Claims:We claim:
1. A beverage processing apparatus (101) comprising:
a dispenser head (102) configured to dispense a beverage powder and a liquid;
a roller support (104) positioned offset the dispenser head (102) towards one side of the dispenser head (102), wherein the roller support (104) is configured to receive a feeding roller (204) of a cartridge (200), and further configured to allow rotation of the feeding roller (204), wherein the feeding roller (204) is configured to feed a filter sheet (202) upon rotation of the feeding roller (206); and
a roller driver (106) positioned offset the dispenser head (102) towards another side of the dispenser head (102) opposite the roller support (104), wherein the roller driver (106) is configured to receive a collecting roller (206) of the cartridge (200), and further configured to rotate the collecting roller (206), wherein the collecting roller (206) is configured to collect the filter sheet (202) fed by feeding roller (204) upon rotation of the collecting roller (206), wherein a portion of the filter sheet (202) extending between the roller support (104) and the roller driver (106) is positioned below the dispenser head (102), wherein roller driver (106) is configured to be rotated by a motor (302) coupled to the roller driver (106).

2. The beverage processing apparatus (101) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a basket (108) positioned vertically below the dispenser head (102) and below the portion of the filter sheet (202) extending between the roller support (104) and the roller driver (106), wherein the basket (108) is dome-shaped having an open top and a perforated base, wherein the basket is configured to support the portion of the filter sheet (202) along the open top, and further configured to allow brewed liquid to pass downwards through the perforated base.

3. The beverage processing apparatus (101) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the basket (108) is tiltable about a horizontal axis, wherein an angle of tilt is predetermined, wherein the tilt is enabled by a high-torque motor (304) coupled to basket (108).

4. The beverage processing apparatus (101) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a trash bin (110) positioned towards the roller driver (106), wherein the trash bin (110) is configured to collect the beverage powder conveyed over the filter sheet (202), upon mixing of the beverage powder and the liquid for a predetermined length of time.

5. The beverage processing apparatus (101) as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a brush (112) positioned towards the trash bin (110), wherein the brush (112) is configured to remove the beverage powder from the filter sheet (202) before the filter sheet (202) is collected on the collecting roller (206) and dump the beverage powder in the trash bin (110).

6. The beverage processing apparatus (101) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors (300), wherein the one or more sensors (300) comprise at least one of:
a filter sheet sensor (306) to sense at least one of a presence and a position of the filter sheet (202) in a brewing region defined between the roller support (104) and roller driver (106) and below the dispenser head (102);
a liquid sensor (308) to sense at least one of an availability and a level of liquid in a liquid reservoir (308A) of the beverage processing apparatus (101);
a cartridge sensor (310) to sense a presence of the cartridge (200) in the beverage processing apparatus (101);
a basket motion sensor (312) to sense at least one of an angle of tilt and a duration of tilt of the basket (108);
a carafe sensor (314) to sense at least one of a presence and a position of a carafe (114) for collecting the processed beverage;
a speed sensor (316) to sense the speed of movement of the filter sheet (202) between the feeding roller (204) and the collecting roller (206); and
a trash bin sensor (318) to sense at least a presence and a position of the trash bin (110).

7. The beverage processing apparatus (101) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a user interface (320) comprising a display (324) and one or more input buttons (322), wherein the display (324) is configured to display one or more parameters sensed by the one or more sensors (300), wherein the one or more parameters comprise the presence of the filter sheet (202) in a brewing region, the position of the filter sheet (202) in a brewing region, the availability of liquid in a liquid reservoir (308A) of the beverage processing apparatus (101), the level of liquid in the liquid reservoir (308A) of the beverage processing apparatus (101), the presence of the cartridge (200) in the beverage processing apparatus (101), the angle of tilt of the basket (108), the duration of tilt of the basket (108), the presence of the carafe (114), the position of the carafe (114), the speed of movement of the filter sheet (202) between the feeding roller (204)and the collecting roller (206), and the presence of the trash bin (110), and the position of the trash bin (110).

8. A cartridge (200) for a beverage processing apparatus (101), the cartridge (200) comprising:
a filter sheet (202) having a plurality of porosities;
a feeding roller (204) configured to dispense the filter sheet (202) upon rotation of the feeding roller (204), wherein the feeding roller (204) is further configured to be mounted on a roller support (104) of the beverage processing apparatus (101);
a collecting roller (206) configured to collect the filter sheet (202) fed by the feeding roller (204) upon rotation of the collecting roller (206), wherein the collecting roller (206) is further configured to be mounted on a roller driver (106) of the beverage processing apparatus (101),
wherein a portion of the filter sheet (202) is configured to receive a beverage powder and hot water from a dispenser head (102) of the beverage processing apparatus (101), when the portion of the filter sheet (202) is extended in a brewing region defined between the roller support (104) and roller driver (106) and vertically below the dispenser head (102); and
a motor (302) coupled to the collecting roller (206) to cause rotation of the collecting roller (206).

