Abstract: The technology relates to drip filter coffee machines. In one form, the coffee machine has a body extending from a base, a platform having a platform, an upward facing surface and a coupling portion, and a filter basket a downward facing bottom surface supported on the upward facing surface, a recess located in the bottom surface of the filter basket to receive the coupling portion of the platform; a downward locating feature cooperating with the platform to aid alignment of the filter basket with the platform; and wherein the upward facing surface of the platform includes an upward locating feature engaging the downward location feature to aid in locating the filter basket in an engaged position with the coupling portion.

Abstract: A fluid texturing device is provided for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. In one embodiment, the fluid texturing device includes a housing having a driveshaft and a steam injection tube disposed therein. The driveshaft has a whisk at the end thereof that is configured to rotate with the driveshaft, and the steam injection tube is configured to couple to a steam source and has an outlet for ejecting steam. The housing can be configured to couple to a beverage brewing apparatus to allow a motorized driver to cause rotation of the driveshaft about a longitudinal axis thereof, and to allow steam to be injected through the steam injection tube.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) for controlled brewing of loose-leaf tea in a cup, comprising an infusion chamber (2) for containing loose tea leaves (3) and infusing a liquid with substances from the tea leaves to brew tea. A chamber wall (20) impervious to the liquid defines the infusion chamber. In the chamber wall is a passage (21) between the infusion chamber and an exterior (5) thereof. The passage has an open state in which the infusion chamber is in liquid communication with the exterior, to transport the substances from the infusion chamber into liquid in the exterior during brewing tea. In a close state the infusion chamber inside is closed off from liquid in the exterior to stop a concentration of the substances in the liquid in the exterior from increasing. A manual control manually controllable by a human-being allows to bring the passage from the open state into the closed state.

Abstract: Dispensing devices and systems for dispensing materials into a host vessel, optionally containing a host substance, are provided. The dispensing devices are removably attachable, in whole or in part, to a host vessel such as a water bottle or an alcohol bottle. The dispensing devices generally include a rotating capsule (perhaps with a quantity of flavor or nutritional supplements in the capsule) that can be rotated to a position to dispense the contents of the capsule into the host vessel. Depending upon configuration, the act of dispensing may involve squeezing, shaking, or the simple passive step of permitting gravity to act on the contents of the capsule.

Abstract: A kombucha brewing device includes two brewing chambers; a first stage (F1) fermentation chamber, and second stage (F2) fermentation chamber. A lid covers both chambers, and may include a first portion for the F1 chamber and a second portion for the F2 portion. The F1 portion of the lid may include a gasket and removable fabric cover insert. A base containing both chambers may include separate or segmented heating elements and temperature sensors associated with each chamber. A temperature controller may maintain the first chamber within a first temperature range and maintain the second chamber within a second temperature range by monitoring information from the temperature sensors and activating and de-activating the heating elements as appropriate.

Abstract: A method of preparing a cold brew beverage includes providing a flavorant, identifying a brew cycle for preparing the cold brew beverage, and performing said brew cycle, wherein performing said brew cycle includes steeping said flavorant within a predetermined volume of water having a temperature between about 30° C. and about 50° C.

Abstract: A electrical cooking appliance, in particular an electric fryer, comprising a cooking assembly, a draining support forming a draining receptacle, and a lid configured to be mounted mounted on the draining support, the electrical cooking appliance configured to assume a drain configuration in which the draining support supports the cooking assembly, the cooking assembly comprising a vessel configured for receiving a cooking bath, the vessel provided with a draining device comprising a valve configured to adopt a closed stable return position and an open position, a control member configured to move the valve into the open position when the electrical cooking appliance assumes the draining configuration. When the electrical cooking appliance adopts the draining configuration, the lid is mounted on the draining support supporting the cooking assembly, the lid is configured to provide a passage for the cooking bath to flow into the draining receptacle from the draining device.

Abstract: A coffee machine includes a device for supplying hot water to an outlet device. The outlet device is adapted for being arranged above a filter vessel into which a filter paper insert with ground coffee is insertable and for receiving the hot water from the hot water supply. The outlet device has a central outlet opening over a middle region of the filter-paper insert when filled with ground coffee and a plurality of outer outlet openings arranged above a middle region of the side walls of the filled filter-paper insert. A controllable selector switch controls a rate of hot water through individual outlet openings of the outlet device. The controllable selector switch has at least three switching positions for adjusting coffee strength. In all switching positions of the controllable selector switch the hot water is at least partially supplied via the outer outlet openings over the filled filter-paper insert.

Abstract: An infuser includes a base having a cylindrical mounting base mounted on the base, a rotating ring surrounding the mounting base, a tubular structure with perforated top and bottom axially mounted on the top surface of the mounting base by liquid seal and a spring axially mounted between the base and rotating ring by precompression. The spring underprops the rotating ring permanently. A through flow channel is formed axially in the mounting base. The rotating ring is provided with a waterstop block. The waterstop block closes the flow channel by liquid seal. When the rotating ring rotates against the mounting base, it performs axially reciprocating motion against the mounting base at the same time. The waterstop block opens the flow channel optionally, the liquid in the tubular structure flows down through the flow channel.

