Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing beverage and, more particularly, to an overspill prevention of beverage.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Currently, in a marketplace there are number of cooking recipe apparatuses for preparing any type of food either solid or liquid. These apparatuses automate the process of making the recipe by taking an input for preparation. These apparatuses contain at least one solid ingredient container and at least one liquid ingredient container. According to the preparation parameters, the recipe is prepared and served to a user.
[0003] The conventionally available beverage preparing apparatus is complex in structure and containers which is used to prepare the beverage or food have a variable diameter to prevent overflow of the beverage while preparing or cooking or boiling. An enlarged increased diameter section of the container at the upper end is used to accommodate the increased volume of water and foam which result when boiling food boils over. An obvious problem associated with these containers are that they are of customized designed. Thus, increased cost of manufacturing.
[0004] Additionally, the common problem with the conventional apparatus is that they attempt to correct the effects of a pot boil over rather than a cause. All the conventional methods and manners to contain and direct boil overs rather than to prevent them initially. It has been found that one cause of boil overs is the result from the increased insulative effect of a foam layer on top of a boiling pot. This condition resulting in decreased heat transfer and super heating of the contained fluid.
[0005] Further, with advance of artificial intelligence it is easier to judge the various parameters of the preparing beverage. Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a new and a novel method or apparats for preventing overspill during both preheat and boil periods within a cooking container to prevent an insulative foam layer which causing super heating thereby boiling over.
SUMMARY
[0006] An apparatus for preparing a beverage is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a main body, at least one base configured with the main body, at least one container configured to be removably accommodated the at least one base, a cooling device configured with the main body to cool the beverage contained in the at least one container, at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter relating to the beverage and a control unit configured to receive the at least one sensed parameter and controlling the cooling device based on the at least one sensed parameter.
[0007] In an embodiment, the at least one parameter relating to the beverage includes any one of a level (L), a temperature (T), a surface texture, a color, or any combination thereof of the beverage in the at least one container.
[0008] In an embodiment, the control unit configured to at least one switches ON the cooling device when the level (L) of the beverage is above a predetermine level in the at least one container; or switches ON the cooling device (108) when the temperature (T) of the beverage is above a predetermine value.
[0009] In another embodiment, the control unit configured to at least one switches OFF the cooling device when the level (L) of the beverage is below a predetermine level in the at least one container; or switches ON the cooling device when the temperature (T) of the beverage is below a predetermine value.
[00010] In an embodiment, the control unit is also configured to control a heating device based on the at least one sensed parameter.
[00011] In an embodiment, the cooling device is a fan unit configured to blow air towards the beverage contained in the at least one container.
[00012] In an embodiment, the cooling device blows air towards the beverage contained in the at least one container through a nozzle that prevents over spilling of the beverage while preparing.
[00013] In an embodiment, the at least one sensor is a smart sensor configured to detect any one of a level, a texture, a temperature, a color, or a combination thereof of the beverage contained in the at least one container.
[00014] In an embodiment, the at least one sensor is a camera configured with an artificial intelligence module.
[00015] In an embodiment, the at least one sensor is a thermostat configured to detect temperature of a stem coming out of the beverage while preparing and thereby determining temperature of the beverage.
[00016] The present invention also discloses a method to prevent over spilling of a beverage while preparing in an apparatus. The method comprising determining at least one physical parameter of the beverage, by a smart sensor, inside at least one container and controlling a cooling device, by a control unit, based on the determined level (L) of the beverage.
[00017] In an embodiment, the method comprising determining a level (L) of the beverage, by a smart sensor, inside the at least one container; determining temperature (T) of the beverage, by a thermostat, contained in the at least one container; and controlling a cooling device, by a control unit, based on the determined level and temperature of the beverage.
[00018] An object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and a novel method which prevents over spilling from a cooking container.