9. The cartridge (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the motor (302) is to cause rotation of the roller driver (106) for one of:
a predetermined time duration;
a predetermined length of filter sheet (202) fed by the feeding roller (204); or
a length of filter sheet (202) fed by the feeding roller (204) determined in real-time, wherein the length of filter sheet (202) fed by the feeding roller (204) is determined in real-time based on movement of the filter sheet (202) required to remove the beverage powder into the trash bin (110).

10. The cartridge (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the motor (302) is coupled to a filter sheet sensor (306), wherein the motor 302 is to start and stop rotation of the roller driver (106), based on at least one of the presence and the position of the filter sheet (202) in the brewing region as sensed by the filter sheet sensor (306).

11. The cartridge (200) as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a cartridge housing (208), wherein the feeding roller (204) and the collecting roller (206) are housed in the cartridge housing (208), wherein the cartridge housing (208) comprises:
one or more guide ways (210) to move and position the cartridge (200) on the beverage processing apparatus (101); and
a snap fit lock (212) to lock the cartridge (200) with the beverage processing apparatus (101), upon positioning of the cartridge (200) on the beverage processing apparatus (101).

12. The cartridge (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the filter sheet (202) is made of cotton, or paper, a combination of cotton and paper.

13. The cartridge (200) as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a power source to power the motor, wherein the power source is a battery and the motor is an electric motor.

14. The cartridge (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the filter sheet (202) comprises a reinforcement member (202A) attached to the filter sheet along each of the opposite edges of the filter sheet (202)., wherein each reinforcement member (202A) extends between the feeding roller (204) and the collecting roller (206).

15. A beverage processing assembly (100) comprising:
a beverage processing apparatus (101), the beverage processing apparatus (101) comprising:
a dispenser head (102) configured to dispense a beverage powder and a liquid; and
a motor (302); and
a cartridge (200) configured to be fitted to the beverage processing apparatus (101), wherein the cartridge (200) comprises:
a cartridge housing (208);
a filter sheet (202) having a plurality of porosities;
a feeding roller (204) mounted on the cartridge housing (208), the feeding roller (204) configured to dispense the filter sheet (202) upon rotation of the feeding roller (204); and
a collecting roller (206) mounted on the cartridge housing (208), the collecting roller (206) configured to collect the filter sheet (202) fed by the feeding roller (204) upon rotation of the collecting roller (206),
wherein the motor (302) is configured to couple with the collecting roller (206) to cause rotation of the collecting roller (206), and
wherein a portion of the filter sheet (202) is configured to receive a beverage powder and hot water from the dispenser head (102) of the beverage processing apparatus (101) when the portion of the filter sheet (202) is extended in a brewing region defined between the feeding roller (204) and the collecting roller (206) and vertically below the dispenser head (102).

DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
[001] This disclosure relates generally to food processing, and more particularly to a beverage processing apparatus and an assembly of a beverage processing apparatus and a cartridge.
Background
[002] Coffee-based beverages are consumed and appreciated throughout the world. Various types of automated machines are available that provide ready to consume coffee-based beverages. For example, coffee pods are increasingly becoming popular among coffee customers. It is estimated that this trend of using coffee pods, which started a decade ago, has now been adopted by 40% homes in the United States of America. The coffee pods provide various multiple benefits to the consumers, for example, greater convenience in preparing the coffee-based beverages. These coffee pods are single serve pods that store a certain amount of ground coffee. A user has to simply insert the pod into a coffee processing machine to receive a serving of a coffee-based beverage, with click of a button. Upon usage, the empty pod is discarded.
[003] However, discarded the empty pods create multiple challenges. For example, discarding these pods, which are usually plastic-based, is hazardous to nature. Some aluminum-based pods are available that can be recycled. However, these fail to provide a foolproof solution, as consumers may not diligently follow the dumping protocol required for effective recycling.
[004] Hence, there is a need for an effective and efficient solution for processing beverages like coffee-based beverages that overcomes the above-mentioned challenges.

