Abstract: An espresso coffee machine having a boiler provided with an electric resistance heater is fitted with a temperature transducer of the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistance type producing an output signal indicative of the boiler temperature. A comparator unit is fed the output signal and compares the signal with the extreme values of a temperature range to control activation and deactivation of the heater. A first display device fed by the output signal continuously displays the boiler water temperature. The output signal is also continuously fed to a memory and processing unit having stored therein the Mollier diagram curve relating to saturated vapor. The memory and processing unit continuously outputs the value of the corresponding water vapor pressure in the boiler, which value is displayed by a second display device.

Abstract: A coffee roaster which roasts coffee beans in an oven chamber employing both radiant and convection heating techniques while the beans are continually intermixed in a fluidized bed. Roaster control means are provided to terminate the roasting process by quenching the beans and oven chamber while maintaining the beans in a fluidized bed to avoid scorching or further roasting by the residual heat of the coffee bean mass.

Abstract: The automatic espresso coffee machine brews coffee from coffee pods placed in an extraction head or in a plurality of extraction heads and is characterized in that it comprises an electronic control system, including a microprocessor and memory means, which operate all the operations of the machine. In particular, the machine carries out a continuous control of the water temperature in a boiler in order to keep that temperature in a narrow range of a selected temperature. It also controls the volume of the hot water delivered to each extraction head to be within a narrow range of predetermined volume. The machine diagnoses itself for possible failures and depleted supplies by showing on a display in code the kind of failure or of needed supply, i.e. coffee.

Abstract: Conventional automatic drip coffee makers require about one minute of manual involvement to commence a brewing cycle.The automatic drip coffee maker herein disclosed makes a full decanter of coffee within 11/2-2 minutes following the one minute manual involvement.The automatic drip coffee maker of the present invention uses preheated water but only the amount required for a decanter of coffee (1/2 gallon) making it unnecessary to employ a large reservoir. The concept, in a preferred embodiment, is to commence the brewing cycle by an almost instantaneous dump of the preheated water to a transfer tank which, in turn, meters heated water to the grounds at such a rate as to insure almost immediate contact between all the coffee grounds and all the hot water. The dump time for preheated water from the preheated reservoir to the transfer tank is less than the time required to fill a receptacle with cold water.

Abstract: A food processor is comprised of a food processing cutter which is driven by a motor connected to an AC power source, a switch for controlling on and off of the motor, a pulse generator for forming count pulses having a given period from the AC power source, a set switch, a start switch, and a timer which operates the start switch at a time point set therein to start the rotation of the motor. Further, the food processor includes an up-counter for counting the count pulses while the set switch is operated to store a driving time period data of the motor, and a down-counter to which the stored data of the up-counter is transferred when the start switch is operated by the timer. The down-counter counts down the data every time it receives the count pulse and produces a drive stop signal for the motor when its contents become "0".

Abstract: A drip mechanism of a coffee extractor has a heater which boils water to be poured on coffee powder and a control switch which controls the ON/OFF operation of the heater. The control device of this drip mechanism has first and second discriminating circuits, so that the ON/OFF operation of the control switch is controlled by an output of a drive circuit controlled by output signals of these discriminating circuits. A predetermined amount of coffee powder is stored in a case. Subsequently, when a regular drip switch and a start switch are depressed, the heater is heated in a first mode so that regular coffee is extracted. When the strong drip switch and the start switch are depressed, the heater is heated in a second mode so that strong coffee is extracted. In order to accomplish this selective operation, a logic circuit is arranged to control the first and second discriminating circuits.

Abstract: An AC power source is coupled with a heater circuit containing a series circuit including a cover switch for a coffee maker, a thermal switch for controlling the temperature of a heating unit and a control switch for turning on and off a heater of the heating unit. A detecting circuit is connected between a signal take-out node as a juction point between the heater and the thermal switch and one end of the AC power source. The detecting circuit responds to a given on-off states of each of the switches to receive a detection current from the signal take-out node, and produces a detection signal for controlling a control apparatus for the coffee maker.

Abstract: A coffee maker is provided with a mill mechanism, a drip mechanism and a control device. The control device contains a mill time setting counter for setting a milling time of coffee beans in the form of digital data, a drive circuit for driving the mill mechanism and a drive circuit for driving the drip mechanism. When a start signal is supplied to the control device, the mill mechanism is driven only for the milling time set. After the lapse of the milling time, the drip mechanism is automatically actuated to brew coffee.

