 may be configured to dispense a second predefined volume of the prepared beverage from the kettle 100. In an exemplary implementation, the kettle 100 may dispense 10 ml, 30 ml, 60 ml, 100 ml, or other customized quantities of hot water or the beverage as per the user’s choice, but not limited to the like.
[0053] In an embodiment (not shown), the kettle 100 may additionally include a collection tray adapted to be removably positioned below the first tap 118 and the second tap 120, such that the collection tray remains accessible to users from outside. The collection tray may be configured to accommodate cups or bottles thereon, where the kettle 100 may dispense the hot water and/or the beverage into a cup or bottle placed on the collection tray. In an exemplary embodiment, the collection tray may be a drip tray for easy cleaning.
[0054] In an embodiment, the kettle 100 may include a controller 122 in communication with the pump 112, the heating element 116, the first and second dispensing valves, the motor of the stirring mechanism 114, and the automatic electronic lock. The controller 122 may include one or more processors 122-1 coupled to a memory 122-2 storing instructions executable by the processors 122-1, which causes the controller 122 to perform one or more designated operations. In an embodiment, the controller 122 may control the pump 112 to fill a first level of the water (first liquid) in the first space S1 and/or a second level of the water (second liquid) in the second space S2. Further, the controller 122 may actuate the automatic electronic lock to move the lid 108 between the closed position and the open position, where the kettle 100 may allow feeding of the brewing material within the second space S2 when the lid 108 is in the open position. Furthermore, the controller 122 may detect the opening and closing of the lid 108, and further restrict the operation of the kettle 100 when the lid 108 is detected to be in the open position. Accordingly, once the brewing material is fed into the second space S2, the controller 122 may close the lid 108 and control the pump 112 to fill the second level of the water (second liquid) in the second space S2.
[0055] Further, the controller 122 may actuate the heating element 116 to adjust the temperature of the water (first liquid) at the first temperature in the first space S1 and/or adjust the temperature of the water (second liquid) at the second temperature in the second space S2, while controlling brewing time of the brewing material in the second space S2 and further actuating the stirrer motor 114-2 to adjust stirring speed and stirring duration of the heated water and the brewing material in the second space S2 to prepare the beverage. Furthermore, once the beverage is prepared in the second and/or the water is heated in the first space S1, the controller 122 may actuate the first dispensing valve to dispense the first volume of the heated water from the first space S1 via the first tap 118 and/or further actuate the second dispensing valve to dispense the second volume of the prepared beverage via the second tap 120.
[0056] In an embodiment, the kettle 100 may include one or more sensors 124 installed within the kettle 100, which may be in communication with the controller 122. The sensors 124 may include one or more level sensors 124 that may enable the controller 122 to monitor the level of the water available in the tank, the volume or level of the water being filled or available in the first space S1 and the second space S2, and the volume or level of the beverage available in the second space S2. Further, the sensors 124 may include a temperature sensor (thermostat) that may enable the controller 122 to monitor the temperature of the heating element 116, the water, and/or the beverage within the kettle 100. In addition, the sensors 124 may include one or more flow sensors 124 to monitor the volume of the water and the beverage being dispensed via the first tap 118 and the second tap 120 respectively. Further, the sensors 124 may include a metal detector proximity sensor configured with the lid 108 to detect the opening and closing of the lid 108. Accordingly, the controller 122 may restrict the operation of the kettle 100 when the lid 108 is detected to be in the open position.
[0057] Further, in an embodiment, the controller 122 may be in communication with one or more human-machine interface (HMI) devices (not shown). These HMI devices may be provided on the outer body of the kettle 100 and/or may be associated with the registered users. In an embodiment, the HMI devices may be a user interface that may include a display, buttons, and/or a camera/scanner being provided on the kettle 100. Further, the HMI devices may also be mobile devices such as a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet, or other hand-held smart devices associated with the users. The kettle 100 may include a communication module such as a transceiver, a Bluetooth module, a WIFI module, a GSM module, and the like, which may enable the establishment of a secured communication channel between the kettle 100 and the HMI devices.