[00019] The present invention discloses an apparatus which prevents an insulative layer of foam from forming thereby causing super heating of a boiling fluid or beverage. The method discloses determining any one of level, temperature, texture, or color of the beverage or the insulating layer of foam of the beverage inside the container while preparing the beverage by using the smart sensor.
[00020] The present invention discloses a method, or an apparatus which prevents an overspill of the fluid or beverage while preparing or during boiling. The apparatus comprising a flexible, directional nozzle to a direct stream of cool air directly downward into the cooking container. A main body is adapted with a cooling device and has a nozzle to output the air towards the container preparing the beverage. The cooling device is a fan unit and when it is activated via the control unit it draws cool air from the air suction structures and out through the flexible, directional nozzle and through a focusing aperture. When placed next to the cooking container the flexible, directional nozzle can be conformed to direct an airflow downward into the cooking container. The fan unit is activated based on the signal received from the control unit and the control unit controls the fan unit based on the sensed parameters received from the smart sensor placed over the container. The smart sensor is a camera which is adapted with an artificial intelligence module. The smart sensor with the help of the artificial intelligence module may determine the physical parameters of the beverage contained in the container. The physical parameters may include level, color, texture, or temperature of the beverage inside the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00021] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[00022] Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus for preparing a beverage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[00023] Figure 2 illustrates the apparatus in a side view, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[00024] Figure 3 illustrate a flow diagram of a method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[00025] Figure 4 illustrates another flow diagram of the method, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and
[00026] Figure 5 illustrates another flow diagram of the method, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[00027] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00028] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[00029] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[00030] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[00031] Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus (100) for preparing a cooking recipe or beverage. The apparatus (100) comprising a main body (102), a base (106) and a cooling device (108). The at least one base (106) configured with the main body (102). The at least one container (104) configured to be removably accommodated the at least one base (106). The main body (102) is a cylindrical and extents upwards from the base (106) through a lower end. The main body (108) is attached to the cooling device (108) from an upper end. The base (102) is configured with a heating device (260, refer Figure 2). In an embodiment, the heating device (260) may be a heating plate, or an induction based heating plate. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove and that several variations of the concepts in FIG. 1 may be possible. For example, one may use a conventional cooking hot plate instead of the induction cooking apparatus. In an embodiment, the interface (500) is provided for accepting at least one preparation parameter for preparing the beverage. In still another embodiment, the interface (500) may be a touch-based display for accepting input. In still another embodiment, the interface (500) may be a soft button operated input means. In still another embodiment, the interface (500) may also be configured with a display to provide information related to preparation parameters or process involved such as heating, ready, error or a like. In still another embodiment, the interface (500) configured with a start button to initiate the beverage preparation according to predetermined selected preparation parameters. Furthermore, the user interface (500) may be constructed in several ways. Many other modifications within the scope of the illustrated embodiments of the invention described herein will suggest themselves to such skilled persons after reading this specification.
[00032] Figure 2 illustrates the apparatus (100) in a side view, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The base (106) accommodates at least one container (104). In an embodiment, the at least one container (104) configured to be removably accommodated the at least one base (106). The container (104) may be of cylindrical shape which is open from a top. A threaded fitting structure may be adapted in a middle which coupled to the base for the installation of the container on the base (106). In an embodiment, there are the positioning steps on the upper surface of the base (102), which can coincide with the positioning steps on the lower end of the container (104). The upper end of the main body (102) couples the cooling device (108). The main body (102) also extends above the base (106) to cover the opening of the container (104). The extended portion of the main body (102) also configured with the at least one sensor (240, 220). The sensors (220, 240) are placed the surface facing the container on the main body (102). The sensors (220, 240) are waterproof and sealed such that the vapors while preparing the beverage do not hinder the proper functioning of the sensors (220, 240).
