A MIXING APPARATUS FOR CREATING FROTHED MILK
A mixing apparatus for creating frothed milk includes a container for containing milk, with a milk passage and a steam inlet channel leading to a mixing chamber for mixing the milk with steam and air. A steam separator is in series along the steam inlet channel reduces the water content of the steam delivered to the mixing chamber.
1 . A mixing apparatus for creating frothed milk, the mixing apparatus comprising:
a first container for containing milk;
a mixing chamber for mixing the milk, steam, and air;
an external steam entry port;
a steam inlet channel which leads from the external steam entry port to the mixing chamber;
a milk passage which leads from the first container to the mixing chamber; and
a steam separator in series along the steam inlet channel.
2 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an air passage which leads to the mixing chamber.
3 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the air passage comprises an air intake channel which defines an air flow from air surrounding the mixing apparatus to the mixing chamber.
4 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the air intake channel imparts a Venturi effect on the air flow.
5 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the steam separator comprises a reservoir for collecting moisture.
6 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the steam separator comprises an in-line fluid passageway comprising a tortuous path for the steam, with at least one blocking element for blocking a direct path and for directing the moisture to the reservoir.
7 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the first container defines the mixing chamber, and wherein the mixing apparatus further comprises:
a second container, wherein the second container is adapted to receive the first container, and wherein the second container comprises a port for connection to the mixing chamber from which a mixture of the milk, the steam, and the air is delivered.
8 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the steam inlet channel and the milk passage are defined by an interface between the first and second containers.
9 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the reservoir of the steam separator is defined by an interface between the first and second containers.
10 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the reservoir of the steam separator has a volume of less than 10 ml.
11 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising:
a seal disposed between the first container and the second container, wherein the seal comprises:
a first sealing member disposed between the mixing chamber and the port; and
a second sealing member for defining one surface of the milk passage and one surface of the reservoir.
12 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the seal further comprises:
a transition seal portion, the transition seal portion comprising:
a seal split; and
an air intake channel.
13 . A coffee maker, the coffee maker comprising:
a liquid coffee extraction apparatus;
a mixing apparatus for creating frothed milk, the mixing apparatus comprising:
a first container for containing milk;
a mixing chamber for mixing the milk, steam, and air;
an external steam entry port;
a steam inlet channel which leads from the external steam entry port to the mixing chamber;
a milk passage which leads from the first container to the mixing chamber; and
a steam separator in series along the steam inlet channel; and
a dispenser adapted to dispense:
liquid coffee from the liquid coffee extraction apparatus; and
the frothed milk from the mixing apparatus.
14 . The coffee maker as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising:
a second container adapted to receive the first container; and
a seal disposed between the first container and the second container, wherein mating between the seal and the first container forms a closed channel arrangement that defines a fluid path for mixing a milk inlet and a steam inlet.
15 . The coffee maker as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the closed channel arrangement connects a port at the bottom of the closed channel arrangement, and wherein closed channel arrangement connects the mixing chamber at the top of the closed channel arrangement.
16 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein mating between the seal and the first container forms a closed channel arrangement that defines a fluid path for mixing a milk inlet and a steam inlet.
17 . The mixing apparatus as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the closed channel arrangement connects the port at the bottom of the closed channel arrangement, and wherein closed channel arrangement connects the mixing chamber at the top of the closed channel arrangement.