Abstract: A device with weighing capability (or “scale feature”) and also anvil capability (or “tapping feature”) allows accurate and precise filling of an espresso portafilter with coffee grounds for use in beverage preparation. Some versions switch between a protected mode for anvil use, and a weighing mode for accurate weighing of the portafilter and its grounds, by pivoting the entire load cell into and out of a protected location wherein tapping/shocks do not flex/strain the load cell free end. In other versions, one or more stop(s)/limit(s) are near the load cell free end or associated elements, and the free end/elements move during said tapping/shocks but only to the stop(s)/limit(s), corresponding to a safe amount of strain for the load cell. Also, this way, weighing the portafilter and its contents may continue between taps without switching to a separate protected mode.

Abstract: A coffee-measurement apparatus (60) and related methods for precisely measuring and displaying the weight of ground coffee to be used for preparing espresso shots and espresso-based beverages. The coffee-measurement apparatus (60) includes a portafilter platform (80) positionable directly below an output portion (116) of a coffee-grinding apparatus (100). The portafilter platform (80) is coupled to a weight-measurement device (20) as well as to a display (66) so the net weight of the ground coffee in a basket (52) of a portafilter (50) resting on the portafilter platform may be measured and displayed. In some embodiments, the coffee-measurement apparatus (60) may be configured to automatically start the coffee-grinding mechanism (130) of the coffee-grinding apparatus (100) and to stop it when a desired weight of ground coffee has been dispensed into the basket (52) by utilizing an electronic connection and/or an electromechanical actuator (140) communicatively coupled to the coffee-measurement apparatus (60).

Abstract: A coffee grinding apparatus (10) and related methods for precisely measuring the weight of ground coffee to be used for preparing espresso shots and espresso-based beverages. The coffee grinding apparatus (10) includes a coffee grinding mechanism (30) that is operative to grind whole coffee beans into ground coffee. The coffee grinding mechanism (30) also includes a portafilter platform (40) positioned directly below an output portion (16) of the coffee grinding apparatus (10). The portafilter platform (40) is coupled to a weight measurement device (20) so the net weight of the ground coffee in a basket (52) of a portafilter (50) resting on the portafilter platform may be measured. The coffee grinding apparatus (10) may be configured to automatically stop the coffee grinding mechanism (30) when a desired weight of ground coffee has been dispensed into the basket (52) so that a precise weight of coffee may be dispensed.