Abstract: An appliance for making an aerated beverage including a casing (10) a connection (13,14) carried by the casing for mounting a container (12) of pressurized liquid carbon dioxide, a transparent shatterproof housing (52) for a bottle of water carried by said casing, a nozzle (18) communicating with the connection and extending from the support member downwardly within the housing, a stopper for engaging in the neck of a bottle and a table base (64) for supporting the bottle (80) in the housing so that the stopper is engaged in its neck.A manually operable valve (32) allows carbon dioxide to flow from the container (12) to the nozzle and a safety pressure valve (42) is connected to the interior of the bottle when the stopper is engaged in its neck. A bulb (82) illuminates the bottle at least while the water therein is being aerated, the illumination being picked up by the bubbles of carbon dioxide and giving a pleasing visual effect.

Abstract: A coffeepot is provided having a whistle and pouring opening located in a skirt depending from the lid. The lid is rotatable within the pot to bring the whistle and pouring opening into communication with a pouring spout, or so that they are blocked by the pot sidewall. A basket having upper and lower steel filters of fine mesh is supported spaced from, but adjacent, the coffeepot bottom for ensuring immersion of the coffee within the water during the brewing cycle.

Abstract: A demand preparation soluble coffee urn utilized as a replacement for conventional roasted coffee urns and constructed in a manner to closely simulate a roasted coffee urn as to size, shape, appearance, exterior configuration and provided with plumbing and electrical fittings to enable it to occupy the same position as a roasted coffee urn, thereby facilitating the use of freeze-dried coffee in institutional feeding operations, restaurants, fast food shops, cafeterias, coffee shops, diners, and the like. The soluble coffee urn includes a structure for storing and dispensing coffee powder, mixing it with hot water and discharging coffee into a cup or other suitable receptacle upon demand, that is, as long as an actuating handle is operated and to provide single or double-sided service with one or more products, including hot water, being dispensed from either or both sides of the urn.

Abstract: A coffeemaker in which heated water infuses coffee grounds held in a basket, includes a spreader, which is associated with the basket, and which is adjustable so as to enable relative proportions of the water bypassing and not bypassing the grounds to be adjusted. None of the water bypasses the grounds at one selected position, for four dry measures of coffee grounds and four liquid measures of heated water, whereas a small portion of the water bypasses the grounds at another selected position, for more dry measures of coffee grounds and more liquid measures of heated water.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a coffeemaker with a variable brew strength apparatus which comprises a base which contains a water reservoir and a heater and which supports a coffee carafe. The base supports a variable brew strength apparatus directly over the coffee carafe. The variable brew strength apparatus includes a water restrictor member which is rotably mounted on the cover of a coffee basket member. The water restrictor member and the coffee basket member, in combination, form a valve which either admits heated water to an inner basket which is mounted in the coffee basket and which contains ground coffee, or causes a portion of the heated water to bypass the inner basket and enter the coffee basket to mix with and dilute coffee brewed in the inner basket. The coffee basket supports a special coffee scoop which has a tabular indicia relating the number of cups of coffee desired, the brew strength desired, and the number of scoops of coffee required.

Abstract: Fully automatic brewing apparatus is disclosed for economically and efficiently brewing large quantities of beverage. Beverage concentrate is first brewed from a dry, beverage-making material, such as granulated tea leaves contained in a rotatable funnel which may be pivoted for emptying the concentrate into selected one of a pair of large reservoirs. The concentrate is then automatically diluted to an acceptable strength and temperature by the timed addition of water to the reservoir in a stream which provides complete mixing of the concentrate with the diluting water.

Abstract: An automatic drip coffee maker makes drip coffee by providing a relatively small water reservoir that holds less than the total quantity of water. The coffee maker automatically transfers the remainder of the total quantity of water to the beverage storage container. The coffee maker also automatically heats the water in the reservoir and transfers it to a basket of ground coffee to make a concentrated brew which drips into the storage space which already contains a quantity of water sufficient to dilute the concentrated brew to a desired drinking strength. The same beverage strength is produced over a narrow range of brewing times for a wide range of cups brewed. The coffee maker is significantly smaller overall than conventionally configured drip coffee makers. The convenience of conventional coffee makers is maintained, e.g. structural components to be handled by the user do not exceed those of a conventional percolator. Other than one or more bimetal thermostats, there are no moving parts.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for indicating when a flow heater used for vaporization of water and heated by PTC resistors as heating elements therein must be decalcified. Within the flow heater a PTC resistor element is located at a water entry and also at a water exit region. A main PTC heater element is also provided between the entry and exit elements. Separate power supply lines are run to the exit and entry heating elements and an electronic circuit is provided which determines when a difference in current flow in the exit heating element compared to the entry heating element exceeds a given value indicative of the need for decalcification. The circuit connects with an indicator which is triggered when decalcification is required.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing infusions such as any of several forms of the beverage coffee can be constructed so as to include an enclosed container in which water is adapted to be heated so as to be utilized either as hot water or as steam. An electric heating element is associated with the container for heating the contents of the container. A bottom outlet from the container is adapted to convey hot water and is connected to a line or conduit to the inlet of an infuser or brewing basket, the outlet of which is adapted to convey a complete beverage or infusion to an appropriate container. A top outlet from the container is adapted to convey steam from the container through an appropriate conduit or line containing at least one valve to another container where such steam may be used in preparing a beverage such as cappuccino or may be employed for generalized heating purposes.

