System and apparatus for regulating flow rate in an espresso machine

摘要

Embodiments are directed towards regulating flow rate in an espresso machine, during a multi-phase brewing process which includes a pre-brew and an extraction phase. During the pre-brew phase, coffee grounds are slowly pre-wetted and/or out-gassed with a first volume of water delivered at a first flow rate. During the extraction phase, a second volume of water is delivered, at a second flow rate, to extract espresso, where the second volume is delivered at a generally greater pressure than the first volume. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The flow rates, volumes, and pressures are regulated by the espresso machine, which includes a flow rate regulation assembly that comprises first and second flow paths and first and second valves. Baristas may vary the flow rate, volume, and pressure of water throughout the brewing process by opening, closing, or otherwise adjusting at least one of the valves.

主权项

1. A brew flow rate regulation assembly for regulating a brew flow rate of pressurized water and providing the pressurized water to a heating source of an espresso machine while brewing a coffee beverage using the pressurized water, comprising:
an assembly body; a brew regulation assembly input configured and arranged to allow flow of the pressurized water into the assembly body; a brew regulation assembly output configured and arranged to allow flow of the pressurized water out of the assembly body and provide the pressurized water to the heating source, wherein, in the espresso machine, the brew regulation assembly output is disposed upstream from the heating source; a first flow path disposed in the assembly body such that the first flow path is downstream from the brew regulation assembly input and upstream from the brew regulation assembly output, wherein the first flow path is in fluid communication with the brew regulation assembly input and the brew regulation assembly output, wherein the first flow path is configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the pressurized water from the brew regulation assembly input and provide the portion of the pressurized water to the brew regulation assembly output; a second flow path disposed in the assembly body such that the second flow path is downstream from the brew regulation assembly input and upstream from the brew regulation assembly output, wherein the second flow path is in fluid communication with the brew regulation assembly input and the brew regulation assembly output, wherein the second flow path is configured and arranged to receive at least another portion of the pressurized water from the brew regulation assembly input and provide the other portion of the pressurized water to the brew regulation assembly output and the first flow path and the second flow path are parallel flow paths; a first valve disposed in the assembly body such that the first valve is positioned downstream of the brew regulation assembly input and upstream from the brew regulation assembly output, wherein the first valve is configured and arranged to regulate the brew flow rate of the pressurized water that is provided by the brew regulation assembly output to the heating source of the espresso machine by restricting a first flow rate through the first flow path; and a second valve disposed in the assembly body such that the second valve is positioned downstream of the brew regulation assembly input and upstream from the brew regulation assembly output, wherein the second valve is configured and arranged to regulate the brew flow rate of the pressurized water that is provided by the brew regulation assembly output to the heating source of the espresso machine by restricting a second flow rate though the second flow path, wherein the brew flow rate of the pressurized water is equal to at least a sum of the first flow rate and the second flow rate.