Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“A PROCESS FOR AUTOMATED BEVERAGE PREPARATION AND SELF-CLEANING FOR BEVERAGE MACHINE”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of beverage dispensing. More particularly, the present invention provides a process for automated beverage preparation and an automated cleaning process for a beverage dispensing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional automated beverage vending machines typically use pre-packaged ingredients like instant coffee, powdered milk, and artificial flavorings for preparing beverages such as coffee, tea, or other flavoured drinks. However, often compromise on the quality and taste of the dispensed beverage as they lack the richness, aroma, and freshness associated with freshly brewed beverages, such as coffee or tea. For instance, coffee aficionados may find the taste to be flat or overly synthetic, especially when compared to drinks made using freshly ground beans and manual or semi-automatic brewing methods..

[0003] Another downside is the limited customization available with conventional machines. Users usually have only a few preset options, restricting their ability to adjust the strength, temperature, or ratio of ingredients to suit personal preferences. This lack of control can be frustrating, particularly in settings like offices, cafes, restaurants, or public spaces, where diverse tastes exist and people might want variations to accommodate dietary needs or flavor preferences.

[0004] Maintenance and hygiene can also pose challenges. These machines require regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of residue, bacteria, or mold, especially in parts that handle dairy products. Additionally, breakdowns or malfunctions are common over time, which can disrupt service and lead to costly repairs or downtime. In high-traffic areas, such as cafes or restaurants, the machines require frequent servicing and involve at least some level of manual intervention. Without a properly serviced machine, the beverages dispensed will be inconsistent in taste and/or even pose a health risk.

[0005] One of the primary issues with maintenance and hygiene is nozzle clogging due to residual layers of dispensed beverages. In semi-automated machines, the prepared beverages, such as coffee decoction, pass through the nozzle during dispensing, which remains exposed to temperature variations and atmospheric air. Over time, this exposure leads to residue buildup, causing frequent blockages and requiring constant maintenance. Moreover, the absence of an automated self-cleaning mechanism in most machines creates hygiene problems. Residue accumulation inside internal components compromises beverage quality and necessitates frequent manual cleaning. This increases downtime and maintenance efforts, making the machines less user-friendly and labor-intensive to operate.

[0006] Another significant concern is the wastage of raw materials, specifically coffee decoction and milk. Current vending systems do not allow users to store and reuse leftover decoction and milk for subsequent sessions, leading to unnecessary disposal and increased operational costs. This inefficiency reduces sustainability and impacts overall resource management.

[0007] Considering these challenges, there is an unmet need for a process for automated preparation of beverage vending machines—one that not only prevents nozzle clogging but also allows customers to efficiently utilize remaining decoction, such as coffee and milk, thereby minimizing waste. Additionally, integrating a self-cleaning arrangement would ensure cleanliness within the machine, enhancing beverage quality and reducing maintenance efforts. Such a process would improve efficiency, sustainability, and user convenience, making coffee vending machines more reliable and cost-effective.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The primary objective of the present invention is to overcome the limitations of existing vending technologies by offering an advanced and comprehensive solution for efficient, hygienic, and sustainable beverage preparation.

[0009] An objective of the present invention is to provide a process for an automated preparation of beverages capable of handling multiple beverages, such as tea and coffee, ensuring versatility in dispensing various drinks without clogging or contamination.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to implement a pre-heating mechanism for liquid decoction, enabling the beverage to reach and maintain the required final temperature consistently, thereby enhancing taste and overall quality.

[0011] An additional objective of the present invention is to introduce a fully automated self-cleaning arrangement, ensuring that internal components through which raw materials of prepared beverages pass remain clean, thereby reducing manual maintenance and improving hygiene.

[0012] A further objective of the present invention is to minimize raw material wastage by optimizing the utilization of leftover decoction and milk for subsequent sessions, significantly reducing unnecessary waste and improving cost efficiency.

[0013] By addressing these key aspects, the present invention aims to revolutionize coffee vending technology, enhancing performance, sustainability, and user convenience.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following overview and description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of the full scope of all its features.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a process for automated preparation of hot beverages and self-cleaning mechanism for a vending machine is disclosed.

[0017] In an embodiment, the process for automated preparation of hot beverages comprises, as a first step, pumping a pre-determined amount of decoction from a refrigerated compartment to a pre-heater compartment using a decoction pump. The next step is to simultaneously pump a pre-determined amount of cold milk from the refrigerated compartment to a heating chamber using a milk pump. The refrigerated compartment or fridge, stores a pre-determined amount of pre-processed raw material at a temperature lower than the room temperature to prevent spoilage. This also allows for the quick dispensing of the beverage requested by a user.

[0018] The next step is heating the pumped decoction to a predetermined temperature using steam in said pre-heater compartment. The pre-heater compartment may include heating elements capable of heating the decoction to the pre-determined temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the pre-heater compartment may be filled with steam through which the decoction is circulated for quick heating. The process then includes heating the pumped milk to a predetermined temperature using steam in said heating chamber. For a controller heating, the process preferably uses steam pumped from a steam boiler.