Abstract: Calcification sufficient to cause material impairment of heat transfer is indicated in a water heater in an electric appliance, such as a coffee maker. The water heater has a first and a second temperature-dependent switch thermally coupled thereto. The first switch serves as a final interrupter or temperature control. The switching temperature of the second switch is below that of the first one in the range of temperatures which occur in the water heating operation if excessive calcification is present. A time delay member after a predetermined time actuates an indicating signal. The time delay member is in operation when only the second temperature-dependent switch is in responded condition. The time delay member ceases operation and returns to its original state when both temperature-dependent switches are in the responded state or the original condition.

Abstract: In a coffee making apparatus, a throughflow heater for heating water to be passed to a filter, said heater being included in a water throughflow passage extending from a water reservoir to an outlet pipe extending over said filter, is made, at least in part, of transparent material to enable the user to see whether the heater is fouled with scale deposits so that cleaning is necessary. Safety is enhanced by making the heater of transparent heat resistant glass and using one or more heating elements of the submersible type therein.

Abstract: A household coffee machine of the type including a thermostatically controlled electric flow heater coupled to cold water supply and having a hot water outflow is provided with a calcification indicator connected electrically in parallel with the heater thermostat. The calcification indicator includes an indicator, such as a buzzer or glow lamp, in series with a thermal cut-out switch which is disposed in thermally responsive association with the line coupling the cold water supply to the flow heater. The series connected thermal cut-out switch and indicator have a high impedance in order to insure that the calcification indicator does not respond when the heater thermostat is closed.

Abstract: A coffee maker that provides both a visual and audible indication of the progress of coffee making. The coffee pot spout has a whistle disposed on its end, the whistle may be removable and/or the coffee may be poured directly through passageways in the whistle. A knob of non-conductive material is provided on the end of the whistle to facilitate removal. The centrally extending basket supporting tube in the coffee pot extends upwardly into a transparent material dome on the coffee lid. A screen is provided at the bottom of the tube, and a screen is disposed in the lid, securely mounting the tube in position. The basket is mounted on the tube so that it is normally immersed in water in the pot during normal operation.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a stand provided with an alarm and a tank provided with an electric heating resistance. A closure device controls the pouring of the liquid from the tank into a cup. Time delay means put the heating resistance in circuit before the alarm is actuated and then open the closure device shortly before the actuation of the alarm. A device is provided for stopping the alarm under the action of a device responsive to the removal of the cup. The apparatus may be used for example for preparing hot drinks such as coffee, tea or coacoa.

Abstract: A stem in an alarm housing coaxially removably coupled to the lid of a coffee pot via a hole formed through the lid extends through the bore of a collar mounted in the housing and having a coaxial bore formed therethrough. A spherical member is coaxially affixed to the stem at an intermediate point thereof and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the bore of the collar and rests in such bore whereby the stem is freely rockable in the collar. A hollow shell is mounted on the stem at the upper end thereof and has a rattle member encased therein which produces an alarm sound whenever it strikes the shell. An actuating member is mounted on the stem at the lower end thereof and is positioned in close proximity with the top of the perforated tube of the coffee pot. Thus, when the coffee perks, water flows into the top of the tube of the coffee pot and strikes the actuating member to produce an oscillatory motion of the stem about the spherical member thereof.

Abstract: A brewer, for making predetermined quantities of instant (water-soluble) coffee, having a heating chamber where the water is heated, a brewing chamber within the heating chamber and connected to an outlet, and means for transferring a predetermined quantity of heated water from the heating chamber to the brewing chamber in such a manner that the heated water enters the brewing chamber with a swirling action that dissolves and mixes the coffee in the heated water.