[0058] In an embodiment, the HMI device may authenticate the users (customers, technicians, and operators) using an OTP-based authentication process, a PIN-based authentication process, and/or a biometric-based authentication process, when the user tries to access the kettle 100. Further, in some embodiments, the kettle 100 may also allow new or existing users (customers) to access the kettle 100, without any authentication, upon a successful payment made by the users at the kettle 100. The kettle 100 may be configured with a payment module that may allow users (customers) to make payments for accessing and using the kettle 100.
[0059] Once the user (customer) is authenticated and/or the payment is made, the HMI device may allow the users to scan, using the camera or scanner, a unique code (such as a QR code or bar code) provided on a packet or compartment of the brewing material and the water tank. The controller 122 may then analyze the scanned unique code to authenticate the corresponding water tank and the brewing material and further allow the authenticated users to open the lid 108 and access the kettle 100. This authorization may allow the users to collect the brewing material and place the brewing material in the second space S2. This may help prevent the use of unauthorized brewing material and water to be used in the kettle 100.
[0060] The HMI devices may further allow the users to select any or a combination of beverage type, the level of the water or beverage available in the kettle 100, the temperature of water and/or the beverage, the brewing time of the beverage, the stirring speed and stirring duration, the volume of the water and/or the beverage being dispensed, and beverage preference selected from mild, strong, and very strong, the speed of the stirrer mechanism 114. Accordingly, the kettle 100 /controller 122 may actuate the pump 112, the heating element 116, and the stirrer mechanism 114 to adjust the temperature of the water or the beverage, the brewing time of the beverage or beverage preference, and further dispense the selected beverage and/or water from the kettle 100.
[0061] Further, the HMI device may allow registered users (such as technicians or operators) to monitor the level of the water available in the water tank and the kettle 100, and the quantity of brewing material available. In an embodiment, the controller 122 may be configured to generate an alert when the level of the water available in the tank and kettle 100, and the quantity of the brewing material available in the kettle 100 goes below predefined levels. In addition, the controller 122 may be configured to generate and transmit an alert message to the HMI devices of the registered users (technicians or operators) when a technical issue is detected in the kettle 100.
[0062] In an embodiment, the kettle 100 may include a GPS device 126 connected to the controller 122 which may enable users (technicians or operators) to track the location of the kettle 100 using the HMI devices. This may help prevent unauthorized movement of the kettle 100 from its designated installed locations. This may also help users to track and locate the kettle 100 in the event of theft.
[0063] Further, the kettle 100 may include one or more buttons provided on the outer body of the housing and operatively connected to the controller 122. The buttons may allow the users to select any or a combination of the temperature of the water or the beverage, the beverage preference or type, the brewing time of the beverage, the speed of the stirrer mechanism 114, and the volume of the water or the beverage to be dispensed. Additionally, the kettle 100 may include LED indicators or speakers provided on the kettle 100, to indicate the brewing status going on within the kettle 100.
[0064] In an embodiment, the kettle 100 may be configured to operate in a self-cleaning mode, where the controller 122 may enable the pump 112 to fill clean water up to a predefined level in the first space S1 and the second space S2, while rotating the stirring mechanism 114 to clean the second space S2 and further drain the water out of the first and second space S2 via the tap into a drain pan.
[0065] In an embodiment, the kettle 100 may include a power plug that may electrically connect the kettle 100 to an external electrical outlet or source, providing the power necessary for the kettle 100 to operate. The plug may be located on the power cord of the kettle 100 and may be designed to fit into a standard electrical outlet. When the plug is inserted into the standard electrical outlet, the kettle 100 may turn ON and allow electricity to flow into the components of the kettle 100. In addition, in some embodiments, the kettle 100 may include a dedicated in-built rechargeable battery to provide power to the components of the kettle 100. This battery may be further recharged by connecting the plug to the external electrical outlet.
