P100101 1 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Beverage appliance filter assembly with control input The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: IP Australia - 4 OCT 2012 RECEIVED IPL 2 Beverage appliance filter assembly with control input Field of the invention The present invention relates to a filter assembly for an espresso type coffee maker. Background of the invention 5 Coffee is an extremely popular beverage in today's society. One of the most popular forms of coffee is espresso coffee. Espresso coffee is made by heating water and using pressure to force that heated water through finely ground coffee beans. A filter assembly typically includes a receptacle for holding a filter, a filter and a handle. The filter assembly is usually involved in at least three steps in the espresso making process. The 10 first step is to fill the filter with ground coffee beans. This is generally done by holding the filter assembly under a coffee grinder or coffee chopper. The second step is to apply pressure to the ground coffee beans in the filter to compress the ground coffee into a tamped puck. The third step is actually making the espresso coffee by sealing the filter assembly to the coffee machine's gasket and applying pressurised hot water through the puck of ground coffee beans in the 15 receptacle. The espresso coffee is usually dispensed through a spout beneath the coffee filter receptacle. Espresso machines are designed to, amongst other things, start and stop the flow of pressurised hot water through the ground coffee beans. Electric coffee grinders and electric coffee choppers grind or chop coffee beans. These processes are usually controlled by user 20 controls located on the grinder or espresso machine. It is desirable to provide a means for making espresso coffee in a fast, easy and safe manner. It would also, or alternatively, be desirable to provide the public with a useful alternative to existing arrangements. Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an 25 acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art.
3 Summary of the invention In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided: a filter assembly for use with an appliance for performing at least one function in making a beverage, the filter assembly including: a receptacle for receiving a beverage making substance; and 5 a user interface for user selective control of the at least one function of the appliance. The receptacle may be adapted to form an electrical connection with an electronic sensing circuit on the appliance. The user interface may include a user selectable input which is in electrical connection with the receptacle and which is configured to trigger the electronic sensing circuit in use. The electronic sensing circuit may be one of the group comprising: a capacitive sensing 10 circuit; a resistive sensing circuit; an inductive sensing circuit or a magnetic sensing circuit. The user selectable input may consist of one of the group consisting of: a button; an actuator; a conductive area; a switch and a touch sensitive area. The filter assembly may further include a handle, a filter and a spout. Any one or more of the handle, filter and spout may be integrally formed with the receptacle. Alternatively, the handle, 15 filter and/or spout may be removably connectable with the receptacle. In a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided an appliance system for use in making a beverage, the appliance system including: an appliance for performing at least one function in making the beverage; a filter assembly for receiving a beverage making substance, the filter assembly being co 20 operable with the appliance, wherein the filter assembly has a user interface which is selectively operable by the user and wherein the user interface is communicable with the appliance for control of the at least one function of the appliance. The appliance may also include: 25 a filter assembly receiving means; an electronic sensing circuit for forming an electrical connection with the user interface when the filter assembly is received by the filter assembly receiving means; and a controller for controlling the at least one function; wherein, in use, the electronic sensing circuit is arranged to detect a user input on the user 30 interface and to convey a signal to the controller.
