[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/851,458, filed on May 22, 2019, entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROASTING COFFEE BEANS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a coffee bean roasting system. More particularly, aspects of this disclosure relate to a system that roasts coffee beans using electromagnetic radiation. BACKGROUND

[0003] Properly roasting and curing coffee beans can be a long and difficult process. Various parameters must be controlled throughout the process to ensure that the coffee beans are correctly roasted and cured. Present systems for roasting and curing coffee beans often present difficulties in precisely roasting and curing the coffee beans and monitoring the process.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for an improved system that more accurately and precisely roasts and cures coffee beans. SUMMARY

[0005] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a system for heating an object comprises an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation; a first stage including a target area, at least a first portion of the emitted electromagnetic radiation being directed toward the first stage, the first stage being configured to direct the object and first portion of the electromagnetic radiation to the target area such that at least some of the first portion of the emitted electromagnetic radiation strikes the object to thereby heat the object and produce particulate matter; a second stage having a cooling fluid flowing therethrough, the object being configured to move through the second stage subsequent to being struck by the emitted electromagnetic radiation to thereby cool the object; and a third stage fluidly coupled to the first stage such that air and the produced particulate matter flows from the first stage to the third stage, at least a second portion of the emitted radiation being directed to the third stage such that at least some of the second portion of the emitted electromagnetic radiation strikes the particulate matter to thereby incinerate at least some of the particulate matter, the third stage including a filter, the third stage being configured to direct the air in the third stage through the filter and out of a vent.

[0006] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a method of preparing coffee beans comprises placing one or more coffee beans into a roasting chamber, the roasting chamber including a rotating housing having a plurality of inwardly-extending fins configured to carry the coffee beans as the housing rotates; irradiating, using one or more electromagnetic radiation sources, (i) the coffee beans, (ii) an interior of the rotating housing, or (iii) both (i) or (ii), while the housing rotates; subsequent to the irradiating, moving the coffee beans to a cooling vessel; and causing the coffee beans to move through the cooling vessel for a period of time to cool the coffee beans.

[0007] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a coffee bean is prepared by a process that comprises the steps of placing one or more coffee beans into a roasting chamber, the roasting chamber having rotating housing including a plurality of inwardly-extending fins configured to carry the coffee beans as the housing rotates; irradiating, using one or more electromagnetic radiation sources, (i) the coffee beans, (ii) an interior of the rotating housing, or (iii) both (i) or (ii), while the housing rotates; subsequent to the irradiating, moving the coffee beans to a cooling vessel; and causing the coffee beans to move through the cooling vessel for a period of time to cool the coffee beans.

[0008] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a coffee drink or product is prepared by a process that comprises the steps of placing one or more coffee beans into a roasting chamber, the roasting chamber including rotating housing having a plurality of inwardly-extending fins configured to carry the coffee beans as the housing rotates; irradiating, using one or more electromagnetic radiation sources, (i) the coffee beans, (ii) an interior of the rotating housing, or (iii) both (i) or (ii), while the housing rotates; subsequent to the irradiating, moving the coffee beans to a cooling vessel; causing the coffee beans to move through the cooling vessel for a period of time to cool the coffee beans; and using the coffee beans to prepare the coffee drink or product.

[0009] The above summary is not intended to represent each implementation or every aspect of the present disclosure. Additional features and benefits of the present disclosure are apparent from the detailed description and figures set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The disclosure will be better understood from the following description of example implementations together with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG.1A is a diagram of a system for roasting coffee beans, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG.1B is an additional diagram of the system of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG.2A is an end cross-sectional view of a roasting chamber of the system of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the roasting chamber of FIG. 2A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3A is a top cross-sectional view of a first implementation of an optics arm of the roasting chamber of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3B is a top cross-sectional view of a second implementation of an optics arm of the roasting chamber of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3C is a top cross-sectional view of a third implementation of an optics arm of the roasting chamber of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3D is a top cross-sectional view of a fourth implementation of an optics arm of the roasting chamber of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3E is a top cross-sectional view of a fifth implementation of an optics arm of the roasting chamber of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 3F is a top cross-sectional view of an implementation of a laser for use with the system of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG.4A is a perspective cross-sectional view of a first implementation of a cooling vessel for use with the system of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4B is an end cross-sectional view of a first implementation of the cooling vessel of FIG.4A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 5A is a diagram of a cooling system for use with the system of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 5B is a front cross-sectional view of a generator for use with the cooling system of FIG.5A, according to aspects of the present disclosure; [0025] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the generator of FIG. 5B, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a second implementation of a cooling vessel for use with the system of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 6B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cooling vessel of FIG. 6A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG.7A a is a diagram of an incineration vessel for use with the system of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 7B is an additional diagram of the incineration vessel of FIG. 7A, according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0030] FIG.8 is a view of a photovoltaic power generation unit for use with the system of FIG.1A, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific implementations have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] While the present disclosure is susceptible of many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail example implementations of the present disclosure, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the present disclosure to the illustrated implementations. Representative implementations are shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure is an example or illustration of the principles of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated. To that extent, elements, and limitations that are disclosed, for example, in the Abstract, Summary, and Detailed Description sections, but not explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into the claims, singly or collectively, by implication, inference, or otherwise. For purposes of the present detailed description, unless specifically disclaimed, the singular includes the plural and vice versa; and the word“including” means“including without limitation.” Moreover, words of approximation, such as“about,”“almost,”“substantially,”“approximat ely,” and the like, can be used herein to mean“at,”“near,” or“nearly at,” or“within 3-5% of,” or“within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof, for example.

