Abstract: An electric coffee maker (2) comprises a first chamber (4), and a second chamber (6) arranged on top of the first chamber. A tube (8) extends down from the second chamber (6) into the first chamber (4) for transferring liquid between the two chambers. The base (20) of the first chamber (4) is provided with electric heater (24) and a thermally responsive control (46) is provided associated with the base (20) so as to be responsive to the temperature of the heater (24) or to a section of the base (20) for interrupting the power supply to or reducing the heating output of the heater (24).

Abstract: Machine to produce espresso coffee comprising a containing structure defining an infusion chamber co-operating with element (14) to deliver water and element (15) to instantaneously heat the water, the infusion chamber comprising two parts able to be coupled so as to define an open condition of the infusion chamber and a closed condition during the coffee-preparation cycle, the upper part (20a) of the infusion chamber (20) being made on a block (22) movable from a first raised position to a second lowered position, the lower part (20b) being made on a trolley (23) movable from a first inner position, wherein the lower part (20b) is arranged below the upper part (20a), to a second outer position wherein the lower part (20b) is removed outside the structure of the machine (10), the machine comprising expulsion element (36) able to automatically remove the portion (11), after the coffee has been delivered, during the withdrawal movement of the lower part (20b) from the structure (35).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for extracting a substance for the preparation of a drink. This device includes a first, fixed piece and a second piece that is movable relative to the first about an axis of rotation lying at the rear of the two pieces, with the front of each piece providing a cavity for the substance to be extracted. The device also includes a system for closing and opening the two pieces. This system possesses a two-armed closing lever and two traction rods. The two arms of the closing lever are arranged to rotate about a first pivot on each side of the second piece. The traction rods are arranged to rotate about a second pivot on each side of the first piece. The ends of the two arms of the closing lever and the traction rods are fixed by means of a third, movable pivot so as to interact mutually in order to cause the closing and opening of the device.

Abstract: The invention is a distributed airways airflow dryer system for coffee beans and other such bulk crops. The interior volume or container of the dryer or dehydrator system that holds the bulk crops, is filled with an airways network structure that provides uniformly distributed open wall airflow passageways in the bulk crops. The airflow passages communicate with airflow openings in the walls or bottom of the container, to divide and admit the drying airflow into and through the full volume of the bulk crops as a large number of individual airstreams. Corrugated, ribbed, or cross-ribbed airflow plates are preferred embodiments that provide narrow open grooves or channels that expose the beans or kernels of the bulk crop directly to the airflow. This results in faster drying and greater uniformity of the drying effect on the full volume of the bulk crops.

Abstract: An electric kettle includes a tubular body (1), heating elements comprising an electric resistor (6) associated with a heating plate (8) mounted in the body lower part, defining with the side wall (3) of the body (1) a reservoir (10) of liquid to be heated and in direct contact by its upper surface with the liquid, and elements supporting a peripheral rim (8a) of the heating plate (8). The support elements comprise a vertical skirt (20) extending inside the body (1) and fixed on the inner surface (3a) of the body side wall (3) by first reversible fixing elements (28, 30), and the body (1) has a base formed by a lid (24) fixed on the skirt (20) with second reversible fixing elements (32, 37).

Abstract: A coffee making machine includes a vessel that supports a fitter basket containing measure of coffee grounds for mixing with hot water in a generally conventional way. A re-circulating passage connects a bottom outlet of the vessel to a top of the basket. A pump and heat exchanger are provided in the re-circulation passage. The pump and heat-exchanger are controlled by a programmable controller unit so that brewing or coffee-making conditions are readily and adjustably controllable by a user.

Abstract: A soybean milk maker comprises a main body having an upper opening and a cover releasably mounted to the upper opening of the main body. The cover includes a passage having an upper end communicated with outside and a lower end. A filter/receiver is mounted in the main body and attached to the cover. The lower end of the passage is communicated with the filter/receiver. The passage is provided for adding soybeans and water into the filter/receiver. A power device mounted in the cover. A driving shaft is mounted in the filter/receiver and has an upper end operably connected to and thus driven by the power device and a lower end to which several blades are attached. A heating element is provided for heating soybean juice as a result of breaking the soybeans by the blades.