[0019] The final step of the process includes mixing the heated decoction and the heated milk while dispensing the hot beverage from a dispensing nozzle. This process does not require an additional storage compartment for mixing, thus eliminating any change in the dispensed beverage. This also prevents wastage of materials and does not require frequent cleaning.

[0020] In another embodiment, the pumped milk stored in the chamber is diluted to a pre-determined concentration while heating the pumped milk. This dilution is based on the type of beverage requested by the user.

[0021] In an embodiment, the steam boiler is adapted to heat stored water into steam.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the process includes a self-cleaning method that involves pumping a jet of steam in the heating chamber and the dispensing nozzle post-dispensing of the beverage. The pumped steam is drained from the heating chamber and dispensing nozzle to a finned tube, where the steam is condensed using a coolant and stored in a water storage compartment for draining.

[0023] In another embodiment, the step of pumping the pre-determined amount of decoction and the cold milk includes regulating the flow using a flow regulator based on the type of beverage.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the heating of the pumped milk to a predetermined temperature in the heating chamber is regulated by pumping excess steam from the heating chamber via a pressure safety mechanism to prevent overheating and excessive pressure buildup.

[0025] In a further embodiment, said heating the pumped milk to a predetermined temperature includes frothing using steam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention will be more fully understood, and further advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a system for automated preparation of beverages and self-cleaning for a beverage vending machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart outlining the sequential stages associated with the system of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present disclosure herein may be employed.

[0030] At the outset, for ease of reference, certain terms used in this application and their meanings as used in this context are set forth. To the extent a term used herein is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition that persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Further, the present techniques are not limited by the usage of the terms used in the application, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or techniques that serve the same or a similar purpose are considered to be within the scope of the present claims.

[0031] The articles “a” and “an” as used herein mean one or more when applied to any feature in embodiments of the present invention described in the specification and claims. The use of “a” and “an” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limit is specifically stated. The article “the” preceding singular or plural nouns or noun phrases denotes a particular specified feature or particular specified features and may have a singular or plural connotation depending upon the context in which it is used. The adjective “any” means one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity.

[0032] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0033] As used herein, the term "or" includes "and/or" and the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a system for automated preparation of beverages and self-cleaning for a beverage vending machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes for automated beverage dispensing for a beverage vending machine includes a refrigerated compartment or fridge 101, a milk pump 102, a decoction pump 103, a steam boiler 104, a pre-heater compartment 105, a heating chamber 106, finned tube 107, a condensed water storage compartment 108, a dispensing nozzle, and a drain outlet 110. The process for automated beverage dispensing and self-cleaning begins with a request for a beverage from a user. A control unit (not shown here) receives the request and activates the pre-configured program for dispensing the requested beverage, and initiates a self-cleaning process after each dispensing.

[0036] As an example, the user requests for filter coffee for dispensing. The control unit receives the input and activates dedicated pumps to draw a required amount of cold milk and coffee decoction from the refrigerated compartment or fridge 101 using dedicated milk pump 102 and decoction pump 103. In an embodiment, the fridge 101 may include two separate compartments to store the milk and the coffee decoction at a pre-set temperature. This refrigeration maintains the ingredients at low temperatures to prevent spoilage and ensure flavor integrity over time.

[0037] The cold milk is pumped to the heating chamber 106, while the coffee decoction is pumped to the pre-heater compartment 105. Inside the heating chamber 106, the cold milk undergoes thermal treatment. Steam is injected through a dedicated inlet (not shown here) of the heating chamber 106 to rapidly heat the milk to the desired serving temperature. The heating chamber 106 dedicated steam inlet is fluidly connected to the steam boiler 104, which is adapted to heat stored water into steam. In a further embodiment, volume adjustment or dilution of milk may be performed so that the beverage can be further customized to user preferences. For dilution, hot water is introduced via a separate water inlet (not shown here) of the heating chamber 106. The chamber is engineered with steam vents, fluid outlets, and sealing gaskets to maintain internal pressure and prevent leakage during operation.

[0038] After reaching the desired temperature for the milk, the steamed milk is sent to the dispensing nozzle 109, while the excess steam is released through steam vents (not shown here) connected to the heating chamber 106. The steam vents are connected to one or more finned tubes 107 that condense the steam to water using circulating cold water. The condensed water is then collected in the condensate water storage compartment 108 and finally drained out through a drain outlet 110.

[0039] Meanwhile, the cold coffee decoction, pumped using the decoction pump 103, is subjected to steam-based heating in the pre-heater compartment 105. The amount of decoction to be withdrawn by the decoction pump 103 is dependent on the selected type of coffee decoction, such as filter coffee, flavored coffee, or black coffee. Steam may be applied directly to raise the temperature of the decoction to the desired level while preserving its flavor and consistency. In an alternate embodiment, the coffee decoction may be passed through a heat exchange tube in the pre-heater compartment 105 filled with steam. Once the decoction is sufficiently heated, it is routed directly to the dispensing nozzle 109 for final blending with steamed milk.