[0066] Thus, this invention overcomes the drawbacks and limitations associated with existing beverage vending kettles, by providing an improved and easy-to-use beverage vending kettle having an effective stirring mechanism that ensures consistent and precise beverage dispensing. The kettle integrates advanced tracking and monitoring technologies, supports real-time data analytics for inventory and resource management, and enables contactless dispensing options using HMI devices to enhance consumer safety and convenience.
[0067] It is to be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that while various embodiments of the present disclosure elaborate upon the implementation of this invention for brewing tea, coffee, and soup, however, the kettle has wider applications where the kettle may be used for brewing and dispensing another edible. medicinal, or non-medicinal materials as well, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present disclosure, without any limitations.
[0068] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0069] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0070] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0071] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are comprised to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0072] A general object of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with the existing electric kettles for preparing hot beverages.
[0073] An object of the present disclosure is to improve beverage quality by providing a beverage dispensing system that incorporates an effective stirring mechanism. This mechanism prevents the settling of ingredients at the bottom and ensures uniform distribution throughout the beverage, thus maintaining the intended flavor and quality of each serving.
[0074] Another object of the present disclosure is to ensure consistent dispensing of beverages. The system is designed to dispense precise and consistent quantities of beverages, reducing variability in taste and quality. This consistency is crucial for enhancing customer satisfaction and trust in the beverage brand.
[0075] Another object of the present disclosure is to enhance the security and manageability of the beverage dispensing kettle. By integrating advanced tracking and monitoring technologies, including GPS and remote access capabilities, the system allows owners and operators to effectively track the location and operational status of the kettle, reducing risks such as theft and facilitating easier overall management.
[0076] Another object of the present disclosure is to enable real-time data analytics for effective inventory management and resource planning. The system is equipped to provide real-time tracking of beverage consumption data, which aids operators in maintaining optimal stock levels and reducing wastage, thus improving operational efficiency. An object of the present disclosure is to facilitate contactless dispensing of beverages. The system includes contactless dispensing mechanisms controlled via mobile applications or other non-contact methods. This feature is designed to meet the increasing consumer demand for hygienic, touch-free interactions, particularly important in the wake of global health concerns.
[0077] Another object of the present disclosure is to automate water intake in the beverage dispensing system. This automation provides precise control over the quantity and quality of water used in beverage preparation, ensuring that the drinks produced have consistent taste and quality with each serve.
[0078] Another object of the present disclosure is to reduce the risk of product counterfeiting. The system enhances measures against the counterfeiting of popular and renowned products by ensuring the authenticity of ingredients used, thereby protecting brand integrity and consumer trust. ,

Claims:We Claim:

1. A kettle (100) for preparing and vending beverages, the kettle (100) comprising:
a first housing (102);
a second housing (104) concentrically disposed within the first housing (102) such that a first space (S1) is formed within an annular gap between the first housing (102) and the second housing (104), and a second space (S2) is formed within the second housing (104);
a pump (112) fluidically configured with the first housing (102) and the second housing (104), the pump (112) configured to receive and enable supply of a first liquid in the first space (S1) and/or a second liquid in the first space (S1);
characterized in that:
a stirring mechanism (114) configured within the second space (S2) of the second housing (104); and
a heating element (116) in thermal contact with the first housing (102) and the second housing (104), the heating element (116) configured to control temperature of the corresponding liquids in the first space (S1) and the second space (S2),
wherein upon authentication and validation of the first liquid, the second liquid, and a brewing material associated with a beverage to be prepared, the kettle (100) is configured to:
receive and store the first liquid in the first space (S1) and further actuate the heating element (116) to heat the stored first liquid at a first temperature; and/or
receive and store the second liquid and the brewing material in the second space (S2) and further actuate the heating element (116) to heat the second liquid at a second temperature while actuating the stirring mechanism (114) to mix and stir the heated second liquid and the brewing material for a predefined time to prepare the beverage.
2. The kettle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first liquid and the second liquid are selected from a group comprising water, milk, and edible liquid, wherein the brewing material is selected from a group comprising tea, coffee, soup, nutraceutical supplement.