4 The appliance may be one of the group consisting of a machine for making espresso, a grinder for grinding coffee and a chopper for chopping coffee. In a further embodiment there is provided an appliance for performing at least one function for making a beverage, the appliance including: 5 a filter assembly receiving means arranged to receive a filter assembly with a user interface; an electronic circuit arranged to form an electrical connection with the user interface when the filter assembly is received by the filter assembly receiving means; and a controller to control the at least one function; 10 wherein, in use, the electronic sensing circuit is arranged to detect a user input on the control interface and to convey a signal to the controller. As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps. 15 Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is an exploded view of a filter assembly in accordance with an example 20 embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view along A-A of the filter assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of an espresso coffee machine with the filter assembly of Figure 1 attached; Figure 4 is a sectional view along B-B of the espresso coffee machine of Figure 3; 25 Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a coffee grinder with the filter assembly of Figure 1 attached; 5 Figure 6 is a block diagram of the circuitry of the filter assembly and the coffee grinder of Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of the electronic circuits of a simplified coffee grinder controlled by an input from a filter assembly, in accordance with the invention. 5 Detailed description of the embodiments Filter assembly Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a filter assembly 100 (also called a "group handle") in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In use, the filter assembly 100 is configured to receive coffee grinds and is connected to an espresso machine which provides 10 pressurised hot water to the coffee grinds to make espresso coffee. The filter assembly 100 has a coffee filter receptacle 102 and a handle 104 which comprises means to control the espresso machine or other beverage appliance, as will be described in more detail below. Receptacle 102 removably receives a coffee filter 106 which is to receive ground coffee beans in use. The filter 106 is connected by a snap fit arrangement to the coffee filter receptacle 15 102. A spring 108 holds the filter 106 in place in the coffee filter receptacle 102, when the snap fitting is engaged. The filter assembly 100 is usable with removable coffee filters of different sizes, e.g., a one cup filter which is sized to contain enough coffee grinds to make one dose of espresso or a two cup filter which is sized to hold enough coffee grinds to make two doses of espresso. The filter assembly 100 also includes a spout I10 through which extracted espresso 20 can flow. In this embodiment, the spout 110 is a removable double pour spout, which has two outlets through which extracted espresso coffee can flow. The filter assembly 100 may alternatively or additionally be adapted to accommodate a single pour spout which has only one outlet through which extracted espresso coffee can flow. The handle 104, filter 106 and spout 110 are removably connected to the filter receptacle 25 102. The spout I 10 has a threaded section 112 which is connectable to a screw portion 114 of the filter receptacle 102. A ring 116 provides additional seal for the connection. The handle 104 has a screw portion 118 which is connectable to a threaded receiving portion 120 of the filter receptacle 102. The easy separation of these components facilitates cleaning of the components of the filter assembly 100.
6 In an alternative embodiment, the handle 104, filter 106 and spout 110 may be connectable to the filter receptacle 102 by other removable connecting means or alternatively, the handle 104, filter 106 and/or spout 110 may be integrally formed with the coffee filter receptacle 102. 5 The filter assembly 100 includes a user interface in the form of a touch sensitive area 122 which is used to control an appliance. The touch sensitive area 122 is a circular upper surface extending from an electrically conductive member 124. The touch sensitive area 122 is typically recessed from the outer surface of the handle 104, which is defined by an electrically insulated portion 126 which partially surrounds the electrically conductive member 124. The insulated 10 portion 126 is arranged to leave the screw portion 118 and the touch sensitive area 122 of the electrically conductive member 114 exposed. The electrically insulated portion 126, together with the recessed arrangement of the touch sensitive area 122 allows the user to grasp the handle 104 without touching the touch sensitive area 122 (i.e. the exposed conductive area). It will be appreciated that the portion extending from the electrically conductive member 15 124 and terminating in the touch sensitive area 122 may be formed integrally with the electrically conductive member 124 or may alternatively be a separate component being in electrical connection with the electrically conductive member 124. The electrically insulated portion 126 is formed from polypropylene or alternatively from another suitable non-conductive material. The insulated portion 126 is typically formed to give 20 the handle 104 an cylindrical shape. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 104 may have a different shape, e.g., it may be shaped as an elongate rectangular prism, triangular prism, etc or it may have rounded indentations on the lower surface to create a more comfortable grip. The electrically insulated portion 126 may alternatively be formed from several segments of electrically insulated material connected together to form the electrically insulated portion. 25 The surface of the touch sensitive area 122 may be flush with the outer surface of the handle 104 defined by the electrically insulated portion 126. Alternatively, the touch sensitive area 122 may extend beyond the outer surface of the handle 104 defined by the electrically insulated portion 126.
