Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device. The apparatus may also be comprised of a beverage pitcher onto which the display device can be placed. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The display device may be comprised of a sliding member for allowing or preventing a first or a second designation for a first or a second type of beverage to be displayed. The beverage pitcher in one embodiment is a coffee pot. The first type of beverage may be decaffeinated coffee and the second type of beverage may be caffeinated or regular coffee. In other embodiments, a coffee machine includes an indicator device which indicates whether coffee is decaffeinated or not.

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 steaming pitcher for preparing hot beverages with a liquid crystal thermometer attached to an exterior surface of the pitcher for detecting the temperature of any liquid contained therein. The liquid crystal thermometer eliminates the need for conventional food service thermometers that are placed in the liquid being heated.

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: The present invention relates to a machine for preparing hot beverages, comprising a water tank (1) which can be filled with water (23) and a brewing unit (6) which can be filled with an ingredient (9) such as ground coffee or tea leaves. The water (23) is heated and supplied to the brewing unit (6) for extraction. After the extraction process, the hot beverage (24) flows into a container (8). The machine for preparing hot beverages includes a device (10, 11) for sensing the amount of water and ingredients. The device (10, 11) sends corresponding electric signals to an electronic evaluation device (14). The electronic evaluation device (14) indicates the detected strength of the hot beverage on an indicator instrument (17). The degree of strength may be varied by this arrangement in conformity with a user's taste. Further, only that amount of ingredients required for the desired strength of the beverage is used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insulated beverage carafe adapted for use in an automatic drip coffee maker fabricated from non-reactive metal, having a heat resistant plastic handle that includes a detachable substantially transparent tubular gauge adapted to measure the amount of beverage within the carafe. Also taught is a method for preparing and serving hot coffee suitable in beverage service in individually dispensed portions, reading the gauge to determine when the carafe is empty; and, cleaning the empty carafe in a commercial dishwasher. An article of manufacture comprising packaging material containing an insulated beverage carafe with a handle that includes a gauge adapted to measure the amount of beverage within the carafe is also taught. The packaging material includes a brochure that provides directions for the use of said carafe.

Abstract: An arrangement for indicating the calcification status of flow heaters, particularly in espresso machines, with the flow heater having a cold-water inlet line and a hot-water outflow line, and which is intended to precisely indicate the calcification status, yet have an uncomplicated design. For this purpose, a differential-pressure fluid gauge (9) is provided, with the gauge having two pressure chambers (11, 12) separated by a diaphragm, with one of the pressure chambers (11) being in a fluid-conducting connection with the cold-water inlet line (4) and the other pressure chamber (12) being in a fluid-conducting connection with the hot-water outflow (5). The diaphragm acted upon by the pressure difference between the two chambers (11, 12) is coupled to indicator elements.

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 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 watertight enclosure is presented which has the capabilities of housing not only coffee brewing apparatus but also a liquid detector for the prevention of leaking water from the inside of the housing if some abnormally is present in the liquid system. The enclosure (20) consists of a base (22), configured with an extended portion (24) suitable for receiving a coffee server, a top (26) with an overhanging shelf (28) aligned with the base extended portion for dispensing brewed coffee into a coffee server, an integral front (30), back (32), and a pair of sides (34). The top and back each have a removable portion (36) and (40) for access into the enclosure to house brewing apparatus. A liquid detector (46) may be disposed within the enclosure with sensors between the base and the access opening for recognizing the presence of liquid allowing its internal system to de-energizing the brewing apparatus within the enclosure.

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 brewing completion indicator for a commercial coffee brewer that operates by receiving a signal from the brewer (20) and energizes an indicator (32) when it is safe to remove the brew cone or filter basket. In the past commercial brewers simply light an indicator when the brewing cycle is completed which may be dangerous as the hot water and steam may still be present and create a hazard. The invention precludes this problem by adding a time delay that permits sufficient time to pass until it is safe to remove the coffee grounds and filter in the brew cone. As brewers vary in capacity and utilize various types of coffee the apparatus is adjustable in the duration of time. Further the invention may be used in conjunction with existing solid state control systems already in the brewer or may be separate device that is added to the brewer as a separate component.