Abstract: A coffee machine assembly is designed to be received in a kitchen furnishing. For this purpose, the front area of the coffee machine assembly is built as an integral part of a front plate member of the kitchen furnishing. The front area of the coffee machine assembly extends but over a portion of a front plate member of the kitchen furnishing. Thus, additional space is available for a receiving area for receiving items as, for example, coffee cups. Preferably, the receiving area is located besides the coffee machine and provided with subdivisions in vertical direction. The coffee machine itself is designed as a compact unit and is placed, for example, on an extendable unit. Moreover, at least a portion of the receiving area could be heated.

Abstract: A fill before brewing system for an automated coffee brewer is disclosed which includes solid state electronic controls, a water reservoir and a full pot brew switch (20) integral with the coffee brewer. A fill solenoid (22) is electrically interconnected with the full pot brew switch such that when this switch is energized the fill solenoid begins to fill the brewer reservoir with water. A full pot fill level control (24) is electrically connected with the full pot brew switch that operates when water in the reservoir reaches a predetermined level the fill solenoid terminates the water flow. A boiler (26) interacts with the full pot brew switch in that when the full pot brew switch is energized the boiler is activated simultaneously with the fill solenoid boiling water for brewing coffee. A reservoir empty level control (28) is connected with the boiler and disconnects the boiler when the level of water in the reservoir reaches the desired point.

Abstract: An automatic, household drip-type coffee making machine with a main housing for receiving and holding a carafe or decanter, and having an method and apparatus for rapidly heating water to form an infused beverage such as coffee. The speed brewing system has an automatic water level sensing system with a float box, a lever and a micro-switch, which detects the level of water in the water tank and when the water reaches a pre-selected level, activates a water heater located within a water bladder, heating the water bladder to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water passing into the water bladder. The water vapor condenses along a water outlet tube while still retaining sufficient heat to brew an infused beverage. The heated water (condensed water vapor) reaches a shower nozzle plate and is dispensed through the shower nozzle plate into a filter basket which contains a filter and material for making an infused beverage such as regular or decaffeinated coffee.

Abstract: A coffee maker having interchangeable carafes, a serial heating system, and a centrifugal brewing system. The coffee maker includes a glass carafe and a thermal carafe, either of which interchangeably fits within a carafe cavity. The presence of the glass carafe activates a heating element positioned under the carafe. The thermal carafe does not. The centrifugal brewing system includes a showerhead for distributing water at radially spaced locations over a rotating grounds basket. The control for the serial heating system activates and deactivates the heating element to allow for heat transfer between heated and unheated portions of the water. In an alternative embodiment including a batch water heating system, the coffee maker includes a modular distributor secured to the bottom of the water heating vessel by a hand-actuated bayonet mount for easy cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an apparatus for making soybean milk, wherein a cover body is connected to the opening of a container, and a fixing tank is extended form the cover body toward the inside of the container. A motor is installed in the fixing tank. A reaming blade is extended from the motor. A through passage is installed downwards from a position away from the center of the cover through the fixing tank to a cup-shaped component. A fixedly-joining device is installed at the inner edge of the opening of the cup-shaped component to be correspondingly joined with a fixedly-joined device installed at the bottom end of the peripheral surface of the fixing tank. The reaming blade is placed in the cup-shaped component. The periphery of the cup-shaped component is formed to be a filtering net. An electro-thermal tube is connected from the bottom edge of the cover into the container.

Abstract: A device for preparing beverages of the type having a closed compartment (c2), an open compartment (c1), an ascension pipe (23) connecting the compartments, and a filtering device (f1) between the ascension pipe (23) and the open compartment (c1), has some disadvantages in that an external heating source is needed, thereby increasing the risk of fire and burning the operating persons. Further, the infusion time is either fixed, being decided by the distance between the lower orifice of the ascending pipe and the bottom of the closed compartment or left to the user to estimate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a water kettle (1) including at the junction between the handle (18) and the housing (2) a safety arrangement (64) comprised of a button, an actuating element (44) and a detent lever, which allows operation of the water kettle (1) only when the lid (26) closes the opening (48) of the water kettle (1). Opening of the lid (26) automatically turns off the water kettle (1). The risk of an operator being scalded is thereby essentially eliminated. Manipulation of the water kettle (1) is also facilitated by the automatic shutoff feature of the water kettle (1) when the lid (26) is opened.