7 It will be appreciated that the touch sensitive area 122 may also be differently shaped, for example it may be square, triangular, rectangular, star-shaped etc. It may additionally be sloped or textured. The electrically conductive member 124 is electrically connected to the coffee filter 5 receptacle 102 when the threads of the screw portion 118 which extends from the electrically conductive member 124 touch the threads of the threaded receiving portion 120 of the filter receptacle 102. The threaded receiving portion 120 is electrically conductive and is integrally formed with the filter receptacle 102. Alternatively, an electrical connection between the coffee filter receptacle 102 and the 10 touch sensitive area 122 may be obtained in various other ways. For example, more than one electrically conductive object may be arranged to maintain the electrical connection. In such an arrangement, the electrically conductive member 122 may be formed from two parts which are fastened together, with the electrical connection maintained by a series of electrically conductive members which are disposed in an arrangement where a surface of the members touch. A wire 15 connection may also connect the two parts. Alternatively, the coffee filter receptacle 102 may be integrally formed with touch sensitive area 122. The coffee filter receptacle 102 is to be made from a hard material which conducts electricity, such as brass or stainless steel that has been forged, sintered or investment cast. Other suitable materials of manufacture may be bronze or aluminium. As will be appreciated, the filter 20 assembly 100, in particular the receptacle 102, is subjected to considerable force when it is fitted to the coffee grinder or espresso machine. The materials of the filter assembly 100 are therefore typically selected so as to be sufficiently hard to prevent, or at least reduce, deformation or other damage to the filter assembly 100 and/or coffee filter receptacle 102 during normal use thereby to extend the life of the filter assembly 100. Suitable materials may, for example, have a 25 hardness of over approximately 120 HB as measured on the Brinell scale. Alternatively, the receptacle may be made from softer materials such as zinc. In one embodiment, the coffee filter receptacle 102 and the electrically conductive member 124 are formed from stainless steel which is a good electrical conductor but not an excellent conductor of heat. This is advantageous as it facilitates handling of the touch sensitive 8 area 122 which would not quickly become hot to touch when the filter receptacle 102 is in contact with hot water. The electrically conductive member 124 may alternatively be made from other electrically conductive materials such as chrome plated brass. It may be die cast, investment cast 5 or machined out of two parts which are fastened together. In order for the filter assembly 100 to be connected to an espresso machine 300 as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the filter assembly 100 includes two mounting projections 128 on the outer surface of the coffee filter receptacle 102, only one of which is visible in Figure 1. In use, the mounting projections 128 interacts with a bayonet collar, indicated in Figure 4 by reference 10 numeral 302, which forms part of a group head 304 of the espresso machine 300. The interaction between the mounting projections 128 and the bayonet collar 302 form a sealed connection which enables the espresso machine 300 to provide pressurised hot water to ground coffee in the filter 106 while at the same time preventing pressurised hot water from escaping during the extraction process. 15 In an alternative embodiment, the mounting projections 128 may be formed on the outer surface of the coffee filter 106. Also, while the present embodiment has two mounting projections, in alternative embodiments the filter assembly 100 may have a single or more than two mounting projections provided that the coffee filter assembly 100 is connected to the group head 304 in a suitable fashion to create a sealed connection between the two parts. 20 Filter assembly in use with a coffee milling device The filter assembly 100 may be used to control a milling device which can be used to mill coffee, such as a coffee chopper, a coffee grinder, or a spice grinder or spice chopper. An example of a milling device, which is in accordance with the present invention, is a coffee grinder 400 shown in a cross-sectional view in Figure 5. The coffee grinder 400 is operable by a 25 user to grind coffee or other materials, such as spices. In use, a user places the filter assembly 100 in a filter assembly receiving means 402 and presses the touch sensitive area 122 to operate the grinder 400. The coffee grinder 400 includes a bean hopper 404 for receiving coffee beans to be ground. In use, the coffee beans flow around a burr shield 406 to a conical burr head 408. The 9 conical burr head 408 is rotated by rotation means, for example a gear box shaft or a shaft driven by a belt, to grind the coffee beans. The coffee grinds are then released through a coffee grinder spout 410 into the filter 106 of the filter assembly 100. The filter assembly receiving means 402 includes receptacle receiving means which 5 includes two curved receptacle receiving arms (not shown) which in use extend along the curved sides of the filter receptacle 102. This allows mounting projections 128 (described above) to rest on the upper surface of the arms. The filter assembly receiving means 402 includes an electrically conductive section 412 which is positioned so as to be in electrical contact with the filter receptacle 102 when the filter assembly 100 is held by the assembly receiving means 402. 