[00033] Referring again to Figure 2, in an embodiment, the cooling device (108) is a fan unit. The cooling device (108) blows air towards the beverage contained in the at least one container (104) through a nozzle (110) that prevents over spilling of the beverage while preparing it. The fan unit may be operated from batteries or controlled through the control unit (200). The fan unit draws air through suction from inlet vent structures 8 disposed on the upper surface of the extended main body portion (102) and sucked air is passed through the outlet vent structures (210). Thereafter, air is blown out through a flexible, directional nozzle (110) towards the container (104) containing or preparing the beverage. In an embodiment, the cooling device (108) is controlled by the control unit (200). Based on the sensed parameter or level (L) of beverage in the container (104), the fan unit is switched on or off. For example, the fan unit or cooling device (108) is switched ON when the beverage is on the brink of the container (104) and is about to spill over the container. In an embodiment, the sensors (220, 240) senses the at least one parameter relating to the beverage includes any one of a level (L), a temperature (T), a surface texture, a color, or any combination thereof of the beverage in the at least one container (104).
[00034] Referring again to Figure 2, the sensors (220, 240) may comprise at least two sensors. One may be a thermostat (220) and other may be a camera module (240). Both the sensors (220) are placed on the extended portions of the main body (102). The camera module (240) may be referred as a smart sensor with a capability of artificial intelligence. In a preferred embodiment, both sensors (220) may be used to control the cooling device (108). In another embodiment, any one of the sensors (220, 240) may be used to control the cooling device (108). The camera module (240) may be configured with an Artificial intelligence module (not shown).
[00035] In an embodiment, a house cover of the camera module (240) may be made from plastic, metal, glass, any other suitable material and/or any combinations thereof. Further, the camera module (240) may comprise for example CCD or CMOS or light field sensors. The camera module (240) may also be equipped with apparatuses for light intensity adjustment. Still further, the camera module (240) or a cover adapted to the camera module (240) may be moved using different actuators, drives and/or a flexible track. The camera module (240) may also comprise cleaning elements to clean the optical element facing outwards and being exposed to the environment. Also, light sources may be installed or integrated into the camera module (240) to increase the visibility of beverage levels, measure distances of surfaces, color, texture, and/or dirt. In an embodiment, the smart sensor (240) is a camera configured with an artificial intelligence module. The smart sensor (240) is a camera module configured to detect any one of a level (L), a texture, a color, or a combination thereof of the beverage contained in the at least one container (104) with a help of the artificial intelligence module (not shown).
[00036] In an embodiment, the artificial intelligence module (not shown) is configured for identifying attributes in an image. The system may include a processor or a specialized control unit in communication with a control unit (200) and a storage medium. The storage medium may store instructions that, when executed, configure the processor to perform operations including: extracting features; categorizing the images drawn from the camera module or the smart sensor (240), or modifying metadata associated with each image the images to include a binary label, or calculating a classification function, or calculating an attribute identification function such as color, texture or comparison form stored images that identifies attributes of the captured images.
[00037] In an embodiment, the thermostat (220) determines the temperature of the vapors coming out of the cooking recipe or the beverage and thereby determining the actual temperature of the beverage. In another embodiment, the thermostat (220) is placed inside the container to determine the temperature of the beverage or ingredients.
[00038] In an embodiment, the control unit (200) is configured in a main body, as shown in Figure 2. The control unit is coupled to the interface (500), the sensors (240, 220) and the cooling device. The control unit (200) is connected to a memory (not shown). The memory stores instructions to control the preparation process of the beverage. The memory is configured with instruction to execute instruction controlled by the control unit (200). The control unit (200) to receive instructions from the display module or interface (500) for preparing the beverage in accordance with the at least one preparation parameter. The control unit (200) configured to at least one: switches ON the cooling device (108) when the level (L) of the beverage is above a predetermine level in the at least one container (104); or switches ON the cooling device (108) when the temperature (T) of the beverage is above a predetermine value. In another embodiment, the control unit (200) configured to at least one: switches OFF the cooling device (108) when the level (L) of the beverage is below a predetermine level in the at least one container (104); or switches OFF the cooling device (108) when the temperature (T) of the beverage is below a predetermine value. In still another embodiment, the control unit (200) is also configured to control the heating device (260) based on the at least one sensed parameter.