Abstract: A food preparation device can be used for making up formula milk for a baby. The device includes a water tank in which water may be boiled by operating a boil button. Once the boiled water has cooled down to a temperature below a predetermined temperature, the previously boiled water may be reheated to the predetermined temperature by operating a button. Operating the button causes water in the tank to be reheated to the predetermined temperature and to be discharged to a bottle received in a bottle receiving station. If dehydrated formula milk powder has previously been added to the bottle, once discharge is complete the bottle may be capped with a teat, shaken to mix the powder with the water, and used to feed a baby or toddler.

Abstract: A heated water dispensing apparatus has been described. The heated water dispensing apparatus includes a reservoir for retaining a quantity of water, a selector for selecting a temperature of water and a volume of water to be dispensed, and a controllable dispense valve for automatically dispensing water from the reservoir. The heated water dispensing apparatus also includes a weighing assembly which generates a weight control signal relating to the volume of water dispensed through the dispense valve and at least one device outlet valve for providing heated water to a remote device. The heated water dispensing apparatus also includes a controller. The controller operates the dispense valve in accordance with the weight control signal so that a selected volume of water is automatically and accurately dispensed. The controller also operates the dispense valve to prevent dispensing of water through the dispense valve before water of a selected temperature has been produced.

Abstract: Beverage servers for retaining beverages at a desired heated temperature. Prior art beverage servers have attempted to maintain the temperature of a brewed beverage retained therein in a variety of ways. One form of beverage server utilizes a heat resistant and heat conductive material for a beverage reservoir and places an exposed flame using a product such as gelled fuel thereunder to provide heat. One problem with this type of beverage server is that an exposed flame is presented to the customers and that the flame does not necessarily maintain a consistent or desired beverage temperature.

Abstract: A coffee maker having interchangeable carafes, a serial heating system, and a centrifugal brewing system. The coffee maker includes a glass carafe and a thermal carafe, either of which interchangeably fits within a carafe cavity. The presence of the glass carafe activates a heating element positioned under the carafe. The thermal carafe does not. The centrifugal brewing system includes a showerhead for distributing water at radially spaced locations over a rotating grounds basket. The control for the serial heating system activates and deactivates the heating element to allow for heat transfer between heated and unheated portions of the water. In an alternative embodiment including a batch water heating system, the coffee maker includes a modular distributor secured to the bottom of the water heating vessel by a hand-actuated bayonet mount for easy cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing beverages, such as a coffee brewer, has a device for measuring the periods of time during which the heating element is switched on and off by a thermostat connected in series with the heating element. The ratio between the on period and the off period is computed. If the off period is smaller than the on period, an indication is given that there is scale deposit in the water pipe. If the off period is greater than the on period, an indication is given that brewing has finished and, optionally, the heating element may be switched off permanently.

Abstract: An electronic coffee maker having a control circuit that allows for selective warming of brewed coffee. The control circuit has a micro-control unit that controls the heating coils of the coffee maker. Selector buttons allow the user to choose the delay time and the power levels for keeping the brewed coffee warm. This selectivity prevents the brewed coffee from becoming overly cooked.

Abstract: The coffee machine for different coffee types requires no preheating time and consumes no energy in the standby mode. It essentially comprises a water supply chamber (1), a pump (5), a continuous flow heater (8) for heating the water and a brewing chamber (10) for receiving the coffee (10'). The continuous flow heater (8) has a low heat capacity and can therefore perform large temperature changes within a short time. In order to obtain the desired water starting temperature, use is made of a control loop. The unheated parts (9-12) along the water path between the continuous flow heater (8) and the coffee (10') are so designed that a minimum amount of heat energy is abstracted from the hot water, but at the same time the parts have an adequate strength.