SUMMARY
[005] In one embodiment, a beverage processing apparatus is disclosed. The beverage processing apparatus may include a dispenser head configured to dispense a beverage powder and a liquid. The beverage processing apparatus may further include a roller support positioned offset the dispenser head towards one side of the dispenser head. The roller support may be configured to receive a feeding roller of a cartridge, and further configured to allow rotation of the feeding roller. The feeding roller is configured to feed a filter sheet upon rotation of the feeding roller. The beverage processing apparatus may further include a roller driver positioned offset the dispenser head towards another side of the dispenser head opposite the roller support. The roller driver may be configured to receive a collecting roller of the cartridge, and further configured to rotate the collecting roller. The collecting roller may be configured to collect the filter sheet fed by feeding roller upon rotation of the collecting roller. A portion of the filter sheet extending between the roller support and the roller driver is positioned below the dispenser head. The roller driver is configured to be rotated by a motor coupled to the roller driver.
[006] In another embodiment, a cartridge for a beverage processing apparatus is disclosed. The cartridge may include a filter sheet having a plurality of porosities. The cartridge may further include a feeding roller configured to dispense the filter sheet upon rotation of the feeding roller. The feeding roller may be further configured to be mounted on a roller support of the beverage processing apparatus. The cartridge may further include a collecting roller configured to collect the filter sheet fed by the feeding roller upon rotation of the collecting roller. The collecting roller may be further configured to be mounted on a roller driver of the beverage processing apparatus. The collecting roller may be configured to be rotated by the roller driver powered by a motor. A portion of the filter sheet may be configured to receive a beverage powder and hot water from a dispenser head of the beverage processing apparatus, when the portion of the filter sheet is extended in a brewing region defined between the roller support and roller driver and vertically below the dispenser head. The cartridge may further include a motor coupled to the roller driver, to cause rotation of the roller driver, to further cause the rotation of the collecting roller.
[007] In yet another embodiment, a beverage processing assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the beverage processing assembly may include the beverage processing system. The beverage processing system may include a dispenser head configured to dispense the beverage powder and the liquid. The beverage processing assembly may further include the cartridge configured to be fitted to the beverage processing system. The cartridge may include the housing, and the filter sheet having a plurality of porosities. The cartridge may further include the feeding roller mounted on the housing. The feeding roller may be configured to dispense the filter sheet upon rotation of the feeding roller. The cartridge may further include the collecting roller mounted on the housing. The collecting roller may be configured to collect the filter sheet fed by the feeding roller upon rotation of the collecting roller. The beverage processing assembly may further include the motor coupled to the collecting roller. The motor may cause rotation of the collecting roller. A portion of the filter sheet may be configured to receive the beverage powder and liquid (hot water) from the dispenser head of the beverage processing apparatus when the portion of the filter sheet is extended in a brewing region defined between the feeding roller and the collecting roller and vertically below the dispenser head.
[008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[010] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a beverage processing assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.
[011] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the beverage processing assembly of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment.
[012] FIG. 1C illustrates another front view of the beverage processing assembly of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment.
[013] FIG. 1D illustrates another perspective view of the beverage processing assembly of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment.
[014] FIG. 1E illustrates another perspective view of the beverage processing assembly of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment.
[015] FIG. 1F illustrates another perspective view of the beverage processing assembly of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment.,
[016] FIG. 1G illustrates a front view of a basket of the beverage processing apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment.
[017] FIG. 1H illustrates a perspective view of a basket of FIG. 1G, in accordance with an embodiment.
[018] FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment.
[019] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment.
[020] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a beverage processing apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment.
[021] FIG. 4 is a process diagram of a process of tilting of the basket of the beverage processing apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment.
[022] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of processing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[023] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Additional illustrative embodiments are listed below.
[024] A beverage processing apparatus and a beverage processing assembly is disclosed. The beverage processing apparatus and the beverage processing assembly are especially suited for extracting a drip-type or a pour-over type coffee. This beverage processing assembly includes the beverage processing apparatus and a cartridge which may be removably fitted to the beverage processing apparatus. The cartridge may provide a filter sheet for processing the coffee. For example, a portion of the filter sheet may be used for processing one serving of the beverage. After the entire length of the filter sheet is exhausted, the used cartridge may be removed from the beverage processing apparatus, and replaced with a new cartridge.
[025] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-H, various views of a beverage processing assembly 100 comprising a beverage processing apparatus 101 and a cartridge 200 are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of the beverage processing assembly 100. FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the beverage processing assembly 100. FIG. 1C illustrates another front view of the beverage processing assembly 100. FIG. 1D illustrates another perspective view of the beverage processing assembly 100. FIG. 1E illustrates another perspective view of the beverage processing assembly 100. FIG. 1F illustrates another perspective view of the beverage processing assembly 100. FIG. 1G illustrates a front view of a basket 108 of the beverage processing apparatus 101. FIG. 1G illustrates a perspective view of the basket 108 of the beverage processing apparatus 101.