10 As a result, the electrically conductive member 124 is in electrical contact with the touch sensitive area 122, as discussed above. The electrically conductive member 124 is connected to an electronic sensing circuit, which is discussed in more detail below. In an alternative embodiment, the filter assembly receiving means 402 may be an electrically conductive panel or section which makes electrical contact with the filter assembly 15 receptacle 102 when held under the coffee grinder spout 410. In yet a further embodiment, the filter assembly receiving means 402 may have different receptacle receiving means, for example a receptacle receiving ring. The electrically conductive section 412 may be integrally formed with the filter assembly receiving means 402. The electrically conductive section 412 may also be a portion of, or comprise the entire receptacle receiving means 412. 20 It will be appreciated that the coffee grinder 400 may be adapted to be used with a removable receptacle receiving means. For example, removably connectable receptacle receiving arms of different sizes may be provided, such as a commercial size set of receptacle receiving arms and a domestic size set of receptacle receiving arms. Figure 6 shows a block diagram 500 of circuits included in the coffee grinder 400 of 25 Figure 5 (some of which also form part of the espresso machine 300 of Figures 3 and 4). A sensing component 502 is in communication with an electronic sensing circuit 504 of the coffee grinder 400. The electronic sensing circuit 504 is connected with a controller 506, while the controller 506 is configured to control a grinder motor 508 in a grinder motor circuit 510. The grinder motor circuit has a power supply 512.
10 In use, the electronic sensing circuit 504 is configured to sense a user touch of the touch sensitive area 122 of the sensing component 502, and in response send a signal to the controller 506. The controller 506 controls the grinder motor circuit 508, and in response to the signal from the electronic sensing circuit 504, the controller 506 switches the grinder motor 508 on (if the 5 motor was switched off) or switches the motor off (if the motor was switched on). Thus, in use, the user can place the filter assembly 100 in the filter assembly receiving means 402 and press the touch sensitive area 122 to start the grinder motor 508. When the filter is full, the user may press the touch sensitive area 122 again to stop the grinder motor 508. In this embodiment, the electronic sensing circuit 504 is a capacitive sensing circuit 10 which is configured to sense a change in capacitance when a user touches the touch sensitive area 122. In other embodiments, the electronic sensing circuit 504 may be a resistive sensing circuit, configured to sense the change in resistance when the user touches the touch sensitive area 122. Or alternatively, the electronic sensing circuit 504 may be configured to sense a change in inductance or magnetic field caused by the user touching the touch sensitive area. These 15 different methods are discussed in more detail below. The controller 506 may be operable to control one or more of the following functions in response to receiving a signal from the electronic sensing circuit 504: grind a preset amount of coffee grinds, e.g. enough to fill a one cup filter, enough to fill a two cup filter etc; and/or 20 . adjust the settings on the grinder, e.g. change the grind settings so that the grinder grinds the coffee to a smaller or larger particle size, change the grind speed so that the grinder grinds at a faster or slower rate. In an alternative embodiment, the controller 506 is programmed to detect different user actions to the touch sensing area 122. User actions include, for example: 25 * a single touch and release of the finger to the touch sensitive area 122; * a touch of the touch sensitive area 122 where the finger remains in continuous contact with the area 122; - the subsequent release of the touch sensitive area 122 after a continuous holding; and 11 two touches of the touch sensitive area 122 in quick succession. In this embodiment, the controller 506 is programmed to detect different signals received from the electronic sensing circuit 504 which are generated in response to detecting these different user actions. For example, a single touch and release of the finger to the touch sensitive 5 area 122 is sensed by the electronic sensing circuit 504 which relays a corresponding signal to the controller 506. In response to receiving this signal, the controller 