Heating apparatus
OwnerPaul Colemaninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A heating apparatus and method of heating. The embodiments of the invention relate to coffee machine heating apparatuses for providing heated brew water for passing through coffee grounds. The apparatus and method involves using low pressure steam (i.e. less than 1 bar absolute) at a saturation temperature that is substantially equal to the desired brew water temperature. Advantageously, improved temperature control of the brew water is achieved in a manner which is more convenient to an end user. The operating temperatures are more stable (the need for a “cooling flush” is removed) and the operating temperatures is reached in a quicker manner than with conventional machines.
Claims8
An apparatus for heating drinking water, the apparatus comprising:
- a heat source for generating steam;
- a first passageway in fluid communication with and directly connected to the heat source for transporting the steam away from the heat source;
- a valve for reducing steam pressure from the heat source to the first passageway;
- an inlet for receiving the drinking water;
- an outlet for expelling the drinking water;
- a second passageway, distinct from the first passageway, in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet and configured to convey the drinking water from the inlet to the outlet;
- a heat exchanger for transferring heat between the first and second passageways, the second passageway including a portion for conveying the drinking water, which has been heated at the heat exchanger, to the outlet;
- a first pump for delivering water to the second passageway;
- a second pump for draining water or non-condensable gasses from the first passageway, and
- a controller for maintaining pressure of the steam within the first passageway at a pressure of less than 1 bar absolute, wherein
- the first passageway (i) comprises a de-superheater interposed between the heat source and the heat exchanger and (ii) is configured to convey the steam from the heat source, to the de-superheater, and then to the heat exchanger, and
- the valve is located in the first passageway (i) between the heat source and the heat exchanger and (ii) between the heat source and the de-superheater.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.