[0033] FIGS.1A and 1B show a system 10 for roasting and cooling coffee beans. In some implementations, the system 10 can also be used for roasting and cooling other types of beans, such as soy beans, green beans, garbanzo beans; or generally any type of food, such as nuts, grains, etc. The system 10 can further be used for roasting and cooling non-food objects as well. While the description generally refers to coffee beans herein when describing the structure and function of the system, the substance of the description generally refers to any type of object that can be roasted and cooled using the system. Generally, the system 10 includes three stages. In the first stage, the coffee beans are roasted. In the second stage, the coffee beans are cooled and cured after they have been roasted. In the third stage, particulate matter produced during the first stage and/or the second stage is incinerated.

[0034] The first stage includes a roasting chamber 100, which is generally a sealed vessel into which the coffee beans are placed during the roasting process. A variety of different components or mechanisms can be used to roast the beans. In the illustrated implementation, a laser is used to roast the beans. The second stage includes a cooling vessel 200. The cooling vessel 200 is configured to cool and cure the beans after roasting. The temperature, pressure, and humidity within the cooling vessel 200 can be strictly controlled to control the curing rate and optimize the cooling profile. Generally, the cooling vessel 200 is configured to cool the beans much quicker than in conventional systems, which quickly ends the roasting of the beans and locks in the flavor after roasting. The third stage includes an incineration vessel 300. During the roasting process, various types of particulate matter can be produced, such as chaff, smoke, etc. The air and the particulate matter from the roasting chamber 100 can be vented to the incineration vessel 300 where a substantial portion (if not all) of the particulate matter can be incinerated. The laser can be used in the incineration vessel 300 to incinerate the particulate matter. After incineration, the air from the incineration vessel 300 can be vented through a scrub box 308 to the atmosphere.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1A, the system 10 includes a housing 12 in which the roasting chamber 100, the cooling vessel 200, and the incineration vessel 300 are located. The housing 12 can include an inlet 14A through which beans are inserted, and an outlet 14B through which the roasted and cooled beans are received. In some implementations, system 10 is generally gravity-fed, and the beans travel from the inlet 14A to the outlet 14B under the influence of gravity. In these implementations, the beans fall into the roasting chamber 100 through the inlet 14A of the housing 12; fall from the roasting chamber 100 to the cooling vessel 200; and fall from the cooling vessel 200 through the outlet 14B of the housing 12.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1B, the system 10 also includes a laser 16 that can be used with both the roasting chamber 100 and the incineration vessel 300. In some implementations, the laser 16 is a CO ₂ (carbon dioxide) laser. The laser 16 can be a pulsed laser. A variety of optical components can be used to direct the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the laser 16 to the roasting chamber 100 and the incineration vessel 300. One or more polarizers/attenuators 18 can be used to adjust the polarization and strength of the emitted electromagnetic radiation as needed. A beam splitter 20 can be placed into the path of the electromagnetic radiation to produce two separate beams of electromagnetic radiation. The first new beam 17A of electromagnetic radiation propagates toward the roasting chamber 100, while the second new beam 17B of electromagnetic radiation propagates toward the incineration vessel 300. A beam expander 22 can be used to adjust the beam width of the beam 17A propagating toward the roasting chamber 100. Depending on the design or configuration of the system, a mirror 24 can be used to redirect the beam 17B of electromagnetic radiation propagating toward the incineration vessel 300. Collimating optics 302 can be used to collimate the second beam 17B of electromagnetic radiation. In the illustrated implementation, the collimating optics 302 are positioned inside the incineration vessel 300. In other implementation, the collimating optics 302 are positioned outside the incineration vessel 300. As shown in FIG. 1B, the roasting chamber can include an optics arm 104 through which the beam 17A propagates. The optics arm 104 can include optical components 106A, 106B used to direct the beam 17A from the optics arm 104 into the inner cavity of the roasting chamber 100, where the beans are located, to roast the beams. FIG. 1B also illustrates a scrub box 308 through which the air from the incineration vessel 300 is passed through before being released to the atmosphere.