506 controls the grinder motor 508 to grind an amount of coffee to fill a one cup filter. In contrast, two touches of the touch sensitive area 122 in quick succession causes the electronic sensing circuit 504 to relay a corresponding two touch signal to the controller 506, which controls the grinder motor 508 to 10 grind an amount to fill a two cup filter. If the user touches the touch sensitive area 122 and maintains continuous contact with the area 122, the electronic sensing circuit 504 senses the continuous touch and relays a corresponding signal to the controller 506, which controls the grinder motor 508 to start grinding. When the user releases the touch sensitive area 122, the electronic sensing circuit 504 detects the absence of the user's touch and conveys an associated 15 signal to the controller 506 which controls the grinder motor 508 to stop grinding. In another embodiment, the electronic sensing circuit 504 is tuned to detect the magnitude of change that occurs when the user touches the touch sensitive area 122 and to only send a signal when the change reaches a threshold magnitude. This feature is advantageous because it helps to prevent accidental triggering of the coffee grinder 400. 20 Conductive sensing circuit The electronic sensing circuit 504 may be arranged to detect the change in capacitance caused by the user touching their finger to the touch sensitive area 122. When the user touches the touch sensitive area 122, the user's finger will change the capacitance of the coffee filter assembly 100. The electronic sensing circuit 504 is tuned to detect such a change in capacitance 25 for example, through the use of an oscillator circuit, and upon detection of the change, it signals to the electronic controller 506 (in this instance it is a microcontroller). Resistive sensing circuit Alternatively the electronic sensing circuit 504 may be designed to detect a change in resistance caused by touching the touch sensitive area 122. In one embodiment, the user 12 interface may also include a touch sensitive electrically conductive plate suspended above the outer surface of electrically conductive member 124 by a small gap (not shown). When the user presses the touch sensitive electrically conductive plate, the plate touches the surface of electrically conductive member 124 causing a change in resistance of the filter assembly 100. 5 Preferably, the electronic sensing circuit 504 is tuned to detect the expected change in resistance caused by the touch and not trigger as a result of other changes in resistance for example which may be caused by heat to the coffee filter receptacle 102. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 104 includes a touch sensitive area which includes two conductive means positioned side by side with a gap between them. In use, when a 10 user places a finger across the gap between the two conductive means, the change in resistance is sensed by the electronic sensing circuit 504. Inductive/magnetic sensing In another embodiment, the electronic sensing circuit 504 may be arranged to detect a change in induction or magnetisation caused by moving an actuator over the electrically 15 conductive member 124. In this embodiment, the user interface includes a magnetised slider button. Upon movement of the slider button, the electronic sensing circuit 504 senses the change in induction/magnetism caused by the movement and in turn sends a signal to the electronic controller 506. Sensing completion of a circuit 20 In another embodiment, the handle 104 incorporates one or more electrical switches or push buttons. In use, the user activates a switch which completes the electronic sensing circuit 504, allowing current to flow. The complete circuit 504 signals the controller 506 to control the appliance. Filter assembly in use with a coffee machine 25 The control assembly of the filter assembly 100 is also configured to control the espresso machine 300 of Figure 3, which shows a perspective view of the espresso machine. The espresso machine 300 is operable to make espresso coffee and to also perform several other functions. The espresso machine 300 includes a group head 304, mentioned above, for dispensing pressurised hot water to the filter assembly 100. A steam wand 306 is configured to dispense 13 steam, a hot water outlet 308 dispenses hot water, while a user interface 310 is connected to an electronic controller (not shown). The controller is operable to control the espresso machine 300 to: * make espresso by commencing and ceasing flow of pressurised hot water to the group 5 head 304; * provide steam through the steam wand 306 for frothing milk; and . provide hot water to the hot water outlet 308, e.g. for diluting the espresso coffee to make a 'long black'. The controller is also operable: 10 0 to provide a predetermined amount of pressurised hot water to the group head 304, for example, a 'single cup' amount of about 30 ml for a single dose of espresso or a 'two cup' amount of about 60 ml which is enough for two doses of espresso; * to adjust the espresso machine settings, e.g. the preset volume of hot water released to the group