Concordia Coffee Company, Inc.

James Michael McLaughlin

Quan Hoang Nguyen

Christopher Dalton Collier

Lucas A Marks

Eileen M Nall

Carrie M Rebhuhn

A brewing system and method are shown for brewing a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The system includes an inline sensor or sensor array that intercepts the dispensing stream and measures the time dependent properties of the brewed liquid at a particular location as the liquid is dispensed. In a particular embodiment, the total dissolved solids is measured to produce a coffee signature, which is sent to a controller that uses the time-dependent data to perform one or more of the following: evaluate the quality of the brewed liquid, control the brewing process for subsequent brewing cycles; identify the blend or brand of brewed product; and/or determine when maintenance is needed or advisable for the brewing system.

Method and apparatus for controlling brewed beverage quality

A multi-brewer apparatus includes a plurality of brew groups that are configured to be selectively operated either in a ganged mode, wherein plurality of brew groups cooperate to rapidly produce a larger quantity of brewed beverage at a single dispensing location, or in a independent mode wherein the plurality of brew groups operate independently and dispense brewed beverage spaced apart dispensing locations. The apparatus includes a programmable controller apparatus that controls the delivery of the hot water and brewable material, and the operation of the brew groups. In an embodiment, an inline sensor array monitors a quality of the brewed beverage and reports to the programmable controller to maintain a consistent quality brewed product.

High speed brewing apparatus

A brewing system () includes a brew group () having a cylindrical brewing chamber (), a first actuator () attached to an upper piston assembly () that is movable to sealingly engage one end of the brewing chamber, a second actuator () attached to a lower piston assembly () that slidably engages the opposite end of the brewing chamber. The lower piston assembly includes a water supply tube () that engages a channel through the piston to supply heated water to the brewing chamber. The upper piston assembly includes a dispensing tube () that engages a channel through the piston to accommodate dispensing the brewed liquid. A sliding arm assembly is positioned to remove spent grounds from the brewing assembly. The current embodiment includes a controller (), hopper (), water heater () and grinder assembly (). An optional flavoring dispenser may also be provided.

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

James Michael McLaughlin