[026] In some embodiments, the beverage processing apparatus 101 may include a dispenser head 102 configured to dispense a beverage powder and a liquid. For example, the beverage processing apparatus 101 may be used for processing coffee. As such, the beverage powder may be coffee powder and the liquid may be hot water, and the dispenser head 102 may be configured to dispense the coffee powder and hot water.
[027] The beverage processing apparatus 101 may further include a roller support 104. The roller support 104 may be positioned offset the dispenser head 102 towards one side of the dispenser head 102. As shown in the FIG. 1, the roller support 104 may be positioned towards left side of the dispenser head 102, such that the roller support 104 is not vertically below the dispenser head 102, but is offset the dispenser head 102 by some distance. By way of an example, the roller support 104 may include a cylindrical shaft that may be positioned horizontally. Further, for example, the roller support 104 may be attached to a housing of the beverage processing apparatus 101 via one end of the roller support 104, in a cantilever fashion. In some embodiments, the roller support 104 may be attached the housing of the beverage processing apparatus 101 via a bracket 116A.
[028] The beverage processing apparatus 101 may further include a roller driver 106 positioned offset the dispenser head 102 and towards another side of the dispenser head 102 opposite the roller support 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the roller driver 106 may be positioned towards the right side of the dispenser head 102, such that the roller driver 106 is not vertically below the dispenser head 102, but is offset the dispenser head 102 by some distance. In some embodiments, the roller driver 106 may be attached the housing of the beverage processing apparatus 101 via a bracket 116B.
[029] As mentioned above, the beverage processing assembly 100 may include the cartridge 200. The cartridge may be configured to be fitted to the beverage processing apparatus 101. Further, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be removably fitted to the beverage processing apparatus 101. The cartridge 200 may provide multiple filter sheets required for processing the beverage. For example, one filter sheet may be required used for processing one serving of the beverage. After the filter sheets are exhausted, the used cartridge may be removed from the beverage processing apparatus 101, and replaced with a new cartridge. The cartridge 200 is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-B.
[030] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-B, a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the cartridge 200 are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. The cartridge 200 may include a filter sheet 202 having a plurality of porosities. The cartridge 200 may further include a feeding roller 204 configured to dispense the filter sheet 202 upon rotation of the feeding roller 204. The feeding roller 204 may be further configured to be mounted on the roller support 104 of the beverage processing apparatus 101. The cartridge 200 may further include a collecting roller 206 configured to collect the filter sheet 202 fed by the feeding roller 204 upon rotation of the collecting roller 206. The collecting roller 206 may be further configured to be mounted on the roller driver 106 of the beverage processing apparatus 101.
[031] It may be noted that a portion of the filter sheet 202 may be configured to receive a beverage powder and hot water from the dispenser head 102 of the beverage processing apparatus 101. The portion of the filter sheet 202 may be extended in a brewing region defined between the roller support 104 and roller driver 106 and vertically below the dispenser head 102. The brewing may be performed by first dispensing a predetermined quantity of beverage powder (e.g. coffee powder) and then dispensing hot liquid (hot water) on the portion of the portion of the filter sheet 202. Once the brewing process in completed, the filter sheet 202 may be moved by rotating the collecting roller 206. It may be noted that a predetermined length of the filter sheet 202 may be moved after each brewing cycle, such that the predetermined length is sufficient for performing brewing, and a completely fresh portion of filter sheet 202 is made available for the next cycle of brewing.
[032] In some embodiments, the cartridge 200 may include a motor (not shown in FIGS. 2A-B) coupled to the collecting roller 206. The motor may cause rotation of the collecting roller 206. For example, the motor is an electric motor. In such embodiments, the cartridge may further include a power source (not shown in FIGS. 2A-B) to power the motor. For example, the power source may be a battery.
[033] It may be noted that, in some embodiments, the motor may instead be included in the beverage processing apparatus 101. As such, the motor may be coupled to the roller driver 106 to cause rotation of the roller driver 106. The roller driver 106 may further cause the rotation of the collecting roller 206.
[034] In some embodiments, the cartridge 200 may further include a cartridge housing 208. The feeding roller 204 and the collecting roller 206 may be housed in the cartridge housing 208. The cartridge housing 208 may include one or more guide ways 210 to move and position the cartridge 200 on the beverage processing apparatus 101. The cartridge housing 208 may further include a snap fit lock 212 to lock the cartridge 200 with the beverage processing apparatus 101, upon positioning of the cartridge 200 on the beverage processing apparatus 101.
[035] In some embodiments, the filter sheet 202 may be made of cotton, or paper, or a combination of cotton and paper.
[036] Referring now to FIG. 2C, a top view of a part of the filter sheet 202 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. In some embodiments, the filter sheet 202 may include a reinforcement member 202A member attached to the filter sheet 202 along each of the opposite edges of the filter sheet 202. For example, this reinforcement member 202A may be a string. Each reinforcement member 202A may extend between the feeding roller 204 and the collecting roller 206. As it will be appreciated, the reinforcement members 202A may provide strength to the structure of the filter sheet 202, so that the filter sheet 202 is not damaged or torn during the brewing process under the weight of beverage powder and liquid. Also, the reinforcement members 202A may help in collecting of the filter sheet 202 on the collecting roller 206 while preventing tearing of the filter sheet 202 due to the pulling action.