[0037] During the roasting process, the coffee beans absorb energy from the electromagnetic radiation that propagates within the interior of the roasting chamber 100. This absorption can result from direct contact between the electromagnetic radiation and the coffee beans as the electromagnetic radiation is emitted from the optics arm 104. The absorption can also result from contact between the electromagnetic radiation and the coffee beans as the electromagnetic radiation reflects off the surface of the interior of the roasting chamber 100. In some implementations, the coffee beans also absorb thermal energy caused by the general heating of the roasting chamber 100 due to the electromagnetic radiation. Various characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation can be modified as needed, including beam intensity, beam shape, beam profile, etc.

[0038] The system 10 also includes a carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) storage vessel 25. During the roasting of the coffee beans and following, the coffee beans emit CO2. This CO2 emission is due to the molecular change undergone by the coffee beans as a result of the roasting process as they transition to the final roasted stated. The emitted CO ₂ can be stored in the CO ₂ storage vessel 25 so that the emitted CO2 can be used later for a variety of purposes, such as packing the coffee or other products. The stored CO2 is an inert gas that can be used to maintain the freshness of the beans or other products, and can replace nitrogen tanks and generation systems used for that purposes. In some implementations, the CO2 storage vessel 25 is connected to the cooling vessel 200, so that the stored CO2 can be used to aid in cooling the roasted coffee beans.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS.2A and 2B, in some implementations the roasting chamber 100 is a rotating drum into which the coffee beans can placed. FIG. 2A shows an end view of the roasting chamber 100, while FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the roasting chamber 100. The roasting chamber 100 includes a generally cylindrical housing 102 defining an inner cavity 103. The axially-extending optics arm 104 is located in the inner cavity 103. As is explained in more detail herein, the optics arm 104 includes a number of optical components (such as optical components 106A, 106B shown in FIG. 1B) used to direct electromagnetic radiation out of the optics arm to a target area within the interior of the housing 102 and/or on an inner surface of the housing 102.

[0040] In the illustrated implementation, the roasting chamber 100 rotates counterclockwise. The roasting chamber 100 includes a plurality of fins 108 that aid in maintaining the coffee beans in the target area during rotation of the roasting chamber 100. The plurality of fins 108 are circumferentially distributed about the inner surface of the housing 102. Each of the plurality of fins 108 extends inwardly from a respective point on the inner surface of the housing 102, and can be angled relative to an axis normal to the inner surface of the housing 102 that connects the respective point to a central axis of the housing 102. As the roasting chamber 100 rotates, the fins 108 hold coffee beans 110 and carry the coffee beans 110 upward. The coffee beans 110 are carried upward until gravity causes the coffee beans 110 to fall off of the fins 108 and back to the bottom of the housing 102. Once there, the coffee beans 110 can again be carried upward by the fins 108 as the roasting chamber 100 rotates.

[0041] As the roasting chamber 100 rotates, the fins 108 generally maintain the coffee beans 110 within the target area, which is where the electromagnetic radiation from the optics arm 104 is aimed at. The angle of the fins 108 and the rotation speed of the roasting chamber 100 control how long the fins 108 carry the coffee beans 110 upward, until gravity overcomes friction and/or other forces to cause the coffee beans 110 to fall off the fins 108. Thus, the angle of the fins 108 and the rotation speed of the roasting chamber 100 are selected such that the coffee beans 110 remain within the target area for a desired amount of time before falling off the fins 108. Thus, the physical structure of the roasting chamber 100 is designed to precisely control the roasting process. In some implementations, the angle of the fins is between about 0° relative to normal and about 30° relative to normal. In some implementations, the roasting chamber 100 rotates at a speed of between about 5 revolutions per minute (RPM) and about 30 RPM. In some implementations, the roasting chamber 100 is configured to roast the beans to a temperature of between about 170 degrees and about 195 degrees. The roasting chamber 100 itself can be pressurized.