head 304 (i.e. the 'single cup' amount and the 'two cup' amount); and 15 o to provide steam and hot water to the hot water outlet 308 or to the group head 304, in response to user input. The espresso machine 300 also includes an electronic sensing circuit in communication with the controller (in a similar arrangement to those described in accordance with the coffee grinder example in Figure 6 above). In particular, the touch sensitive area 122 is electrically 20 connected to the group head 304 by the bayonet collar 302. The bayonet collar 302 is in turn connected to an electronic sensing circuit (also represented by electronic sensing circuit 504 in Figure 6) in the coffee machine 300. In use, the electronic sensing circuit 504 is able to detect when the touch sensitive area 122 is touched, in response to which a signal is sent from the electronic sensing circuit 504 to the controller 506 to control the espresso machine 300. 25 The controller 506 is programmed to control the flow of pressurised hot water to the group head 304 in response to receiving a signal from the electronic sensing circuit 504, such that if the water is not flowing, the controller 506 starts the flow of hot water and if the water is flowing the controller 506 stops the flow of hot water. Thus, in use, the user may attach the filter 14 assembly 100 to the group head 304 and may press the touch sensitive area 122 to start the coffee extraction. Once enough coffee is extracted the user may press the touch sensitive area 122 once more to stop the coffee extraction. In an alternative arrangement, the controller 506 is programmed to provide a 5 predetermined amount of pressurised hot water to the group head 304 upon receiving a signal from the electronic sensing circuit 504. Thus, in use, the user can attach the filter assembly 100 to the group head 304 and press the touch sensitive area 122, which is detected by the electronic sensing circuit 504 which in turn signals the controller 506 to provide a 'single cup' amount of pressurised hot water to the group head 304. 10 The controller 506 may alternatively be programmed to detect the different output signals from the electronic sensing circuit 504 corresponding to different user actions to the touch sensing area 122, for example: * a single touch and release of the finger to the touch sensitive area 122; . a touch of the touch sensitive area 122 where the finger remains in continuous contact 15 with the area 122; . the subsequent release of the touch sensitive area 122 after a continuous touch of the touch sensitive area 122; or . two touches of the touch sensitive area 122 in quick succession. In response to detecting the output from the electronic sensing circuit 504 which is 20 generated in response to these different user actions, the electronic controller 506 is programmed to interpret this signal and determine an action to control in response to receiving these signals. For example, in use, a single touch and release of the finger to the touch sensitive area 122 is sensed by the electronic sensing circuit 504 which relays a corresponding signal to the controller 506, which in turn controls the espresso machine to provide a 'single cup' amount of hot water to 25 the group head 304. Two touches of the touch sensitive area 122 in quick succession causes the electronic sensing circuit 504 to relay a corresponding two touch signal to the controller 506, which controls the espresso machine 300 to provide a 'two cup' amount of hot water to the group head 304. When the user continuously touches the touch sensitive area 122, the electronic sensing circuit 504 sends a corresponding continual touch signal to the controller to commence 15 supply of pressurised hot water to the group head 304. When the user stops touching the touch sensitive area 122, the electronic sensing circuit 504 senses the removal of the touch and signals the controller 506 to indicate to the espresso machine 300 to stop the flow of hot water to the group head 304. 5 Turning now to Figure 7, a circuit diagram of a simplified coffee grinder, e.g., the coffee grinder of Figure 5, is shown as controlled through an input on a filter assembly 100. Reference numerals have been used to correspond with the functional blocks shown in Figure 6. A sensing component 502 through an electronic sensing circuit 504 provides a signal to a controller, indicated by reference numeral 506. A circuit 514 provides the controller 506 with 10 power. The sensing component 502 typically senses a single touch and release of a user's finger to the touch sensitive area 122 of the filter assembly 100. The controller 506 is programmed to trigger the grinder motor circuit 508 when it receives an input from the electronic sensing circuit 504. In particular, the controller 506 triggers a TRIAC 516 connecting a power supply circuit 512 through a diode bridge 518 to the grinder motor circuit 508. The TRIAC 516 acts as a switch 15 to switch the grinder motor 508 on or off, whenever it receives a corresponding signal from the controller 506. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative 20 aspects of the invention.