Abstract: A brewing apparatus includes an intermittent brewing feature whereby a controller regulates flow into a brew basket based upon a user selected pre-stored flow profile comprising a sequence of flow pulses. A user selects from among a plurality of stored intermittent flow profiles according to the specific brewing operation, where each profile is designed for different brewing conditions. The flow profiles can be incorporated into a larger set of pre-stored or programmed instructions that also regulate temperature, volume, warming operations, and the like.

Abstract: A coffee brewing basket for use with a pre-measured coffee filter packet is shown having a first compartment for retaining the coffee filter packet and a second compartment situated below the first compartment for providing an initial wetting of the coffee filter packet. A rib protruding from an interior wall of the first compartment into the second compartment provides access by which hot water introduced into the brewing basket can enter the first compartment and bypass the coffee filter packet to collect in the lower compartment. A reservoir formed by a series of ridges channels the water draining out of the second compartment and draws water through the coffee filter.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus is disclosed that polls the temperature of a water reservoir prior to initiating a brewing operation, and then adjusts the timing of a control of the valve that directs the water to a brewing compartment to account for the changes in the water's flow rate due to temperature variations of the water. Upon receipt of a command to initiate a brewing operation, a controller first commands a temperature probe to measures the bulk temperature of the heated water in the reservoir prior to a pumping operation. The probe measures the water temperature and then sends a signal to the controller reflecting the temperature of the water. The microprocessor compares the temperature of the reservoir with the nominal heated water temperature to determine if the standard filling period, i.e. valve open time, requires modification. The controller then opens and closes a flow control valve based upon the time interval value obtained in a look-up table or other means for the measured temperature.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus having a temperature sensor disposed on a warming deck that receives a brewed beverage decanter provides temperature information used to select a heating profile for maintaining the brewed beverage at a proper serving temperature without overheating. An intermittent heating profile based on the temperature difference between the actual brewed beverage temperature and the desired temperature is recalled from memory storage and applied to a heating element below the warming deck.

Abstract: A spray head for a coffee making apparatus having a plurality of holes at the bottom of a fluid reservoir for wetting the coffee grounds located below the spray head, the holes raised above a floor of the fluid reservoir by upwardly projecting stand pipes. The elevated hole draws water from a depth spaced from the floor where sediment and lime scaling occurs to delay clogging of the spray head. The arrangement of the holes are selected to wet the grounds evenly, and the size of the holes are preferably selected to create an impact of droplets with the grounds below while maintaining an adequate flow rate through the holes.

Abstract: A grip coupling (18) for tubular conduit has a coupling body (20) formed by two halves (22, 24) which are joined along weld lines (26). The two halves (22, 24) each include a tapered entrance section (28) and an interior seal (30). The interior seals (30) are disposed inboard of the tapered entrance sections (28). Two annular-shaped shoulders (32) are formed in the interior surfaces of each of the two halves (22, 24), and are spaced apart to face inboard relative to the respective two halves (22, 24) when the two halves (22, 24) are joined together. Two grip rings (36) are disposed within respective ones of the two halves (22, 24), fitting against respective ones of the two annular-shaped shoulders (32). The grip rings (36) have grip teeth (40) and are tapered to extend radially inward in an inboard direction relative to the body (20).

Abstract: A fitting is provided for joining to a smooth exterior periphery of a tubular conduit with a seal member sealing therebetween. The fitting has a tubular body with a central passage for receiving the tubular conduit. The central passage defines a central axis for the fitting and has a tapered opening, a threaded section, a seal section and a stop which circumferentially extend coaxially about the central axis. An annular shaped seal member extends from the seal section for sealingly engaging the exterior periphery of the tubular conduit. The tapered opening of the fitting provides an entrance to the central passage which is sized for receiving and end of the tubular conduit having an oval shaped periphery, and then rounding the exterior periphery such that annular shaped seal member will sealingly engage the exterior of the tubular conduit. The seal section is disposed between the tapered opening and the threaded section of the central passage.

Abstract: A fluid for dissipating static electrical charge from the surface of a plastic object, such as a polyethylene pipe, and a method for using same, are provided. The solution comprises water, an anti-freezing agent and a static-dissipating enzyme.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaining fusion temperature at substantially the same time throughout an interface between thermoplastic articles by the controlled application of heat. The method includes providing a sensed temperature signal corresponding with the temperature at the interface, generating a desired temperature signal (such as an analog ramp signal which increases linearly with time) corresponding with a predetermined heat application rate which causes the temperature at substantially all portions of the interface to rise substantially uniformly, providing a heat control signal corresponding with any difference between said signals, and applying heat to the interface at a rate determined by the heat control signal to achieve fusion temperature throughout the interface at the same time.

Abstract: A polyethylene pipeline including a plurality of prefabricated pipes of predetermined diameter fused on one end to respective bell fittings to form prefabricated bell and spigot pipe assemblies. The bell connector includes an enlarged in diameter bell connector formed with a socket having an internal diameter for telescopical receipt of the second end of the adjoining pipe length and includes an increased in diameter interior gland for receipt of a helical heating coil. The heating coil is constructed of an electrical resistant wire coated with an electrical insulative coating which is, in turn, coated with a medium density polyethylene coating. The terminal ends of the wire is coupled with electrical connectors protruding to the outside of the bell connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal fusion of thermoplastic pipes. Heat is applied to a joint interface between thermoplastic pipes and a thermoplastic coupling at a slow rate to raise the temperature of the interface to a predetermined preheat temperature, and then at a rapid rate to quickly raise the temperature to the fusion point, resulting in proper localized fusion heating at the joint interface.