[0042] As shown in FIG.2A, the electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from the optics arm 104 can be emitted as two different cones of electromagnetic radiation 112A, 112B. Emitted cone of electromagnetic radiation 112A is aimed downward, while emitted cone of electromagnetic radiation 112B is aimed rightward. Because FIG. 1A is an end view of the roasting chamber 100 and the optics arm 104, the two emitted beams of electromagnetic radiation 112A, 112B also extend along the axial distance of the roasting chamber 100 and the optics arm 104 into the page. In some implementations, the emitted beams of electromagnetic radiation 112A, 112B are scanned back and forth in this direction (into and out of the page). In other implementations, the emitted beams of electromagnetic radiation 112A, 112B constantly occupy a certain distance along the axial length of the drum.

[0043] The first stage can include a number of sensors or detectors within the roasting chamber 100 to monitor and track the roasting process. These sensors and/or detectors can be configured to monitor humidity, CO ₂ content, acidity, ambient temperature outside of the housing 102 of the roasting chamber 100, internal temperature within the housing 102 of the roasting chamber 100, or the amount/volume/weight of the coffee beans within the roasting chamber 100. The sensors and/or detectors can also be configured to monitor and record sounds within the roasting chamber 100, capture standard images or thermal images, or perform other suitable functions. These parameters are quantified to monitor the progress of the roasting. The position and size of the electromagnetic radiation can be adjusted as needed to ensure optimal roasting. In some implementations, the roasting chamber 100 includes one or more laser diode modules attached thereto. The laser diode modules are used to further irradiate the roasting chamber 100 to help control the internal temperature of the drum. The laser diode modules can be arranged in any desired configuration, such as an array, grid, etc.

[0044] In the illustrated implementation, FIGS.2A and 2B show electromagnetic radiation being emitted at approximately the 3 o’clock position and the 6 o’clock position. However, the optics arm 104 can be configured to cause electromagnetic radiation to be emitted at any location within the housing 102 of the roasting chamber 100. The electromagnetic radiation could be emitted at all locations around the circumference of the optics arm 104, at only a single location around the circumference of the optics arm 104, etc. Further, the electromagnetic radiation can be emitted along the entire longitudinal length of the optics arm 104 within the housing 102, or only at select locations along the longitudinal length of the optics arm 104.

[0045] FIG. 3A illustrates a first implementation of the optics arm 104. FIG. 3A shows a top cross-section of the optics arm 104 and a portion of the housing 102 of the roasting chamber 100. The optics arm 104 in this implementation includes a beam splitter 120 and a mirror 122. The beam splitter 120 is partially reflective such that a portion of the electromagnetic radiation that is incident on the beam splitter 120 combination is reflected radially outward out of the optics arm 104 through window 124A. The beam splitter 120 may be made of material that is naturally partially reflective, or may be made of a generally transparent substrate that is optically coated with a partially transparent material. The remaining portion of the incident electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the beam splitter 120 to the mirror 122. The mirror 122 reflects this remaining electromagnetic radiation radially outward out of the optics arm 104 through window 124B. Thus, the electromagnetic radiation transmitted to the roasting chamber 100 is reflected toward the interior surface of the housing 102, and a large area on the inner surface of the housing 102 is irradiated.

[0046] In the implementation of FIG. 3A, the beam of electromagnetic radiation entering the optics arm 104 generally has a relatively broad beam width formed from parallel rays (e.g., the electromagnetic radiation is collimated). The beam splitter 120 and the mirror 122 are positioned at an angle relative to the electromagnetic radiation, and thus the electromagnetic radiation that reflects off of the beam splitter 120 and the mirror 122 diverges as it reflects off the beam splitter 120 and the mirror 122. The electromagnetic radiation thus forms two cones of electromagnetic radiation that are directed toward the target area. In some implementations, one or both of the beam splitter 120 and the mirror 122 may be mounted on galvanometers, which allow for precise physical control of the beam splitter 120 and the mirror 122. [0047] FIG. 3B illustrates a further implementation of the optics arm 104. In this implementation, the optics arm 104 includes a beam splitter 130 and a mirror 132, similar to FIG.3A. However, the implementation in FIG.3B further includes two diverging lenses 134A, 134B, and the electromagnetic radiation entering the optics arm 104 has a relatively narrow beam width compared to the implementation in FIG. 3A, but is still generally formed from parallel rays. A portion of the narrow beam of electromagnetic radiation reflects off beam splitter 130 radially outward toward diverging lens 134A, while the remainder of the narrow beam of electromagnetic radiation propagates to mirror 132, where it then reflects radially outward toward diverging lens 134B. The diverging lenses 134A, 134B cause the two narrow beams of parallel rays of electromagnetic radiation to diverge as they exit through windows 136A, 136B, resulting in the same two cones of electromagnetic radiation propagating toward the target area on the inner surface of the housing 102, such that a large area on the inner surface of the housing 102 is irradiated.