Abstract: A twin brewer system (30) with a pair of brewers (30A, 30B) each with a controller (158) for controlling the application of electrical power to a hot water heater, disables the application of electrical power to the heater (154) of one brewer (30A, 30B) in response to actuation of a start brew switch of the one brewer (30A, 30B) while electrical power is being applied to the heater (154) of the other brewer (30A, 30B). The controllers also respond to a hot water quantity sensor (164, 168) and a responsive delay circuit for disabling dispensing of hot water in response to actuation of the brew start switch (50) until a sufficient quantity of hot water is in a hot water dispenser tank (152) needed for the brew cycle. Indication lamps indicate when the brew cycle is being delayed and when brewing is not being performed. Actuation of a single emergency stop switch (138) stops hot water dispensing of both brewers (30A, 30B).

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing a selected quantity of a brewed beverage comprises a water heater tank having a heating element, a water supply line having an inlet valve and an outlet disposed within the water heater tank adjacent the bottom, a water level sensor mounted within the water heater tank to activate the inlet valve when the level of water within the tank is below a controlled water level, and a temperature control to maintain water in a region adjacent the controlled water level within a predetermined temperature range. A brew chamber retains product therein. Heated brew water passes through the product in order to extract flavor therefrom. The heated brew water passes from the brew chamber into the brewed beverage container. A heated brew water outlet is disposed in water dispensing relation to the brew chamber and has a brew water valve to control the flow of heated brew water therefrom.

Abstract: A switch control mechanism in a liquid boiling apparatus employs the lifting force of bubbles formed in the boiling liquid to actuate a switching system which controls the application of energy to boil the liquid.

Abstract: A control system for a coffee brewer having a microprocessor in which the water heated in the heater tank must be a predetermined temperature before brewing. A double brewing cycle is prevented. Upon the system not being activated for a period of time, i.e., the water temperature is allowed to drop a greater magnitude for energy saving and component protection.

Abstract: A beverage brewing method for producing a brewed beverage having a serving temperature within a predetermined serving temperature range. A beverage brewing appliance includes a brewing apparatus for infusing a beverage brewing substance retained therein to extract a brewed beverage therefrom. The appliance also includes a first water source having a water heater coupled thereto for providing and delivering brewing water to the brewing apparatus within a predetermined range of brewing temperatures to produce a desired brewed beverage. The brewing appliance also includes a second water source for providing and delivering temperature reduction water to the brewed beverage within a temperature range which, when mixed with the brewed beverage results in a final beverage dispensed from the brewing apparatus within a predetermined serving temperature ranges.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing soybean milk and curd, which includes an upper body assembly including a retention cup, in which a drive unit adapted to drive a rotating shaft carrying a soybean milling blade, and a control unit are contained, and a cover provided with an electrical connecting adapter. The apparatus also includes a cylindrical lower body having an open upper end closable by the upper body assembly, the cylindrical lower body serving to collect therein soybean milk leached from soybeans being milled, and a dreg barrel assembly including a dreg barrel body adapted to contain soybeans, to be milled, therein, and provided with a sieve serving to allow soybean milk to be discharged from the dreg barrel body while preventing bean-curd dregs from being discharged from the dreg barrel body, and a cap covering an upper end of the dreg barrel body. A heater is disposed in the lower body outside the dreg barrel assembly.

Abstract: A hollow body (2) defines a receptacle (3) for liquid to be heated. A heating element (4) for heating liquid within the receptacle (3) is controlled by a control device (6) located in a control chamber (5). The control device (6) carries and is responsive to a steam sensor (7). A steam passage arrangement (10) defines first and second steam passages (120 and 130). The first steam passage (120) communicates with and extends downwardly from the steam outlet (3a) of the receptacle (3) to an outlet (5a) positioned away from the control device (6). The second steam passage (130) branches from the first steam passage (120) at a branching location (14) below the steam outlet (3a) of the receptacle (3) and extends to a location (13a) higher than the branching location (14), the steam sensor (7) being provided adjacent a steam aperture (15a) within the second steam passage (130) above the branching location (14).

