| 摘要 |
<p>A coffee press assembly for creating cakes of compacted ground coffee. The inventive device includes a frame having a base and a vertical main support member. The base, which is relatively massive, has an aperture formed therein, adapted to receive and support the vertical support member. A workpiece support element is attached to the vertical support member, and is shaped to receive a container for holding ground coffee. The support element includes at least one sensor, preferably a load cell, for sensing the amount of pressure applied to the ground coffee contained within the container. Force for compressing the ground coffee is applied to the container in a precisely controlled manner by an actuator assembly having a lever operated tamper with a substantially conical shape with a relatively large base having a smooth compacting surface. The lever and tamper are operatively connected by a cam mechanism which is shaped to ensure a smooth and gradual application of sufficient pressure to form a properly compacted coffee cake. The load cell is electrically connected to the sensor for providing an indication of applied pressure. Means for applying a twisting motion to the tamper is also provided. The sensors are electrically connected to a digital display device for numerically displaying the force applied to the container, as well as other information useful for proper operation of the apparatus. A hygrometer may be connected to the digital display to provide an operator with an audible or visual indication of changes in the ambient humidity to allow for dynamically adjusting the compaction force. In one embodiment, the invention contemplates a fully automatic apparatus, including motorized force application means and means for filling and positioning a container with ground coffee, integrated with the hygrometer and load cell to dynamically adjust the compaction force. A grinder may be included to grind coffee beans contained in the container. Also, a controlled temperature and humidity environment may be provided for storing ground coffee in bulk, to be distributed incrementally into a container for compaction.</p> |