Abstract: A quality control apparatus for a beverage held in a beverage container. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to be in thermal communication with the beverage and detect attainment of a first predetermined temperature. The apparatus also includes a timer coupled with the sensor. The timer is configured to commence timing in response to detection of the attainment of the first predetermined temperature by the sensor. The apparatus also typically includes an indicator coupled to the timer and configured to indicate to a user a status of the timer.

Abstract: A single serving beverage maker with a removable water storage reservoir (with a sight glass) to hold multiples of a single serving of water, a water boiler reservoir to heat a single serving of water, an electric heater for heating the single serving of water in the water boiler reservoir, one or more valves between the water storage reservoir and the water boiler reservoir, a brewing compartment for holding a single serving of a material (which may be in a porous bag) to be infused into the water, and a support to closely interfit with and position a coffee cup subjacent the brewing compartment such that a succession of single servings of a heated beverage such as coffee may be individually brewed and served. The beverage maker may utilize the boiler reservoir as a measuring reservoir or alternatively, a separate measuring reservoir (also with a sight glass) may be provided between the water storage reservoir and the water boiler reservoir.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is associated with a dose-holder in the coffee machine and is adapted to detect the thermal status thereof. The temperature sensor is connected to a measurement device that measures the temperature sensed and a signaling device for signaling the measured temperature positioned to be visible for the user.

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: A coffee maker includes a reservoir for accommodating a quantity of water to brew a coffee beverage; a filter basket for accommodating ground coffee to be brewed therein; a water quantity sensor for producing a first signal representing the quantity of water in the reservoir; a coffee quantity sensor for producing a second signal representing the quantity of coffee in the filter basket; and a comparator for comparing a ratio between the first and second signals. The comparator has a first input which is connected to the water quantity sensor and to which the signal is applied; and a second input which is connected to the coffee quantity sensor and to which the second signal is applied. A display device is connected to the comparator for being actuated thereby as a function of the ratio between the first and second signals.

Abstract: A quality control apparatus for a beverage held in a beverage container. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to be in thermal communication with the beverage and detect attainment of a first predetermined temperature. The apparatus also includes a timer coupled with the sensor. The timer is configured to commence timing in response to detection of the attainment of the first predetermined temperature by the sensor. The apparatus also typically includes an indicator coupled to the timer and configured to indicate to a user a status of the timer.

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: An improved household coffee maker is disclosed, having a built-in water filter for removing water-borne contaminants. The water filter is disposed between the water reservoir and the heating coil, which heats the water and keeps the coffee carafe warm. An indicator disposed upon the cover of the coffee maker signals when the water filter has become saturated with contaminants and requires replacement or cleaning.

Abstract: Fresh coffee is transmissible to red light, but as the coffee becomes stale, the organic compounds degrade and the brew becomes less transmissible to the light. To monitor coffee freshness, a beam of light is passed through a transparent coffee pot and the transmissibility of the brew is displayed as a measure of freshness.

Abstract: A system for maintaining foods warm including an exterior container with a lower generally horizontal flat support surface and upstanding side wall with an open top, the open top having a receipt area including a generally annular flat surface. Also included is an interior container that is adapted to receive food and which has a lower generally horizontal flat surface and an upstanding side wall receivable within the exterior container. The interior container has an outwardly extending flange with its upper extent receivable in the receipt area. A thermal retention region is provided between the interior and exterior containers and includes a generally flat horizontal circular region between the lower surfaces of the interior and exterior containers and extends upwardly between the side walls of the interior and exterior containers. The thermal retention region has an essentially common thickness throughout its entire extent.

Abstract: A double boiler for domestic use includes a heating vessel for receiving water and a filtering device containing food, the vessel having a lid on the top; a main case having a reception hollow and a heater at one side so that the heating vessel is mounted and heated; a steam condenser incorporated in the top end of the main case so that steam produced from the heating vessel is collected; steam cooling device for circulating cooling water along the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the steam condenser so that the steam collected in the steam condenser becomes cooled; and a condensed water collecting device for receiving the heating vessel to the hollow of the main case and at the same time connecting the heating vessel and steam condenser so that the condensed water condensed in the steam condenser is gathered into the heating vessel.

