Beverage quality control apparatus and method
AssigneeBoyd Coffee Company
InventorsMichael W. Johnson, Christopher J. Engler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A quality control apparatus for a beverage held in a beverage container. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to be in thermal communication with the beverage and detect attainment of a first predetermined temperature. The apparatus also includes a timer coupled with the sensor. The timer is configured to commence timing in response to detection of the attainment of the first predetermined temperature by the sensor. The apparatus also typically includes an indicator coupled to the timer and configured to indicate to a user a status of the timer.
Claims25
A quality control apparatus for a beverage held in a beverage container, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensor configured to be in thermal communication with the beverage and to detect attainment of a first predetermined temperature;
- a timer coupled with the sensor, the timer being configured to commence timing in response to detection of the attainment of the first predetermined temperature by the sensor;
- and
- an indicator coupled to the timer and configured to indicate to a user a status of the timer.
A method of timing freshness of a beverage in a beverage container, the method comprising:
- detecting attainment of a first predetermined temperature in the beverage container;
- commencing timing upon detecting attainment of the first predetermined temperature in the beverage container;
- and
- indicating to a user by an indicator a status of the timing.
A beverage container for holding a beverage, comprising:
- a receptacle, configured to hold the beverage;
- a sensor thermally coupled with the receptacle, the sensor being configured to detect attainment of a first predetermined temperature within the receptacle;
- a timer coupled with the sensor, the timer being configured to commence timing in response to detection of the attainment of the first predetermined temperature by the sensor;
- and
- an indicator coupled to the timer and configured to indicate to a user a status of the timer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.