Abstract: A tubular electrical element lying substantially in a plane is fixed under a heater plate of an electrical appliance. The ends of the element are connected to a thermal limiter disposed near the middle of the element to measure at least the temperature of the element and to disconnect the electrical power supply from the element if the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined value. A portion of the element extends substantially along the peripheral contour of the plate and the ends of the element extend towards the middle of the element.

Abstract: An improved coffee maker is disclosed. The coffee maker shuts off automatically when the level of coffee in the decanter drops below a certain point, or when the decanter is removed. A housing is provided with the conventional elements used to brew coffee. The invention further comprises a decanter platform biased upward by a helical spring, the platform engaging switches which control the flow of electrical current to the brewing and heating elements of the coffee maker. When the decanter is at least partially full, the decanter platform is depressed and the switches are biased to the "on" position. When the decanter is almost empty, the upward travel of the decanter platform shuts off the heating element switch. When the decanter is removed from the platform, the brewing mechanism is shut off.

Abstract: A beverage maker employs an electrically operated boiler having a hot water output and a cold water input. Electric power is supplied through a normally open micro switch to the boiler. The boiler is actuated to produce heat only when the switch is closed and is deactuated and produces no heat when the switch is open. A water reservoir is disposed above the boiler and above the switch. The reservoir has a water input port at the top of the reservoir and a water output port at the bottom of the reservoir. A water feed hose connects the output port of the reservoir through a one way valve to the cold water input of the boiler whereby water can flow by gravity out of the reservoir into the boiler but cannot flow out of the boiler into the reservoir. A counter balancing mechanism is secured to the reservoir to maintain the reservoir in raised position above the switch when the reservoir is empty whereby the switch is open and the boiler is deactuated.

Abstract: A coffee maker including a brewing and warming unit and a carafe, wherein the carafe has a hot plate at the bottom, and a downward annular flange raised from the bottom around the hot plate for supporting the carafe on a table top; the brewing and warming unit includes a base having a heat insulating rack and a concave heat insulating plate mounted within the heat insulating rack to hold a heating plate for heating the carafe, a lever controlled micro switch which is switched on when the carafe is placed on the heating plate or switched off when the carafe is removed from the heating plate, a first sensor which detects the temperature of the carafe, a second sensor which detects the temperature of the heating plate, and a control circuit driven by the micro switch to control the power of the heating plate subject to the detection result of the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: A control device processes simultaneously the signals received from a temperature sensor and from a water delivery counter means to control instant by instant the pump delivery and the electricity feeding of the machine heat exchanger so as to maintain at the reference temperature the water exiting the heat exchaner;

Abstract: A control system for a coffee brewer having a microprocessor in which the water heated in the heater tank must be a predetermined temperature before brewing. A double brewing cycle is prevented. Upon the system not being activated for a period of time, i.e., the water temperature is allowed to drop a greater magnitude for energy saving and component protection.

Abstract: Valve device for priming a pump includes a body having a first conduit connected to a pump for sucking water from a tank, a second conduit for connecting the body to a heater provided with a calibrated delivery valve for delivering superheated water, and a third conduit for discharging air during the priming of said pump, a valve for a free passage of water from the body to the heater and for the flow back of the water into the body only when the pressure inside the heater has reached a selected value near, but lower than, the pressure setting of the calibrated delivery valve.

Abstract: An electronic timer activates a switch circuit so as to connect electrically a heating device and a power supplying unit of a coffee maker for a predetermined brewing period in order to heat water that is supplied to a filter basket and that comes from a water reservoir of the coffee maker. The processing unit activates the switch circuit for the predetermined brewing period when the brewing time coincides with the current time. A temperature sensing unit includes a temperature-controlled switch which connects the switch circuit to the heating device when temperature of the heating device is below a lower limit of a predetermined temperature range, and which disconnects the switch circuit from the heating device when the temperature is above an upper limit of the temperature range. The temperature sensing unit further includes a signal generating circuit which interconnects the temperature-controlled switch and the processing unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to method for controlling a pump for delivering the water in an apparatus for the production of brewed beverages, in particular espresso, coffee, cappuccino, wherein a switch is provided which, on actuation, starts the pump. The pump is started both when a temperature requirement is satisfied and when the switch is actuated, with the pump being started only if actuation of the switch has occurred after the temperature requirement is met.