[0048] FIG. 3C illustrates another implementation of the optics arm 104. In this implementation, the optics arm includes a diverging lens 140, a beam splitter 142, and a mirror 144. The electromagnetic radiation that enters the optics arm 104 has a relatively narrow beam shape formed from parallel rays, similar to the implementation in FIG.3B. The electromagnetic radiation refracts through the diverging lens 140, and spreads out as it propagates toward the beam splitter 142. Thus, the electromagnetic radiation propagating toward the beam splitter 142 and the mirror 144 is not formed from generally parallel rays, but instead of diverging rays. A portion of this electromagnetic radiation reflects radially outward off of the beam splitter 142 and propagates through window 146A toward the inner surface of the housing 102. The rest of the electromagnetic radiation transmits through the beam splitter 142 and reflects radially out ward off of mirror 144. This electromagnetic radiation then propagates through window 146B toward the inner surface of the housing 102. Thus, the single diverging lens 140 results in two cones of electromagnetic radiation being emitted from the optics arm 104, such that a large area on the inner surface of the housing 102 is irradiated.

[0049] FIG. 3D illustrates yet another implementation of the optics arm 104. In this implementation, the optics arm 104 includes a single mirror 150 and a single diverging lens 152. The electromagnetic radiation entering the optics arm 104 has a broad beam shape formed from generally parallel rays as it enters the optics arm 104. The broad beam of electromagnetic radiation reflects radially outward off the mirror 150 and propagates through the diverging lens 152 and the window 154. The diverging lens 152 causes the electromagnetic radiation to diverge as it passes through the window 154 and propagates toward the inner surface of the housing 102, such that a large area on the inner surface of the housing 102 is irradiated.

[0050] FIG. 3E is yet another implementation of the optics arm 104. In this implementation, the optics arm 104 includes a mirror 160, a pair of anamorphic prisms 162A and 162B, and a lens 164. The electromagnetic radiation entering the optics arm 104 is formed from generally parallel rays. The mirror 160 reflects the electromagnetic radiation radially outward toward the anamorphic prisms 162A, 162B. The anamorphic prisms 162A, 162B broaden the beam width of the electromagnetic radiation. However, the electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from the prisms 162A, 162B is still formed from generally parallel rays, and is propagating in the same direction. This electromagnetic radiation then passes through lens 164. Lens 164 is a plano-convex lens with one spherical surface and one flat surface. Lens 164 causes the electromagnetic radiation to be focused to a focal point within the optics arm 104, which thus causes the electromagnetic radiation to diverge as it propagates past the focal point, through window 166, and toward the inner surface of the housing 102, such that a large area on the inner surface of the housing 102 is irradiated.

[0051] As is shown in FIGS.3A-3E, the optics arm 104 can include a number of different instruments and/or sensors 114A-114E for measuring various different properties of the roasting chamber 100. These instruments and/or sensors 114A-114E can include thermal imaging devices, high speed cameras, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, spectrophotometers, audio sensors, etc. While five different instruments and/or sensors 114A- 114E are shown in each of FIGS. 3A-3E, the optics arm 104 can include any number (include zero) of the instruments and/or sensors detailed in the present disclosure, or any other additional instruments and/or sensors that may be necessary.

[0052] FIG.3F illustrates yet a further implementation for forming the desired beam shape. FIG. 3F illustrates the laser 16, which is formed from a cavity 28 bounded by two reflective end pieces 30A, 30B. End piece 30B is only partially reflective, such that the electromagnetic radiation can escape through end piece 30B. Laser 16 also includes a convex lens 32 coupled to end piece 30B, such that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the laser diverges to a desired size. This resulting cone of electromagnetic radiation can be directed as needed toward the target area of the inner surface of the housing 102 of the roasting chamber. The various aspects of the laser and the convex lens can be selected as needed to result in a cone of electromagnetic radiation having the desired beam width. [0053] While specific implementations are shown herein, generally any combination of optical components can be used to create a desired beam shape for roasting the coffee beans. These optical components can include lenses, mirrors, laser galvanometers, etc. The various implementations of the first stage can emit a single cone of electromagnetic radiation toward the target area, or multiple cones. These cones of electromagnetic radiation can generally be configured to be emitted in any direction towards any portion of the interior of the rotating drum of the first stage. Further, any of the optical components can be placed on galvanometers as needed, so that the movement of the optical components can be precisely controlled.