[00039] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer storage product with a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations by the control unit (200). The media and computer code may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be of the kind well known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to magnetic media, optical media, magneto-optical media, and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), programmable logic devices (“PLDs”) and ROM and RAM devices. Examples of computer code include machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher-level code that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, an embodiment of the invention may be implemented using JAVA®, C++, or other object-oriented programming language and development tools. Another embodiment of the invention may be implemented in hardwired circuitry in place of, or in combination with, machine-executable software instructions.
[00040] Referring to flow chart of Figure 3, the present invention discloses a method to prevent over spilling of a beverage contained in at least one container (104) while preparing. The method starts at Step 300 when the apparatus is powered ON by a user to prepare the beverage of his/her choice. All the electronics and sensors are activated when user starts the apparatus. Based on the specific choice of the beverage by the user, the apparatus starts dispensing the ingredient. At step 302, the sensors (220, 240) senses parameters of the beverage and thereby determining at least one physical parameter of the beverage, by a smart sensor (240), inside at least one container (104). For example, the camera module (240) may determine that beverage is about to spill over the container (104). At step 304, controlling the cooling device (108), by the control unit (200), based on the determined level (L) of the beverage. For example, the camera module (240) may determine that the beverage is about to spill over the container (104) and the control unit (200) receives the parameter from the camera module (240) and switches on the fan unit. Consecutively, the insulative foaming layer formed on the beverage may be broken by blown air from the fan unit and thereby spill over of the beverage is prevented.
[00041] Referring to flow chart of Figure 4, in another embodiment in accordance with the present invention discloses another method of steps to prevent over spilling of a beverage contained in at least one container (104) while preparing. The method starts at Step 400 when the apparatus is powered ON by a user to prepare the beverage of his/her choice. All the electronics and sensors are activated when user starts the apparatus. Based on the specific choice of the beverage by the user, the apparatus starts dispensing the ingredient or starts the heating device (260). At step 402, the sensors (220, 240) senses parameters of the beverage and thereby determining at least one physical parameter of the beverage, by a smart sensor (240), inside at least one container (104). In this particular embodiment, the sensors may sense any one from the temperature or the level of the beverage. For example, the camera module (240) may only determine that beverage is about to spill over the container (104). At step 404, controlling the cooling device (108), by the control unit (200), based on the determined level (L) of the beverage. For example, the camera module (240) may determine that the beverage is about to spill over the container (104) and the control unit (200) receives the parameter from the camera module (240) and switches on the fan unit. Consecutively, the insulative foaming layer formed on the beverage may be broken by blown air from the fan unit and thereby spillover of the beverage is prevented.
[00042] Referring to flow chart of Figure 5, in another embodiment in accordance with the present invention discloses another method of steps to prevent over spilling of a beverage contained in at least one container (104) while preparing. The method starts at Step 500 when the apparatus is powered ON by a user to prepare the beverage of his/her choice. All the electronics and sensors are activated when user starts the apparatus. Based on the specific choice of the beverage by the user, the apparatus starts dispensing the ingredient and/or starts the heating device (260). At step 502, the sensors (220, 240) senses parameters of the beverage and thereby determining at least two physical parameters of the beverage, by the sensors (220, 240), inside at least one container (104). In this particular embodiment, the sensors may sense any two parameters such as the temperature from the thermostat (220) and the level of the beverage by the camera module (240) configured with the artificial intelligence module. For example, the camera module (240) may determine that beverage is about to spill over the container (104) and the thermostat (220) determines the temperature (t) of the beverage. At step 504, controlling the cooling device (108), by the control unit (200), based on the determined level (L) and temperature (t) of the beverage. For example, the camera module (240) may determine that the beverage is about to spill over the container (104) and the thermostat (220) determines the temperature is above a threshold value and then, the control unit (200) receives these parameters from the camera module (240) and thermostat (220), and thereafter switches on the fan unit. Consecutively, the insulative foaming layer formed on the beverage may be broken by blown air from the fan unit and thereby spillover of the beverage is prevented.