Abstract: A beverage brewing machine for producing a single serving has a lower brewer and an upper brew chamber housing. The lower brewer has a brewing cylinder defining therein a lower brewing chamber which has a reciprocal piston therein. The top of the brewing cylinder includes a liquid pervious support surface on which a beverage substance may rest. The upper brew chamber housing is received over the brewing cylinder above the liquid pervious support surface and defines an upper brewing chamber therein. The upper brew chamber housing includes an inlet which communicates with the upper brewing chamber. The upper brewing chamber receives liquid to be brewed from an external source one serving at a time.

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 coffee maker comprises a water reservoir, a water heating and supply device for supplying hot water to a filter device, the brewed coffee flowing from the filter device to a receptacle. The coffee maker includes a level detection circuit for detecting the water level in the reservoir, and this water level is used to control the brewing process so as to vary the flow of hot water to the filter device in dependence upon the water level in the reservoir. The water level may be used to control the power of a heating element in a continuous heater or may be used to control the operation of a pump in a pumped system.

Abstract: An on-line method for the continuous generation of alkali metal salts includes continuously reacting a source of acidity, a liquid having a low pH value, with a source of alkalinity, a liquid having a high pH value, while continuously monitoring an electrical parameter of the resultant in salt which is indicative of its pH value. The monitored value is used to adjust the relative flow rates of the input liquids so as to dynamically maintain the pH value of the resultant salt within a predetermined range. In the apparatus, the input liquids can be continuously supplied to a reacting element and the conductance of the resultant salt monitored for purposes of providing feedback control signals to adjust one or more flow rates.

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: An infusion maker includes a lid, a filter, a stopper, a basket, a retaining frame, and a jug. The basket has a through hole at the center of its bottom side, and a bottom extended wall with spaced slots. The retaining frame includes an annular ring at the top, an outer annular frame, supports erected between the annular ring and the outer annular frame, and an inner annular frame disposed inside the outer annular frame and connected thereto by reinforcing ribs. The inner annular frame is provided with a bearing seat for receiving the stopper. The outer annular frame is externally provided with bulges for engaging the slots of the basket. The retaining frame is fitted over the basket from below and they are placed into the jug with the annular ring suspended on the rim of the jug. The basket slips downwardly of its own weight so that the stopper blocks the through hole of the basket to allow immersion of substances like coffee in the basket.

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 brewing pot for tea includes a container including an upper portion having a top rim defining at least one cavity, and a lower portion defining a chamber, and an abutting edge formed between the upper portion and the lower portion. A supporting base supported on the abutting edge includes an upright post. A cylindrical body is slidably mounted on the supporting base and includes a top portion formed with an annular flange and a bottom portion defining a socket. At least one block is formed on the annular flange and abuts on the top rim of the container, and a control ball is received in the socket. The cylindrical body and the supporting base can be rotated relative to the container to a position where the block is received in the cavity such that the body can be moved downward relative to the supporting base while the control ball can be moved toward the post such that the control ball can be urged by the post to rise from the socket.

Abstract: A drip coffee maker comprises a housing (10), and in the housing (10) a filter holder (20) into which ground coffee (23) is to be poured. A measuring device (25) is provided for the ground coffee poured into the filter holder (20). The filter holder (20) is mounted movably in the housing, and the measuring device (25) comprises at least one deformable mechanical member (33) connected to the filter holder (20) and reacting by deformation to the quantity of ground coffee (23) poured into the filter holder. This deformable mechanical member (33) drives by its deformation a member (35) for visual indication of the desired quantity of ground coffee. The deformable member (33) is in stable position when that desired quantity of ground coffee is obtained.

Abstract: A brewed beverage maker, such as a coffee maker, is provided having an automatic concentration control system. An optical feedback system is employed for controlling the concentration of brewed beverages such as coffee and tea. In preferred embodiments, this invention employs a light beam that is passed through the beverage as the beverage is being made to determine the concentration of the beverage. A control system compares the measured concentration to a desired concentration and controls the flow of water through a filter basket containing coffee, tea or the like.