[0054] In some implementations, the roasting chamber may have a dual configuration that utilizes two rotating drums side-by-side. These rotating drums can each have a portion of them removed so that they sit flush with each other along an extended line, and such that the coffee beans can move from one drum to the other drum. The drums can have internal wipers to move the coffee beans.

[0055] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a cross-section of a first implementation of the cooling vessel 200. FIG 4B shows and end view of the cross-section of FIG.4A. As shown, cooling vessel 200 is formed from a housing 202 that defines an inner cavity 206. The housing 202 includes an inlet 204A and an outlet 204B. Roasted beans from the roasting chamber 100 enter the housing 202 via the inlet 204A. The cooled beans exit the cooling vessel via the outlet 204B. In some implementations, the housing 202 includes controllably doors that can selectively open and close one or both of the inlet 204A or the outlet 204B. A plurality of fins 208 are defined on the inner surface of the housing 202. The fins 208 extend radially inward from the inner surface of the housing 202. The cooling vessel 200 is configured to rotate, and the fins 208 are configured to carry the beans around the interior of the cooling vessel 200, similar to the roasting chamber 100.

[0056] Windows 212A are defined in the side of the housing 202. While windows 212A are only shown on one side of the housing 202, the housing 202 can have additional alternative windows defined at any position or location in the housing 202. The windows allow air to flow into the housing 202, to aid in cooling the roasted beans. The warmed air can then exit through a central air exit pipe 212B.

[0057] The housing 202 further includes two sets of cooling pipes 214A-214D that are configured to carry a refrigerant/cooling fluid within the housing 202, to aid in cooling the roasted beans. The cooling pipes 214A-214 can form a snake-like pattern within the housing 202. Generally, the cooling fluid can enter through pipe 214A, travel along pipes 214A, 214B, 214C, and 214D, and then exit the housing 202 through pipe 214D. While two sets of cooling pipes 214A-214D are shown, the cooling vessel 200 can have any number of cooling pipes to carry the cooling fluid. Further, any configuration of cooling pipes can be used. Thus, while FIGS. 4A and 4B show a repeating snake-like pattern, other patterns can also be used. For example, the cooling pipes could extend in a coil-like pattern that continually loops around in a circumferential direction within the housing 202. After the coffee beans have finished cooling and curing, they can exit the cooling vessel 200 and be stored for further processing. The result of the coffee beans’ passage through the cooling vessel 200 is to have cooled and cured coffee beans with a predicted sugar content.

[0058] FIG. 5A shows an example cooling system 500 that can be used with the cooling vessel 200. The cooling system 500 in FIG. 5A is generally known as an absorption cooler or absorption chiller. Generally, a mixture of liquid water and liquid ammonia (e.g., a mixture of H ₂ O and NH ₃ ) is located within an internal cavity of a generator 512. This mixture can be heated by electromagnetic radiation from the laser 16. Beam splitter 502 and mirrors 504 and 506 can be used to direct the electromagnetic radiation from the laser 16 to the generator 512 as needed. As the electromagnetic radiation heats up the mixture in the generator 512, the liquid mixture evaporates into a gas mixture, which travels through a gas analyzer 514 and a rectifier 516. The gas analyzer 514 can analyze the amount of water in the evaporated mixture, and the rectifier 516 can aid in separating the water from the ammonia in the gas mixture. The evaporated water is then sent back to the generator 512.

[0059] The ammonia gas is then sent to a condenser 518, where the ammonia gas cools down and begins to condense back to liquid form. A fan 531A aids in removing heat from the condenser 518 and returning the heat to the generator 512. The liquid ammonia then passes through a receiver 520, a heat exchanger 522, and an expansion device 524. These components also aid in removing heat from the ammonia, and ensuring that the ammonia leaving the expansion device 524 contains as much liquid as possible, e.g., aids in converting as much of the ammonia gas to liquid ammonia as possible.

[0060] The liquid ammonia then enters the cooling vessel 200 (for example via cooling pipes 214A), where it is aids in cooling the roasted beans by removing heat from the roasted beans. The heated liquid ammonia exits the cooling vessel (for example via cooling pipes 214D), and travels back to the heat exchanger 522. A fan 531B in the heat exchanger 522 aids in transferring heat from (i) the cooled liquid ammonia yet to enter the cooling vessel 200, to (ii) the heated liquid ammonia exiting from the cooling vessel 200. The heated liquid ammonia then travels to an absorber 526. The absorber 526 contains the liquid water returned from the rectifier 516, which passes through heat exchanger 528 and check valve 532. The liquid ammonia from the heat exchanger 522 mixes with the liquid water in the absorber 526. A pump 530 pumps the water/ammonia mixture from the absorber 526 through heat exchanger 528. A fan 531C in the heat exchanger 528 aids in transferring heat from the water/ammonia mixture traveling to the generator 512, to the water returning from the generator 512. Thus, the heat exchanger 528 aids in ensuring that the water/ammonia mixture in the generator 512 is cooled down, and thus has the capacity to be heated by the laser 16.

