Continuous acting moisture prevention and cleaning valve

Abstract

A beverage mixing apparatus such as a coffee grinding and brewing apparatus is provided with an operative cycle which includes the transportation of a predetermined amount of a solid component of a beverage mixture from a storage compartment to and through a passageway into a mixing chamber wherein the liquid component of the beverage is mixed with the solid component. The apparatus further comprises a valve assembly associated with the passageway and having a plate movable between a closed position and an open position. The plate defines an opening which registers with the passageway when the plate is in the open position. A solenoid is connected to the plate for moving the plate between its open and closed positions. When the plate is in its open position the solid component can be moved from the storage chamber to the mixing chamber. In the closed position, the plate prevents moisture from the mixture from moving to the storage chamber through the passageway. A microprocessor control device in communication with the solenoid measures the time elapsed from a zero based time point, e.g., from the beginning of the last cycle, and causes the solenoid to open and shut when the elapsed time equals a predetermined value. The opening and shutting of the valve during the time period when the beverage apparatus is not being cycled breaks the fusion of the plate to other surfaces exposed to moisture emanating from the mixing of the solid component with said liquid component.