[037] Referring once again to FIGS. 1A-H, in some embodiments, the roller support 104 may be configured to receive the feeding roller 204 of the cartridge 200. To this end, the feeding roller 204 may be configured like a spool having a cylindrical shape and a hollow section. The feeding roller 204 can therefore be positioned on the roller support 104 through hollow section of the feeding roller 204. As such, the roller support 104 may be further configured to allow rotation of the feeding roller 204. A filter sheet 202 may be rolled on the feeding roller 204. As such, the feeding roller 204 may be configured to supply the filter sheet 202 upon rotation of the feeding roller 204 as the filter sheet 202 unfurls from the feeding roller 204.
[038] The roller driver 106 may be configured to receive a collecting roller 206 of the cartridge 200. To this end, the collecting roller 206 may be configured like a spool having a cylindrical shape and a hollow section. The collecting roller 206 can therefore be positioned on the roller driver 106 through the hollow section of the collecting roller 206. The roller driver 106 may be further configured to rotate the collecting roller 206. To this end, beverage processing apparatus 101 may include a motor 302. The motor 302 may be coupled to the roller driver 106, and may cause to rotate the roller driver 106 and therefore the collecting roller 206. The collecting roller 206 may be configured to collect the filter sheet 202 supplied by the feeding roller 204. In other words, as the collecting roller 206 rotates, the collecting roller 206 may pull the filter sheet 202 from the feeding roller 204, such that the filter sheet 202 is wrapped around and collected on the collecting roller 206. It may be noted that a portion of the filter sheet 202 extending between the roller support 104 and the roller driver 106 may be positioned vertically below the dispenser head 102.
[039] In some embodiments, the beverage processing apparatus may further include a basket 108 positioned vertically below the dispenser head 102. As such, the basket 108 may be positioned below the portion of the filter sheet 202 extending between the roller support 104 and the roller driver 106. The basket 108 may be dome-shaped having an open top face 108A and a perforated base 108B (as shown in FIGS. 1G-H). The basket 108 is configured to support the portion of the filter sheet 202 along the open top face 108A. Further, the basket 108 is configured to allow brewed liquid to pass downwards through the perforated base 108B.
[040] In some embodiments, the basket 108 may be tiltable about a horizontal axis AA. This is shown in FIGS. 1G-H. The angle of tilt (a) may be predetermined, for example, 25 degrees. The tilt may be enabled by a high-torque motor 304 coupled to basket 108. This high-torque motor 304 may be a low speed (revolutions per minute or RPM) motor.
[041] In some embodiments, the beverage processing apparatus 101 may further include a trash bin 110 positioned towards the roller driver 106. The trash bin 110 may collect the waste beverage powder conveyed over the filter sheet 202, upon mixing of the beverage powder and the liquid for a predetermined length of time.
[042] It may be noted that loose and uncompressed used beverage powder may move due to the rotation of the collecting roller 206, get discarded by to centrifugal force, and then dumped in the trash bin 110. Further, in order to the completely remove the waste beverage powder from the filter sheet 202, the beverage processing apparatus may further include a brush 112 positioned towards the trash bin 110. The brush 112 may be configured to remove the beverage powder from the filter sheet 202 before the filter sheet 202 is collected on the collecting roller 206 and dump the beverage powder in the trash bin 110. The brush 112 may be fitted underneath the collecting roller 206 in conjunction with the collecting roller 206, so that remnants of the beverage powder are removed from the filter sheet 202 and routed to the trash bin 110.
[043] Referring now to FIG. 3, a functional block diagram of the beverage processing apparatus 101 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the FIG. 3, the beverage processing apparatus 101 may include one or more sensors. For example, the one or more sensors 300 may include a filter sheet sensor 306, a liquid sensor 308, a cartridge sensor 310, a basket motion sensor 312, a carafe sensor 314, a speed sensor 316, and a trash bin sensor 318.
[044] The filter sheet sensor 306 may sense a presence and/or a position of the filter sheet 202 in a brewing region defined between the roller support 104 and roller driver 106 and below the dispenser head 102. The liquid sensor 308 may an availability and/or a level of liquid in a liquid reservoir 308A of the beverage processing apparatus. The cartridge sensor 310 may sense a presence of the cartridge 200 in the beverage processing apparatus 101. The basket motion sensor 312 may sense an angle of tilt and/or a duration of tilt of the basket 108. The carafe sensor 314 may sense a presence and/or a position of a carafe 114 for collecting the processed beverage. The speed sensor 316 may sense the speed of movement of the filter sheet 202 between the feeding roller 204 and the collecting roller 206. The trash bin sensor 318 may sense a presence and/or a position of the trash bin 110.
[045] The beverage processing apparatus 101 further may include a user interface 320. The user interface 320 may include a one or more buttons 322, for example, to receive a command from a user to start dispensing the beverage from the beverage processing apparatus 101. The user interface 320 may further include a display 324. The display 324 may be configured to display one or more parameters sensed by the one or more sensors. These one or more parameters may include the presence of the filter sheet 202 in a brewing region, the position of the filter sheet 202 in the brewing region, the availability of liquid in a liquid reservoir of the beverage processing apparatus 101, the level of liquid in a liquid reservoir of the beverage processing apparatus 101, the presence of the cartridge 200 in the beverage processing apparatus 101, the angle of tilt of the basket 108, the duration of tilt of the basket 108, the presence of the carafe 114, the position of the carafe 114, the speed of movement of the filter sheet 202 between the feeding roller 204 and the collecting roller 206, and the presence of the trash bin 110, and the position of the trash bin 110.