3. The kettle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the kettle (100) comprises:
a first tap (118) fluidically connected to the first housing (102) via a first dispensing valve and configured to dispense a first predefined volume of the heated first liquid or the first liquid; and
a second tap (120) fluidically connected to the second housing (104) via a second dispensing valve and configured to dispense a second predefined volume of the prepared beverage.
4. The kettle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first housing (102) and the second housing (104) are cylindrical members where a radius of the first housing (102) is greater than radius of the second member to form the annular gap or the first space (S1) therebetween, and wherein the kettle (100) further comprises:
a thermally insulative outer shell (106) enclosing the first housing (102) and the second housing (104); and
a lid (108) movably fitted on top of the first housing (102), the second housing (104), and the outer shell (106), wherein the lid (108) is configured with an automatic electronic lock to move the lid (108) between a closed position and an open position.
5. The kettle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the stirring mechanism (114) comprises a set of stirrer blades (114-1) rotatably connected to a motor (114-2), wherein the set of stirrer blades (114-1) remains within the second housing (104) and the motor (114-2) remains secured outside the second housing (104).
6. The kettle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the kettle (100) comprises a controller (122) in communication with the pump (112), the heating element (116), the first and second dispensing valves, the motor of the stirring mechanism (114), and the automatic electronic lock, wherein the controller (122) comprises one or more processors (122-1) coupled to a memory (122-2) storing instructions executable by the processors (122-1), which causes the controller (122) to:
control the pump (112) to fill a first level of the first liquid in the first space (S1) and/or a second level of the second liquid in the second space (S2);
actuate the automatic electronic lock to move the lid (108) between the closed position and the open position, wherein the kettle (100) allows feeding the brewing material within the second space (S2) when the lid (108) is in the open position;
actuate the heating element (116) to adjust the temperature of the first liquid at the first temperature in the first space (S1) and/or adjust the temperature of the second liquid at the second temperature in the second space (S2);
control the brewing time of the brewing material in the second space (S2) and further actuate the motor to adjust the stirring speed and stirring duration of the second liquid and the brewing material in the second space (S2); and
actuate the first dispensing valve to dispense the first volume of the heated first liquid via the first tap (118) and/or actuate the second dispensing valve to dispense the second volume of the prepared beverage via the second tap (120).
7. The kettle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the kettle (100) comprises one or more sensors (124) that enable the controller (122) to:
monitor level of the first liquid and the second liquid in the first space (S1) and the second space (S2) respectively;
monitor the temperature of the heating element (116), the first liquid, the second liquid, and/or the beverage within the kettle (100);
monitor the volume of the first liquid and the beverage dispensed via the first tap (118) and the second tap (120) respectively;
detect opening and closing of the lid (108), wherein the controller (122) restricts the operation of the kettle (100) when the lid (108) is detected to be in the open position.
8. The kettle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller (122) is in communication with a human-machine interface (HMI) device installed on the kettle (100) and one or more HMI devices associated with one or more registered users, wherein the HMI devices allow the one or more registered users to:
scan a unique code provided on a packet of the brewing material, and storage tanks of the first liquid and the second liquid, to enable the controller (122) to authenticate the first liquid, the second liquid, and the brewing material and correspondingly allow the registered users to access and use the kettle (100) upon a positive authentication;
select any or a combination of beverage type, the level of the first liquid and the second liquid available in the kettle (100), the temperature of the first liquid and/or the beverage, the brewing time of the beverage, the stirring speed and stirring duration, and the volume of the first liquid and/or the beverage being dispensed.
9. The kettle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first housing (102), the second housing (104), and the outer shell (106) are configured over a base (110), wherein the pump (112), the heating element (116), the motor, and the controller (122) are secured in the base (110).
10. The kettle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the kettle (100) comprises a GPS device (126) connected to the controller (122) which enables tracking of a location of the kettle (100) using the one or more HMI devices.