[00043] The present invention discloses the method and the apparatus which prevents an overspill of the fluid or beverage while preparing or during boiling. The apparatus comprising a flexible, directional nozzle to a direct stream of cool air directly downward into the cooking container. A main body is adapted with a cooling device and has a nozzle to output the air towards the container preparing the beverage. The cooling device is a fan unit and when it is activated via the control unit it draws cool air from the air suction structures and out through the flexible, directional nozzle and through a focusing aperture. When placed next to the cooking container the flexible, directional nozzle can be conformed to direct an airflow downward into the cooking container. The fan unit is activated based on the signal received from the control unit and the control unit controls the fan unit based on the sensed parameters received from the smart sensor placed over the container. The smart sensor is a camera which is adapted with an artificial intelligence module. The smart sensor with the help of the artificial intelligence module may determine the physical parameters of the beverage contained in the container. The physical parameters may include level, color, texture, or temperature of the beverage inside the container.
[00044] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[00045] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.
, Claims:We claim:
1. An apparatus (100) for preparing a beverage, the apparatus (100) comprising:
a main body (102);
at least one base (106) configured with the main body (102);
at least one container (104) configured to be removably accommodated the at least one base (106);
a cooling device (108) configured with the main body (100) to cool the beverage contained in the at least one container (104);
at least one sensor (220, 240) configured to sense at least one parameter relating to the beverage; and
a control unit (200) configured to receive the at least one sensed parameter and controlling the cooling device based on the at least one sensed parameter.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter relating to the beverage includes any one of a level (L), a temperature (T), a surface texture, a color, or any combination thereof of the beverage in the at least one container (104).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (200) configured to at least one:
switches ON the cooling device (108) when the level (L) of the beverage is above a predetermine level in the at least one container (104); or
switches ON the cooling device (108) when the temperature (T) of the beverage is above a predetermine value.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (200) configured to at least one:
switches OFF the cooling device (108) when the level (L) of the beverage is below a predetermine level in the at least one container (104); or
switches ON the cooling device (108) when the temperature (T) of the beverage is below a predetermine value.
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (200) is also configured to control a heating device (260) based on the at least one sensed parameter.
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling device (108) is a fan configured to blow air towards the beverage contained in the at least one container (104).
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cooling device (108) blows air towards the beverage contained in the at least one container (104) through a nozzle (110) that prevents over spilling of the beverage while preparing.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (220, 240) is a smart sensor configured to detect any one of a level, a texture, a temperature, a color, or a combination thereof of the beverage contained in the at least one container (104).
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (220, 240) is a camera configured with an artificial intelligence module.
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (220, 240) is a thermostat configured to detect temperature of a stem coming out of the beverage while preparing and thereby determining temperature of the beverage.
11. A method to prevent over spilling of a beverage while preparing in an apparatus (100), the method comprising:
determining at least one physical parameter of the beverage, by a smart sensor (240), inside at least one container (104); and
controlling a cooling device (108), by a control unit (200), based on the determined level (L) of the beverage.
12. A method to prevent over spilling of a beverage contained in at least one container (104) while preparing, the method comprising:
determining a level (L) of the beverage, by a smart sensor (240), inside the at least one container (104);
determining temperature (T) of the beverage, by a thermostat (22), contained in the at least one container (104); and
controlling a cooling device (108), by a control unit (200), based on the determined level and temperature of the beverage.
13. The method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the smart sensor (240) is a camera configured with an artificial intelligence module.
14. The method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the smart sensor (240) is a smart sensor configured to detect any one of a level (L), a texture, a color, or a combination thereof of the beverage contained in the at least one container (104) with a help of the artificial intelligence module.

Dated this 24 March 2023
Digitally Signed
Applicant
Saurabh Singh -Director
Desmania Innovation Labs LLP