[0040] At the dispense nozzle 109, the final stage of coffee preparation takes place. The nozzle features separate inlets for heated coffee decoctions and steamed milk. Based on the selected coffee strength—light, medium, or strong—the dispensing nozzle 109 receives precisely measured volumes of heated decoction and frothed, steamed milk. The specifically designed nozzle 109 is adapted to mix the heated liquid in the flow without the requirement of separate storing and mixing. Additional frothing may be applied at this stage to refine the texture and enhance the aroma.

[0041] The process 100 also includes directing steam into the heating chamber 106 and the dispensing nozzle 109. Wherever steam is used—whether for heating or cleaning in the heating chamber, pre-heater, or dispense nozzle—it is routed to a finned tube 107. After being introduced, the steam is drained from the heating chamber 106 and nozzle 109 through the finned tube 107. To maintain stable pressure and enhance thermal efficiency, the steam is then condensed using a cool liquid before being released through a draining outlet.

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart representing the sequential steps of preparing a beverage and self-cleaning process of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The process 200 comprises the very first step 202, of pumping, using a decoction pump 103, a pre-determined amount of decoction from a fridge 101 to a pre-heater compartment 105. Step 204 includes pumping, using a milk pump 102, a pre-determined amount of cold milk from a fridge 101 to a heating chamber 106. Step 206 includes heating the pumped coffee decoction to a predetermined temperature in pre-heater compartment 105 using steam. Step 208 includes heating the pumped milk within the heating chamber 106 to a predetermined temperature using steam received from a steam boiler 104. Step 210 entails frothing the heated milk in the heating chamber 106. Step 212 involves sending the heated decoction and the frothed steamed milk to a dispensing nozzle 109 for inflow mixing, and the final step 214 involves dispensing the mixed beverage from the vending machine.

[0043] In an additional embodiment, adding hot water to the pumped milk for additional dilution of the milk prior to step 208. This streamlined process ensures the real-time preparation and smooth dispensing of customized coffee variants directly to the user.

[0044] The process 200 further includes step 215 for directing a jet of steam into the heating chamber 106 and the dispensing nozzle 109 for a pre-determined amount of time. The jet of steam removes any residual material that may be adhered to the dispensing nozzle 109, input ports and heating chamber 106. In a further step 216, the process includes draining the steam from the heating chamber 106 and nozzle 109 to the finned tube 107, followed by condensing the steam using a cool liquid before being released through a draining outlet. To maintain stable pressure and enhance thermal efficiency, the steam is then condensed.

[0045] The process involves dispensing both decoction and milk by regulating their flow to ensure precise quantities are delivered. To maintain optimal beverage quality, the decoction and milk are heated according to predefined temperature settings. Furthermore, the heating operation within the heating chamber is carefully controlled through the activation of a pressure safety mechanism, which helps prevent overheating and excessive pressure buildup. The orchestration of refrigeration, precise ingredient delivery, steam-driven heating, modular dispensing, and effective condensate handling enables a seamless and hygienic preparation of filter coffee and a variety of other beverages in a fully automated setup.

[0046] To ensure hygienic operation and preserve the integrity of the dispensing environment, the nozzle is equipped with self-cleaning features including steam purging ports, water inlets for rinsing, cooling lines to regulate temperature, and a droplet suction outlet to prevent post-dispensing drips.

[0047] After heating or cleaning cycles, residual steam is channeled into a condensation unit where it is rapidly converted into water through efficient thermal dissipation surfaces. The condensed water is then safely directed to a drainage line, maintaining pressure balance and promoting thermal efficiency.

[0048] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within understood that the phraseology or the terminology employed herein is for description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0049] The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0050] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might fall there within.
, Claims:We Claim:

1. A process for automated preparation of hot beverages comprising:
pumping, using a decoction pump, a pre-determined amount of decoction from a refrigerated compartment to a pre-heater compartment;
pumping, using a milk pump, a pre-determined amount of cold milk from the refrigerated compartment to a heating chamber;
heating the pumped decoction to a predetermined temperature using steam in said pre-heater compartment;
heating the pumped milk to a predetermined temperature using steam in said heating chamber, and
mixing the heated decoction and the heated milk while dispensing the hot beverage from a dispensing nozzle to produce the hot beverage.
2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pumped milk stored in the chamber is diluted to a pre-determined concentration, based on the type of beverage selected by a user, while heating.

3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steam is pumped from a steam boiler adapted to heat stored water into steam.

The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the process further comprises:
pumping a jet of steam in the heating chamber and the dispensing nozzle post-dispensing of the beverage;
draining the pumped steam from the heating chamber and dispensing nozzle to a finned tube;
condensing the drained steam with a coolant and storing it in a water storage compartment for draining.

4. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of pumping the pre-determined amount of decoction and the cold milk includes regulating the flow using a flow regulator based on the type of beverage.

5. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating of the pumped milk to a predetermined temperature in the heating chamber is regulated by pumping excess steam from the heating chamber via a pressure safety mechanism to prevent overheating and excessive pressure buildup.

6. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein heating the pumped milk to a predetermined temperature includes frothing using steam.