[046] It may be noted that, in one embodiment, the motor 302 may cause rotation of the roller driver 106 for a predetermined time duration so as to remove the used beverage powder into the trash bin 110. For example, the predetermined time duration may be based on a prior calculation of length of time required for the motor 302 to rotate the collecting roller to collect enough filter sheet 202 for starting the next cycle of brewing (beverage processing).
[047] In an alternate embodiment, the motor 302 may cause rotation of the roller driver 106 for a predetermined length of filter sheet 202 fed by the feeding roller 204. To this end, the motor 302 may coordinate with the filter sheet sensor 306 to detect in the amount of filter sheet 202 that has been fed by the feeding roller 204 or removed from the dispensing region. Once a required predetermined length (predetermined length) of the filter sheet 202 has been fed by the feeding roller 204 (or removed from the dispensing region), the filter sheet sensor 306 may signal the motor 302 to stop rotating the collecting roller 206.
[048] In yet another embodiment, the motor 302 may cause rotation of the roller driver 106 for a length of filter sheet 202 fed by the feeding roller 204 determined in real. This length of filter sheet 202 fed by the feeding roller 204 may be determined in real-time based on movement of the filter sheet 202 required to remove the beverage powder into the trash bin 110. In other words, the motor 302 may cause rotation of the roller driver 106 until the used portion of the filter sheet 202 has been removed from the dispensing region and a fresh portion of the filter sheet 202 has replaced become available in the dispensing region for a new beverage brewing cycle.
[049] Further, the motor 302 may start and stop rotation of the roller driver 106 based on the presence and the position of the filter sheet 202 in the brewing region as sensed by the filter sheet sensor 306.
[050] Referring now to FIG. 4, a process diagram (shown via a front view and a corresponding perspective view of the beverage processing assembly 100) of a process 400 of tilting of the basket 400 during processing the beverage by the beverage processing assembly 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment. At step 402, the basket 108 may be in its original position. In this original position, the angle of tilt of the basket 108 may be zero. At step 404, the basket 108 may have undergone a rotation to assume a first titled position. For example, the angle of tilt in this first titled position may be 5 degrees. At step 406, the basket 108 may have undergone a further rotation to assume a second titled position. For example, the angle of tilt in this second titled position may be 15 degrees. At step 408, the basket 108 may have undergone a rotation to assume a third titled position. For example, the angle of tilt in this third titled position may be 25 degrees. It may be noted that the first tilt position, the second tilt position, and the third tilt position may be discard positions for corresponding volume of coffee beverage processed. For example, for a higher amount of beverage processed, the maximum angle of tilt may be higher, while for a lower amount of beverage processed, the maximum angle of tilt may be lower. Once the basket 108 has achieved its maximum tilt position, the basket may be rotated in reverse direction to return to its original position, i.e. zero degree tilt.
[051] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart of a method 500 of processing a beverage is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment. The method 500 may be performed by the beverage processing assembly 100.
[052] At step 502, the beverage processing apparatus 101 may be started. For example, the beverage processing apparatus 101 may be started by providing a command through the one or more buttons 322 of the user interface 320. At step 504, the display 324 may display a notification, for example, about the status of the various components of the beverage processing apparatus 101.
[053] At step 506, a check may be performed to determine whether the cartridge 200 is present in its position or not. The check may be performed using the cartridge sensor 310 which may be configured to sense the presence of the cartridge 200 in the beverage processing apparatus 101. If at step 506 it is determined that the cartridge 200 is not present, the method 500 proceeds to step 504 (“No” path), and a notification is displayed about the cartridge 200 being not present. Accordingly, a user may manually check for the presence of cartridge 200, and install the cartridge 200, in case the cartridge 200 is missing. If at step 506 it is determined that the cartridge 200 is present, the method 500 proceeds to step 508 (“Yes” path).
[054] At step 508, a check may be performed to determine whether the filter sheet 201 is present or not. The check may be performed using the filter sheet sensor 306 which may sense the presence of the filter sheet 202 in a brewing region defined between the roller support 104 and roller driver 106 and below the dispenser head 102. If at step 508 it is determined that the filter sheet 202 is not present, the method 500 proceeds to step 504 (“No” path), and a notification is displayed about the filter sheet 202 being not present. Accordingly, a user may manually check for the presence of the filter sheet 202, and replace the old cartridge with a new in case the old cartridge has run out of the filter sheet 202. If at step 508 it is determined that the filter sheet 202 is present, the method 500 proceeds to step 510 (“Yes” path).
[055] At step 510, a check may be performed to determine whether the filter sheet 201 is present in correct position or not. The check may be performed using the filter sheet sensor 306 which may sense the position of the filter sheet 202 in a brewing region defined between the roller support 104 and roller driver 106 and below the dispenser head 102. If at step 510 it is determined that the position of filter sheet 202 is correct (OK), the method 500 proceeds to step 510A (“No” path). At step 510A, the collecting roller 206 may be rotated. For example, the steps 510 and 510A may be performed iteratively until the filter sheet 202 is detected to be in correct position. If at step 510 it is determined that the filter sheet 202 is in correct position, the method 500 proceeds to step 512 (“Yes” path).
[056] At step 512, a check may be performed to determine whether the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is correct or not (i.e., within the desired range). The check may be performed using the basket motion sensor 312 which may sense the angle of tilt of the basket 108. If at step 512 it is determined that the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is not correct (not OK), the method 500 proceeds to step 512A (“No” path). At step 512A, the basket 108 may be rotated by the high torque motor 304. For example, the steps 512 and 512A may be performed iteratively until the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is detected to be correct. For example, at step 512, the angle of tilt may be preferably 0 degrees. If at step 512 it is determined that the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is correct, the method 500 proceeds to step 514 (“Yes” path).