Abstract: An espresso coffee maker is provided with a heat exchanger, a coffee dispenser unit and a water supply system in conjunction with the heat exchanger for supplying heated water to the coffee dispenser unit. The water supply system feeds cold water to the heat exchanger and heated water is delivered to the dispenser unit. A heated water return pipe is connected to the heat exchanger from the dispenser unit to form a recirculation circuit between the heat exchanger and the dispenser unit through which the heated water flows by natural convection to transfer heat from the heat exchanger to the dispenser unit. The water supply system includes at least one heat operated control valve incorporated in the recirculation circuit. The valve is provided with a chamber and a shutter is movable in the chamber to control the circulation of the water.

Abstract: An automatic drip beverage brewing apparatus in the form an urn includes a liquid reservoir, a brewed beverage reservoir, a brewing basket for holding coffee or tea over an opening to the beverage reservoir, a spigot in the brewed beverage reservoir for draining brewed beverage from the brewed beverage reservoir, and a cover which covers both the liquid reservoir and the brewed beverage reservoir. The brewed beverage reservoir includes a liner which provides an insulative air gap between the liner and the housing which defines the brewed beverage reservoir. A warming element is attached to the brewed beverage reservoir liner. A swing arm shower head is positionable over an opening to the brewing basket. A conduit provides a liquid passageway from the liquid reservoir to a liquid heating element to the shower head. The liquid and beverage reservoirs may be integrally formed by a common housing mountable upon a base which houses the heating element.

Abstract: An espresso apparatus having a brew head which is in liquid communication with a heat exchanger that is positioned within a boiler and a secondary heater for supplng additional heat to the water in the boiler, the second heater being turned off when the pump supplying water to the heat exchanger is on. The brew head has a thermostat component and an electric heating element positioned about the brew head infusion chamber. The thermostat component is independent of the heater coil in the boiler, set at a predetermined temperature level, and is responsive to changes in the temperature of the brew head and appropriately opens or closes the circuit connected to the electric heating element.

Abstract: A coffee machine includes a microcomputer, a heater 14 and a thermistor element 17. The microcomputer is programmed to respond to several different temperature level signals provided by the element 17 for fully controlling operation of the heater. The machine has a pre-heat cycle, where the rate of temperature rise is slowed down, and an automatic cleaning cycle when required.

Abstract: An electric coffeemaker includes a first electric heater for heating water for brewing the coffee. A carafe is supported on a base portion of the housing of the coffeemaker. A second electric heater is mounted in heat transfer relation with the base portion for keeping the base portion warm when a coffee-laden carafe is positioned thereon. The operation of the second electric heater is controlled to reduce the heat delivered to the base portion when a relatively lesser quantity of coffee has been brewed and to increase the amount of heat delivered to the base portion when a relatively greater quantity of coffee has been brewed. The operation of the second heater may also be varied to satisfy specific consumer taste preferences.

Abstract: The appliance, in particular a coffee machine, comprises three boilers (1, 2, 3). In addition a heating element (10, 11, 12) is disposed in each boiler, which element can be switched on and off through one switching means each (20, 21, 22) which are provided in a control mechanism (16). In each of the boilers moreover there is one temperature sensor (13, 14, 15) to measure the temperature of the hot water. The control mechanism (16) has in addition computational means (17) as well as memory means (18, 19). Among other things predetermined desired temperatures for the water in the individual boilers as well as the maximum available power supply of the coffee machine can be stored in the memory means (18, 19). The control mechanism is designed in such a way that, based on the water heating pattern in the individual boilers, the heating capacity can be apportioned to the boiler which needs it most according to a certain order of priority.