[0061] As is shown in FIG. 5A, a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the laser 16 passes through beam splitter 502 toward mirror 504. However, another portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the laser 16 is reflected by the beam splitter 502 toward a photovoltaic power generation unit 534, which is formed from a diverging lens 508A and a cobalt-doped zinc oxide film. The diverging lens 508A causes the electromagnetic radiation to diverge, such that the electromagnetic radiation is incident on as large of a portion of the surface of the cobalt-doped zinc oxide film 508B as possible. The electromagnetic radiation incident on the film 508B causes a current to flow, which can then be used to power some or all of the other components of the system, denoted as 510.

[0062] FIGS.5B and 5C illustrate the generator 512. As shown, the generator 512 includes a housing 513 which contains triangular mirror 544, reflective baffles 546A-546C, and reflective baffles 547A-547C. The housing 513 contains the water/ammonia mixture. The housing 513 also includes a window 542 (which could be a zinc-selenium window) through which the electromagnetic radiation from the laser 16 passes through. The triangular mirror 544 causes the electromagnetic radiation to reflect to the left and the right within the housing 513. The electromagnetic radiation reflected to the left can continually reflect off of reflective baffles 546A-546C and the mirror 544. The electromagnetic radiation reflected to the right can continually reflect off of reflective baffles 547A-547C and the mirror 544. The electromagnetic radiation thus propagates through the housing 513, reflecting off of the mirror 544, the reflective baffles 546A-546C, and the reflective baffles 547A-547C, thereby heating the water/ammonia mixture. The generator 512 also includes outlets 540A and 540B. to allow the various fluids described in connection with FIG.5A to enter and exit the generator 512.

[0063] FIGS.6A and 6B illustrate another implementation of the cooling vessel 200. Here, the cooling vessel 200 is a screw conveyor that is formed from a helical screw blade 604 positioned within a housing 602. After the coffee beans are done roasting, they are moved to the cooling vessel 200. The helical screw blade 604 of the screw conveyor moves the roasted coffee beans through the housing 602 of the cooling vessel 200. In some implementations, the helical screw blade 604 acts as an agitator of the coffee beans. The speed and direction of the helical screw blade 604 can be controlled and modified as needed. In some implementations, the coffee beans generally pass from an entrance to an exit of the housing 602, e.g., they make one“trip” through the cooling vessel 200. In other implementations, the coffee beans make multiple“trips” through the cooling vessel 200.

[0064] The cooling vessel 200 also includes some type of fluid path through which a cooling fluid is piped. The cooling fluid is used to cool and cure the roasted coffee beans. In some implementations, the cooling fluid is a refrigerant. Other implementations may use other types of cooling fluids. For example, the cooling fluid can be the ammonia from the cooling system 500 of FIG.5A. The fluid path can be pipes, tubing, molding, or generally any structure that can carry the cooling fluid. As shown, a pump 608 can be used to pump the cooling fluid into the housing 602, and also into a central tube 612. In some implementations, the cooling fluid within the housing 602 follows the helical path of the coffee beans as they are moved by the helical screw blade 604. The cooling vessel 200 can also include an HVAC control system 610 can be used to control the flow of the cooling fluid through the fluid path. Other mechanisms can also be used to control the flow of the cooling fluid.

[0065] In some implementations, the cooling vessel 200 has a cylindrical shape. Other shapes can also be used. As shown, the cooling vessel 200 may include a number of temperature sensors 606, such as thermistors. These temperature sensors 606 are used to monitor the temperature within the cooling vessel 200 to ensure the roasted coffee beans are cooled and cured properly. In some implementations, the cooling vessel 200 is capable of maintaining a temperature that is substantially lower than the temperature to which the beans are cooled to. The cooling vessel 200 may also include a number of humidity sensors or other types of sensors. The curing rate can be controlled to ensure that the coffee beans are not over-cured or under-cured, in part by monitoring the resultant gasses. The resultant gasses can be sent to a gas analyzer 614 to monitor the cooling/curing process. After the coffee beans have finished cooling and curing, they can exit the cooling vessel 200 and be stored for further processing. The result of the coffee beans’ passage through the cooling vessel 200 is to have cooled and cured coffee beans with a predicted sugar content. Generally, any aspects of the cooling vessel 200 shown in FIGS.4A, 4B, 6A, and 6B can be combined. [0066] FIG.7A shows one implementation of the incineration vessel 300. The incineration vessel 300 is formed from a housing 304 that receives air from the roasting chamber 100 via connection 301. The beam of electromagnetic radiation 17B from the laser 16 can be directed toward the housing 304 via mirror 24. The electromagnetic radiation can pass through the collimating optics 302, which include a beam expander 302A and a collimator 302B. The collimated electromagnetic radiation then enters the housing 304, which can be formed from a reflective material so that the electromagnetic radiation within the housing 304 reflects back and forth within the housing 304, essentially trapping the beam of electromagnetic radiation in the housing 304. For example, the housing 304 can include reflective end pieces 306A, 306B that reflect the electromagnetic radiation within the housing 304. In some implementations, some or all of the interior of the housing 304 is made of polished copper.