[057] At step 514, a check may be performed to determine whether the status of coffee powder bin is OK or not. This check may be performed using a coffee powder bin sensor which may sense the temperature, humidity, and position of the coffee powder bin is desired state. If at step 514 it is determined that the status of the coffee powder bin is not OK, the method 500 proceeds to step 504 (“No” path), where a notification is displayed about the status of the coffee powder bin. Accordingly, a user may manually check and reset the coffee powder bin. If at step 514 it is determined that the status of coffee powder bin is OK, the method 500 proceeds to step 516 (“Yes” path).
[058] At step 516, a check may be performed to determine whether the level of coffee powder in the coffee powder bin and level of water in a water can is OK or not. This check may be performed using the coffee powder bin sensor which may sense the amount of coffee powder in the coffee powder bin, and a water level sensor 308 (also referred to as liquid sensor 308) which may sense the amount of water in the water can 308A (or, liquid reservoir 308A). If at step 516 it is determined that the level of the coffee powder bin or the level of water in the water can 308A is not OK, the method 500 proceeds to step 504 (“No” path), where a notification is displayed about the status of the coffee powder bin and the water can 308A. Accordingly, a user may manually check, and in case the amount of coffee powder in the coffee powder is not of desired level, the user may manually replenish the coffee powder bin with the coffee powder. Similarly, in case the amount of water in water can 308A is not of desired level, the user may manually replenish the water can 308A with water. If at step 516 it is determined that the level of coffee powder and the level of water is OK, the method 500 proceeds to step 518 (“Yes” path).
[059] At step 518, a selection may be received from the user on the size of coffee serving desired by the user. For example, the user may select the serving size using the one or more buttons 322 of the user interface 320. At step 520, a predetermined amount of coffee powder may be dispensed by the dispenser head 102, based on the size of coffee serving selected by the user (at step 518). It may be noted that the coffee powder dispensed by the dispenser head 102 may be received on the portion of the filter sheet 202 between feeding roller 204 and the collecting roller 206. In particular, the coffee powder dispensed by the dispenser head 102 may be received on the portion of the filter sheet 202 supported by the basket 108 over the open top face 108A (as shown in FIGS. 1G-H) the basket 108. In other words, the portion of the filter sheet 202 may provide a flat surface which may be positioned on the top face 108A of the basket 108.
[060] At step 522, a check may be performed to determine whether the coffee powder dispensing is completed or not. This check may be performed using a coffee powder dispensing sensor which may sense the amount of coffee powder dispensed by the dispenser head 102. If at step 522 it is determined that the dispensed of the coffee powder is not complete, the method 500 may return to step 520 (“No” path), where the dispensing of the coffee powder may be continued. The steps 520-522 may be performed iteratively until the dispensing of the predetermined amount of coffee powder is complete.
[061] At step 524, brewing may be started. To this end, the dispenser head 102 may start dispensing hot water. This hot water may be received on the portion of the filter sheet 202 on which the predetermined quantity of coffee powder is already received. It may be noted that the hot water may mix with the coffee powder and pass though the porosities of the portion of the filter sheet 202. As a result, a brewed liquid may be received across the filter sheet 202 that may be received in a carafe 114 positioned vertically below the dispenser head 102.
[062] At step 526, a check may be performed to determine whether the brewing is complete or not. This check may be performed using a hot water sensor configured to sense the amount of hot water dispensed by the dispenser head 102. If at step 526 it is determined that the brewing is not complete, the method 500 may return to step 524 (“No” path), where the dispensing of the hot water may be continued. The steps 524-526 may be performed iteratively until a predetermined amount of hot water (based on the serving size selected by the user) is dispensed, i.e., brewing is complete. If at step 526 it is determined that the brewing is complete, the method 500 proceeds to step 528 (“Yes” path).
[063] At step 528, the basket 108 may be rotated (tilted) to a discard position. For example, the basket may be tilted by a maximum predetermined angle based on the volume of coffee brewed. It may be noted that once the brewing is complete, the basket 108 may be tilted so as to allow the used portion of the filter sheet 202 (along with the used coffee powder) to be removed, so as to be replaced with fresh portion of the filter sheet 202. To this end, the basket 108 may be rotated (tilted) by the maximum predetermined angle (i.e., discard position) by a high torque motor 304. In particular, the basket 108 may be rotated (tilted) until the angle of tilt of the basket meets this maximum predetermined angle. Simultaneously, the collecting roller 206 may be rotated by the motor 302 to remove the used potion of the filter sheet 202 from the brewing region and collect this used potion of the filter sheet 202 on the collecting roller 206.
[064] It may be noted that as more and more filter sheet 202 is collected on the collecting roller 206, the effective diameter of the collecting roller 206 may increase. If the motor 302 is running at a constant speed throughout, the speed of moving and collecting of the filter sheet 202 on the collecting roller 206 increases. It may be further noted that a speed higher than a limit may not be desirable. For example, at high speed, the used coffee powder on the filter sheet 202 may get thrown away at undesired places. Therefore, the speed of moving and colleting of the filter sheet 202 on the collecting roller 206 may be monitored. To this end, the beverage processing apparatus 101 may include the speed sensor 316 to sense the speed of movement of the filter sheet 202 between the feeding roller 204 and the collecting roller 206. The speed sensor 316 may further coordinate with the motor 302 to maintain a constant or near-constant speed of moving and collecting of the filter sheet 202, by varying the speed of the motor 302.