Abstract: Control device (1) for an electrical household appliance for the preparation of infusion beverages, having a housing (2) enclosing a reservoir (3) for cold water, a heating plate (4) supported an infusion collector (5), a water heater (6) connected thermally to the plate (4) and having a conduit (6') connected to the cold water reservoir (3) and a rising conduit (6") connected to a water pipe (7) of an infusion filter (8) disposed above the infusion collector (5). An electrical heating resistance (9) for the water heater (6) is connected to an electrical supply circuit (10) switchingly controlled by the device. The device supplies the electrical resistance (9) in a first phase intermittently by current pulses of predetermined duration, separated by pause times also of predetermined duration, and in a second phase supplies the electrical resistance (9) with a direct current.

Abstract: A coffeemaker includes a housing and a water reservoir contained within the housing. A carafe is supported on a base portion of the housing. A spreader is mounted within the housing. A hot water generator has an inlet connected to the water reservoir and an outlet connected to the spreader. The hot water generator has a generally shallow V-shape. An enclosure is supported within the housing and surrounds the hot water generator. The contact area between the surfaces of the generator and the enclosure is relatively minimal. The major portion of the surfaces of the enclosure and the hot water generator are spaced from each other to form an insulating air barrier to retain the heat generated by the hot water generator within the enclosure.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which includes a heated water reservoir, a heating element retained in the reservoir, and a thermostatic and a low water sensor configuration positioned in a heat exchange relationship with the heated water reservoir. The thermostatic and low water sensing configurations position the temperature sensors outside of the water reservoir to prevent the heated accumulation of mineral and other deposits thereon. A niche is formed in the wall of the heated water reservoir for receiving the thermostatic sensor configuration. A retaining cover is positioned over the niche to enclose the thermostatic sensor configuration in the niche. A portion of the niche against which the sensors are positioned is thinned in order to more accurately read the corresponding temperatures.

Abstract: Several unique features for an improved espresso/cappuccino maker are disclosed. A method and apparatus for replenishing the steam tank for a cappuccino steam dispenser in which the cold replenishing water can only be added in stepped sequences, and only after the water in the tank has reached its desired operating temperature. The dispensing unit for holding the coffee filter is maintained in a constantly heated condition by direct thermal conductivity from the metal surface of the hot water tank which is nested and in direct contact with the metal of the dispensing assembly. The temperature probe for the steam wand is housed internally of the steam wand with only a tip protruding for ease of cleaning. Also, the entire steam wand assembly and solenoid control valve are pivotally mounted as a unit to eliminate the need for internal slip joints in the steam lines. A portafilter has an integral screen for holding a single, a double, or a double-double portion of ground coffee.

Abstract: A coffee percolator is provided with an inclined chamber extending upwardly and inclined toward the spout. The coffee basket is positioned away from the inclined surface of the percolation chamber so that coffee as it exits the basket runs uniformly across the surface of the coffee. A laser operated heating unit and a separated warming heater is used in order to enhance the quality of the brewed coffee.

Abstract: This invention relates to an espresso machine comprising a boiler (1) and a filter chamber (5) which is connected to the boiler (1) via a hot water line (11) and which comprises an outlet (18) and is divided via an inserted screen (6) into two chamber regions (b, c), a thermostat switch (TH1) which is responsive to the temperature within the boiler (1) and connected in series with the heating apparatus (2) to limit the temperature within the boiler to a predetermined upper value, an air pump (8) terminating in the boiler (1), a first shut-off valve (17) positioned in the hot water line (11) and a second shut-off valve (19) positioned upstream of the outlet of the filter chamber (5).

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which includes a tank for containing heated water. Partitions are positioned in the heated water tank to define holding sections and a brewing section. Water is introduced into the holding sections of the tank and heated therein to a temperature of 180.degree.. Water retained in the heated water tank may pass from the holding sections around the partitions to the brewing section. A beverage holding reservoir is disposed in each of the holding sections of the tank so that heat from the water in the holding sections maintains a beverage disposed in the holding reservoirs at a desired temperature. A brewing assembly is associated with the holding reservoir and a dispensing head on a swing arm communicates with the brewing section and is positionable in relation to each of the brewing assemblies. A sensor and heater in the brewing section maintain the water retained therein at a temperature of 200.degree..