Systems, methods, and devices for extraction material distribution
AssigneeStarbucks Corporation
InventorsKieran A. Murphy, Jefferey Jean Chapman, Michael Lane, Dariusz P. Piech, John L. Brockman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure generally relates to a system for distributing extraction material to a plurality of extraction chambers. The system may include a hopper configured to hold a beverage ingredient, and a grinder configured to grind the beverage ingredient to generate the extraction material. In some embodiments, the system can include a plurality of grinders coupled to the plurality of extraction chambers. In some embodiments, the system can include a plurality of distribution paths configured to distribute the extraction material to the plurality of extraction chambers.
Claims16
A system for distributing extraction material to a plurality of extraction chambers, the system comprising:
- a hopper configured to hold a beverage ingredient;
- a grinder configured to grind the beverage ingredient to generate extraction material;
- a distribution system configured to transfer the extraction material from the grinder to a plurality extraction chambers, the distribution system comprises:
- a distributor configured to transfer extraction material from the grinder to a plurality of distribution paths;
- a plurality of chamber distribution paths configured to direct extraction material to the plurality of extraction chambers;
- and
- a plurality of cells, each cell of the plurality of cells positioned between one of the plurality of distribution paths and one of the plurality of chamber distribution paths, each cell configured to receive the extraction material from one of the plurality of distribution paths,
- wherein the distribution system is configured to transfer a predetermined amount of the extraction material to each empty extraction chamber of the plurality of extraction chambers,
- wherein each cell is configured selectively transfer the predetermined amount of extraction material to one or more of the chamber distribution paths, and
- wherein a total amount of extraction material provided to the plurality of extraction chambers is an amount of extraction material for one beverage component.
A system for distributing extraction material to a plurality of extraction chambers, the system comprising:
- a hopper configured to hold a beverage ingredient;
- a plurality of grinders configured to grind the beverage ingredient to generate extraction material;
- a piezoelectric actuator configured to vibrate the system to prevent or inhibit the extraction material from getting stuck in the hopper and/or the plurality of grinders;
- and
- a plurality of extraction chambers,
- wherein the hopper is configured to transfer the beverage ingredient to the plurality of grinders, and wherein each of the plurality of grinders are connected to a different extraction chamber of the plurality of extraction chambers, and wherein a predetermined amount of the extraction material is transferred from each of the plurality of grinders to the different extraction chambers of the plurality of extraction chambers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.