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 coffeemaker comprises, in a housing (1), a cold water reservoir (2) supplying a water heater (3) which in turn supplies a water spout (5) whose outlet (6) is arranged above a filter carrier (7) which is movably mounted in the housing (1) and whose bottom has an outlet opening (8) located above a server (9) collecting the infusion, the server resting on a base (10). The cold water reservoir (2) of the coffeemaker overlies the base (10) and the filter carrier (7) of the coffeemaker is arranged behind the cold water reservoir (2).

Abstract: A sensing assembly which includes a sensing device. The sensor assembly is constructed for use with an automatic beverage apparatus. The sensing assembly is attached to a beverage reservoir and senses, by physical contact, a quantity of beverage retained in the reservoir. The sensing assembly provides information about the quantity of beverage retained in the reservoir. When coupled to a beverage brewing apparatus, the beverage brewing apparatus will automatically produce a predetermined quantity of beverage in response to conditions sensed by said sensing assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided (1) for preparing a hot beverage, comprising a water reservoir (3), means for removing and heating water from the reservoir and transferring it into a brewing chamber (5), and a light-transmissive jug (9) for catching hot liquid emerging from the brewing chamber (5), a wall (13) of the jug (9) being provided with optical means (15) for indicating the volume of liquid contained in the jug (9), wherein the optical means (15) comprise a first graduated scale (159) and a second graduated scale (153), the first scale (159) being clearly visible only when the jug wall temperature is below a reference temperature T.sub.o and the second scale (153) being clearly visible only when the jug wall temperature is above the reference temperature T.sub.o, whereby the reference temperature T.sub.o is within the range of 25.degree. C.<T.sub.o <80.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for brewing and dispensing high quality beverages at remote locations comprising a high volume urn, a high volume transfer system, an insulated mobile canister, a dispensing system having a compressor, tank and hose assembly, and a dispensing tap. Coffee, or other brewed beverage, is brewed in the high volume urn. Once a complete batch of coffee has been brewed, the entire batch is transferred via gravity to a clean and empty mobile canister. Once full, the mobile canister can be moved to a remote dispensing location or stored for future use. When the mobile canister is moved to the dispensing location it is connected to the dispensing system which uses an air compressor to pressurize the beverage within mobile canister. The dispensing system also connects the canister to the dispensing tap, via a short, removable dispensing hose.

Abstract: A brewing device for a domestic espresso maker includes a brewing chamber adapted to be filled with coffee grounds. The brewing chamber has on its outlet side a filtering means and on its inlet side a piston entering the brewing chamber along the wall thereof and closing the chamber, so that water arriving from a source of pressure is forced into the brewing chamber. The water subsequently flows out of the brewing chamber at the end close to the filtering means as an espresso beverage. In the path of flow of the water, a safety device responsive to a critical pressure in the pressure system is provided between the source of pressure and the brewing chamber. In the presence of pressures prevailing under normal operating conditions, the outlet orifice is outside the brewing chamber; in the presence of a pressure exceeding a critical value, a displacement of the piston relative to the wall of the brewing chamber occurs, such as to cause the outlet orifice to become part of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: An infusion maker including a beaker having an inside annular flange in the middle, an inner cup mounted in the beaker for containing boiling water for steeping tea and having a bottom center through hole, a cap coupled to the inner cup at the bottom through a slip joint to hold a ball in a ball socket thereof, and a lid covered on the inner cup, the ball being forced to close the bottom center through hole of the inner cup when the inner cup is put in the beaker and supported on the inside annular flange of the beaker, the ball being disengaged from the bottom center through hole of the inner cup when the inner cup is lifted from the inside annular flange of the beaker, for permitting prepared tea infusion to flow out of the inner cup to the beaker.

Abstract: An apparatus for making tea which includes a tea cup having two stepped flow guide ribs raised from the inside wall and two swivel locking plates pivoted to the flow guide ribs, an infusion container supported on steps on the stepped flow guide ribs and retained in place by the swivel locking plates and having a bottom drain hole, a filter mounted inside the infusion container and covered over the drain hole and having an axle housing at the center, a ball forced by a return spring into engagement with the drain hole to stop its passage, a pull rod sliding in the axle housing of the filter and pulled to lift the ball from the drain hole for permitting prepared tea to flow out of the infusion container into the tea cup.

