Method and Apparatus for Applying Designs On the Surface of a Beverage
The invention provides a method for creating designs on the surface of foamed milk with a coffee solution comprising dispensing a coffee solution using an applicator, onto the surface of the foamed milk in a pattern according to the intended design. The dispensing is controlled by automated means. Further provided is an apparatus for creating designs on the surface of foamed milk with a coffee solution comprising: a) a reservoir; b) an applicator; c) an applicator mechanism d) a tray; e) a data controlling device, and f) a controller.
1 . A method for creating designs on the surface of foamed milk with a coffee solution comprising of dispensing a coffee solution by means of an applicator to the surface of the foamed milk in a pattern according to the intended design, wherein the dispensing is controlled by automated means.
2 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the applicator is selected from among inkjet and bubble jet printing heads, a pointed needle-like utensil, wherein said utensil may be hollow, air brush applicators or the like, or any type of applicator which can spray, atomize, drip or apply the coffee solution onto the foamed milk.
3 . A method according to claim 2 wherein the applicator works according to spraying or atomizing techniques.
4 . A method according to claim 1 wherein the automated means is a combination of mechanical and data controlling devices.
5 . A method according to claim 4 wherein the mechanical devices in the automated means control the position of the applicator in relation to the surface of the foamed milk.
6 . A method according to claim 4 wherein data controlling devices within the automated means are intended for the input, processing and output of data required for creating the design wherein said data may include design data for generating the desired image and commands for controlling and moving the mechanical devices.
7 . An apparatus for creating designs on the surface of foamed milk with a coffee solution comprising; a) a reservoir; b) an applicator; c) an applicator mechanism d) a tray; e) a data controlling device, and f) a controller.
8 . An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said applicator is selected from among an inkjet and bubble jet printing head, a pointed needle-like utensil which may be hollow similar to a medical syringe needle, air brush applicators or the like, or any type of applicator which can spray, atomize, drip or apply the coffee solution onto the foamed milk.
9 . An apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the applicator works according to spraying or atomizing techniques.
10 . An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the applicator mechanism may be operated electrically, mechanically or hydraulically.
11 . An apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the applicator mechanism is designed to carry more than one applicator in order to apply the latter art to more than one substrate simultaneously.
12 . An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the tray can be moved by a tray mechanism after or before design application.
13 . An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said controlling device is a computer which can receive images or self-generate images and provide data to the controller.
14 . An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said apparatus may be assembled in such a manner that any number of the devices a) to f) may be incorporated in a single device or, a combination of devices a) to f) may be incorporated to more than one device.
15 . An apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein devices a) to c) can be an ink jet printer head.
16 . An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the data control device may be connected to external data generating devices or sources including the internet, mobile phone systems.
17 . An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein various intensities of the brown color of the coffee may be controlled.