[0067] In the interior of the housing 304, the electromagnetic radiation contacts the particulate matter that has been piped over from the roasting chamber 100. The electromagnetic radiation incinerates this particulate matter. The air within the housing 304 can then be vented through a scrub box 308, which can contain filtering components 310A-310D. These filtering components 310A-310D can include ionizers, HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, or other components. The filtering components 310A-310D the air after incineration. The air is then vented out of the scrub box 308, for example using a fan 312.

[0068] FIG.7B shows another implementation of the incineration vessel 300 including the beam expander 302A, the collimator 302B, and the reflective end piece 306B. In this implementation, the reflective end piece 306B has a triangular shape, which aids in ensuring that the reflected electromagnetic radiation within the housing 304 propagates over as much of the volume of the interior of the housing 304 as possible. The incineration vessel 300 can also include a cooling inlet 358A and a cooling outlet 358B, which can be used to carry cooling fluid into and out of the housing 304, to aid in keeping the incineration vessel 300 cool during use, and removing heat from the air and particulate matter sent to the incineration vessel 300 from the roasting chamber 100. Thus, in some implementations, the incineration vessel 300 can be coupled to a cooling system, such as cooling system 500 illustrated in FIG. 5A. Generally, any aspects of the incineration vessel 300 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B can be combined.

[0069] FIG. 8 shows the photovoltaic power generation unit 534. As shown, the power generation unit 534 includes a beam expander 508A and a semiconductor film 508D. In some implementations, the semiconductor film is a cobalt-doped zinc-oxide film. The beam expander 508A expands the beam of electromagnetic radiation 501B, such that as much of the surface area of the semiconductor film 508D is struck by the beam of electromagnetic radiation 501B as possible. The semiconductor film 508D can be electrically connected to a pair of electrical contacts or wires, such that a voltage 509 is formed between the pair of electrical contacts. Generally, the photovoltaic power generation unit 534 can be used to power any one or more of the components of system 10.

[0070] System 10 is shown herein as including a cylindrical roasting chamber 100 and a cylindrical cooling vessel 200. The beans travel between the roasting chamber 100 and the cooling vessel 200 via gravity. However, in other implementations, system 10 may utilize linear or near-linear conveyor belts that transport the beans from the inlet 14A to the outlet 14B. In these implementations, the conveyor belts can extend through the roasting chamber 100 and the cooling vessel 200 to carry the beans through the roasting chamber 100 and the cooling vessel 200. Other types of transportation mechanisms can also be used, and other configurations or shapes of the system or the various components of the system can be used.

[0071] The system can have one or more processing devices and one or more user input devices. The processing devices can control various aspects of the system, such as the optics used to shape and direct the laser beam, the rotation of the drum, etc. The user input devices can allow a user to manually adjust various parameters.

[0072] In some implementations, coffee beans prepared using the disclosed systems and methods undergo a specific molecular change when they are roasted and cooled/cured as described herein. Thus, preparing coffee beans (or other beans or objects) using the disclosed systems and methods can create a unique coffee beans unlike coffee beans prepared using other systems and methods. These coffee beans can have a unique taste and/or smell profile, owing at least in part to the molecular changed affected by the disclosed systems and methods. Further, coffee drinks or products (such as brewed coffee) made from coffee beans prepared using the disclosed systems and methods can have a unique taste and/or smell profile as well.

[0073] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms“a,”“an,” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms“including,” “includes,”“having,”“has,”“with,” or variants thereof, are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising.” [0074] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0075] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0076] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more particular implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each of these implementations and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is also contemplated that additional implementations according to aspects of the present disclosure may combine any number of features from any of the implementations described herein.