Abstract: A percolator which includes a base, an electric heating circuit mounted in the base, a pot having a top opening, a spout extending from the top opening, and an upright guide tube, a filter mounted in the top opening of the pot and coupled to the upright guide tube, a handle fixedly secured to the pot, and a lid for covering on the the top opening of the pot over the filter, wherein the pot has a circular bottom hole, a heat-conductive cap fastened to the circular bottom hole to hold the guide tube in the pot, and an annular bottom flange around the circular bottom hole; the base comprises a circular hot plate disposed in contact with the heat-conductive cap, an annular groove disposed around the circular hot plate and forced into engagement with the annular bottom flange of the pot, a wire groove around the periphery, and a plug holder at the periphery; the handle has two pivot holes aligned at the top; the lid has a pivot pivotably and detachably connected to the pivot holes of the handle.

Abstract: A heat retaining coffee pot comprises a tubular housing into which a hollow thermal insulating jacket is received with a glass, container received in the thermal insulating jacket. A lid unit is fitted to a top of the tubular housing and comprises an outer cover and an inner cover. A filter unit has a bottom portion, a mediate portion and a top portion, the mediate portion slidably extending through the lid with the bottom portion received in the glass container.

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: There is described an apparatus for preparing a beverage, in particular coffee, of the type wherein an electric motor drives a piston in a filling chamber. In accordance with the invention, the motor power is controlled with a closed loop control, so that the rotational speed can be held constant and the attainment of an end position of the piston can be detected from the increase of the motor power required, without requiring elements mounted on parts which are to be cleaned regularly.Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to slightly press the coffee powder by means of the piston, and to slightly squeeze out the residual dregs, after the coffee-making process has ended, by means of the piston.

Abstract: A boiling indicating device for a vessel includes an electric device disposed in a cap and having an electric board and a speaker. The electric board includes two contacts. A plate is engaged in the cap and includes a conductor for electrically contacting with one of the contacts and includes a socket for electrically contacting with the other contact. A lever has one end pivotally coupled to the socket and has the other end for electrically contacting with the conductor when water vapor applies force against the other end of the lever. The electric device includes an IC for recording various kinds of sounds.

Abstract: A device for locking a filter carrier on an infusion head (1) of a coffeemaker provided with a locking ramp (2) and adapted to receive a filter carrier (3) which comprises to this end securement structure (4) to the head (1), such that the filter carrier (3) may be engaged in the head (1) and be brought, by a movement of rotation, from a free position to a locked position. The locking device comprises structure for signaling the passage from the free position to the locked position. The signal can be audible or visual, generated mechanically, electroacoustically or optoelectronically. The invention is applicable to coffeemakers of the espresso type.

Abstract: A teapot has a handle provided therein with a receiving space shielded with a cover. The receiving space is intended to house therein a battery set and a circuit board comprising a sound-reproducing control circuit which is in turn composed of an integrated circuit for storing electronically a predetermined sound. The circuit board further comprises a control circuit and an automatic touch-control switch. The control circuit is intended to drive the electronic signals so as to reproduce the sound via a loud speaker housed in the cover. The touch-control switch is intended to actuate automatically the sound-reproducing control circuit at the time when the handle of the teapot is tilted to pour tea.

Abstract: An appliance for infusing a substance, for example coffee, comprises means (23, 16) for dividing an initial quantity of water into a pre-wetting quantity and at least one additional quantity, which quantities are poured on in at least two steps which are spaced in time. Means (20a, 20b, 22) for continuously measuring the level of the water to be poured on enable several dividing programs to be selected.

Abstract: A coffee machine, for measuring and dispensing a desired quantity of coffee material, comprising a coffee bin, for holding coffee material, the coffee bin having a bin nozzle. A measuring disk is mounted below the bin nozzle, the measuring disk having a plurality of measuring cavities--each measuring cavity corresponding to a quantity of coffee material. A selector knob allows a user to align a specific measuring cavity directly below the bin nozzle. An upper solenoid selectively allows and prevents the flow of coffee material from the bin nozzle to the measuring cavity directly below the bin nozzle. A lower solenoid selectively allows the flow of coffee material from the measuring cavity directly below the bin nozzle, and prevents coffee material flow from that measuring cavity to allow it to fill with coffee material.