[065] At step 530, a check may be performed to determine whether the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is equal to the maximum predetermined angle (i.e., discard position). This check may be performed using the basket motion sensor 312 which may sense the angle of tilt and a duration of tilt of the basket 108. If at step 530 it is determined that the angle of tilt is not same as maximum predetermined angle, the method 500 may return to step 528 (“No” path), and the tilting of the basket 108 may continue. The steps 528-530 may be performed iteratively until the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is detected to be equal to the maximum predetermined angle. If at step 530 it is determined that the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is equal to the maximum predetermined angle, the method 500 proceeds to step 532 (“Yes” path).
[066] At step 532, discarding of the used coffee powder may be triggered. To this end, the used portion of the filer sheet 202 may be caused to move from the and collect on the collecting roller 206. It may be understood that as the used portion of the filer sheet 202 moves towards the collecting roller 206, the used coffee powder lying on it may also be moved towards the collecting roller 206. Eventually, the used coffee powder may be removed to the trash bin 110. Therefore, in order to discard the used coffee powder, at step 534, the collecting roller may be rotated.
[067] At step 536, a check may be performed to determine whether the used coffee powder is completely discarded or not. This check may be performed using a used coffee powder sensor which may detect the presence of the used coffee powder in the dispensing region. If at step 536, it is determined that the used coffee powder is not completely discarded, the method 500 may return to step 534 (“No” path), where the rotating of the collecting roller 206 may be continued. The steps 534-536 may be performed iteratively until the used coffee powder is completely discarded. If at step 536 it is determined that the used coffee powder is completely discarded, the method 500 proceeds to step 538 (“Yes” path).
[068] At step 538, the basket 108 may be rotated (in reverse direction) to return the basket 108 in the original position (i.e., untilted position). To this end, the high torque motor 304 may cause to rotate the basket 108 back to its original position from the discard position (i.e., tilted position).
[069] At step 540, a check may be performed to determine whether the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is back to zero (i.e., original position) or not. This check may be performed using the basket motion sensor 312 which may sense the angle of tilt and a duration of tilt of the basket 108. If at step 540 it is determined that the angle of tilt is not zero, the method 500 may return to step 538 (“No” path), and the reverse rotation of the basket 108 may continue. The steps 538-540 may be performed iteratively until the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is detected to be zero. If at step 540 it is determined that the angle of tilt of the basket 108 is equal to zero, the method 500 may once again proceed to step 510 (“Yes” path), and the method 500 henceforth may be repeated.
[070] A beverage processing assembly 100 is disclosed. In some embodiments, the beverage processing assembly 100 may include the beverage processing apparatus 101. The beverage processing apparatus 101 may include the dispenser head 102 configured to dispense the beverage powder and the liquid. The beverage processing apparatus 101 may further include the motor 302.
[071] The beverage processing assembly 100 may further include the cartridge 200 configured to be fitted to the beverage processing apparatus 101. The cartridge 200 may include the cartridge housing 208, and the filter sheet 202 having a plurality of porosities. The cartridge 200 may further include the feeding roller 204 mounted on the cartridge housing 208. The feeding roller 204 may be configured to dispense the filter sheet 202 upon rotation of the feeding roller 204. The cartridge 200 may further include the collecting roller 206 mounted on the cartridge housing 208. The collecting roller 206 may be configured to collect the filter sheet 202 fed by the feeding roller 204 upon rotation of the collecting roller 206.
[072] The motor 302 may be configured to couple with the collecting roller 206 to cause rotation of the collecting roller 206. A portion of the filter sheet 202 may be configured to receive the beverage powder and liquid (hot water) from the dispenser head 102 of the beverage processing apparatus 101 when the portion of the filter sheet 202 is extended in a brewing region defined between the feeding roller 204 and the collecting roller 206 and vertically below the dispenser head 102.
[073] One or more techniques of processing a beverage using a beverage processing apparatus are disclosed. The techniques provide for auto-cleaning and filter-less coffee processing solution. The techniques do away with the requirement of pods for preparing beverages like coffee, and therefore with the problem of disposal of the used pods. The techniques make use of disposable filter sheet made of biodegradable material like paper and cloth. Further, there is no need to replace the pods or clean the basket after certain number of brewing cycles.
[074] As will be also appreciated, the techniques performed by the control unit may take the form of computer or controller implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. The disclosure may also be embodied in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, solid state drives, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer or controller, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. The disclosure may also be embodied in the form of computer program code or signal, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer or controller, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.
[075] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[076] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above techniques relate to processing a food product using a food processing device and a pod. The techniques provide for a simple yet effective way of making fruit or vegetable juice using cut fruits or vegetables. The techniques do away with the need of washing, peeling, and cutting of fruits or vegetables. Further, the techniques provide for a hygienic way of extracting juice. Furthermore, the need for washing, cleaning, and mopping of equipment or utensils involved post juice making process is eliminated. Moreover, the techniques are time and effort and efficient, and help avoiding wastage of fruits or vegetables – as fruit suppliers (factories) may directly buy fruits from farmers and process them. As a result, fruit rejection rate is improved, and farmers have guaranteed market.
[077] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.