Patent attributes
A milk frothing apparatus which includes a steam probe; a jug and jug support; a sensor to determine the depth of milk in a jug. The steam probe or jug support is movable preferably driven by stepper motor, to maintain the tip of the probe below the milk surface. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the milk in the jug. A micro controller is programmable to start the process; maintain the position of the steam probe relative to the milk surface, stop the process when the milk reaches a desired temperature and maintain records of the number of cycles and a measure of the quantity of milk treated. By using a sensor to measure the distance to the milk surface in a jug the tip of the steam probe can be maintained at the appropriate distance below the milk surface by moving the jug relative to the probe or preferably moving the probe. The process can be more precisely controlled by sensing the milk temperature and ensuring that the process is completed before the milk becomes too hot. The units may use steam generated in the espresso machine or use a designated steam boiler. The units may have multiple stations each with a jug and steam probe and associated temperature sensor. The stations may have the provision of a locking mechanism to prevent removal of the jug while the process is in progress.