Abstract: The system and method for producing and dispensing beverages ensures consistent delivery of the beverages by maintaining the associated natural flavours of the ingredients therein. Upon receiving a signal from an input panel co-operating with a controller, predetermined quantity of ingredients of beverage like tea leaves/tea powder, sweetener, condiments and hot/boiling water is introduced through a funnel into a brewing chamber. An agitator connected to a motor is activated to stir the ingredients of the beverage. Brewing continues in the brewing chamber for a predetermined time. When the decoction is ready for being dispensed, a conical hatch is released thereby causing the decoction to flow outside the system into a receiving means through an outlet valve that may be optionally passed through a flipping filtering mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is a coffee maker where a heated state coffee liquid can be obtained by performing an extraction operation in an extraction unit, and can be sufficiently cooled down to a temperature, to provide tasty iced coffee, and in which a cooled state of the coffee liquid can be maintained. An ice basket is arranged inside a server, and is disposed to receive and disperse the coffee liquid that is dripping from an extraction unit. The ice basket is formed in a vertically elongated shape, and internally includes an ice storage. A liquid feeding hole, which feeds the coffee liquid inside the ice storage to the server, is formed in a peripheral edge portion of a bottom portion. The bottom portion is arranged at a position close to a bottom surface of the server while being separated from the bottom surface.

Abstract: A system and a process for producing cold brew coffee are provided. The system and method include the use of an extraction tank adapted to receive ground coffee beans therein. Water is pumped into the extraction tank. A back pressure control valve is provided so as to pulse the back pressure within the tank. This pulsed back pressure increases turbulence within the tank. Combined with the flow rate and pressure within the tank, the turbulence allows for cold brewed coffee concentrate to be produced in a much quicker time than associated with prior art methods. A number of extraction tanks may be provided in the system of the present invention so as to increase yield.

Abstract: A beverage brewing device includes a water tank, a base, a filter, a plug assembly, and an actuator mechanism. The base supports the water tank above a support surface. The plug assembly connects with the water tank and is operable between an open operating position in which water can flow from the water tank through the plug assembly and a closed operating position in which water is precluded from flowing through the plug assembly. The actuator mechanism is movable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The actuator mechanism is cooperates with the plug assembly such that when in the first operating position the plug assembly is in the closed operating position and when in the second operating position the plug assembly is in the open operating position. The actuator mechanism includes an operator actuated surface that is accessible from an exterior of the base.

Abstract: A method of operating an automated beverage generating system. The method comprises receiving one or more electrical signals representative of an order for a specified beverage. The method further comprises translating the order into one or more steps required to generate the specified beverage. The method still further comprises and entering each required step into a dynamic sequence corresponding to a module of the system configured to perform that particular step, the dynamic sequence representing an order in which one or more steps in the dynamic sequence will be performed by the module for one or more beverages to be generated by the system.

Abstract: The first embodiment of the disclosure presents a single cup coffee brewer comprised of two components: a dripper component and a drip rate control component. The dripper component has a brewing container with a flat bottom having a drainage part, and a cylindrical tube member that fits inside the brewing container. A single sheet of Number 4 filter paper is wrapped around the cylindrical tube member, fitting snugly against the drainage part, thereby forming a dripper having a flat bottom using standard filter paper. The drip rate control component is attached to the dripper component, and has a lever that controls the drip control rate from zero to a maximum value. The coffee brewer can therefore be used as a dripper with a user controlled drip rate, or as an infuser followed by a dripper where the user controls the drip rate.

Abstract: A single cup brewer includes a steeping cup and a drain plug. The steeping cup includes a sidewall extending from a base to form a contained space. The steeping cup also includes a tapered drain extending from the base and away from the contained space. The tapered drain has a tapered drain hole tapering from a top diameter to a bottom diameter through the base of the steeping cup. The drain plug includes a stem and a tip extending from the stem. The tip has a truncated spherical shape, which is a sphere truncated substantially perpendicular to an axis of the stem on the top surface and the bottom surface of the tip. The truncated spherical shape has a tip diameter greater than a width of the stem, greater than the bottom diameter of the drain hole, and less than the top diameter of the drain hole.

Abstract: Shown are devices and methods for brewing and steeping tea. The devices and methods for brewing and steeping tea utilize steam, heated liquid, agitation, and recirculation.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a brewing container, which includes a base formed with a through groove; a water-stopping member; a cup having a bottom end formed with a lower opening, wherein the bottom of the cup is engageable with the through groove so as to joint the cup, the water-stopping member and the base together to form a single unit; and a filtering device including an upper filtering element and a lower filtering element, wherein the lower filtering element has a larger number of openings than the upper filtering element, the bottom of the lower filtering element can be mounted inside the cup to cover the lower opening and form a first filtering space between the lower filtering element and the lower opening, and the bottom of the upper filtering element is engageable with the top of the lower filtering element to form a second filtering space therebetween.

Abstract: Shown are devices and methods for brewing and steeping tea. The devices and methods for brewing and steeping tea utilize steam, heated liquid, agitation, and recirculation.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fine filter structure including two filter units, wherein the first filter unit comprises an upper frame, a coarse screen laid over top side of the upper frame, and a post having a top end formed with at least one through hole, a bottom end fixedly provided on top side of the coarse screen, and a channel in communication with each through hole and bottom side of the coarse screen; and the second filter unit comprises a lower frame and a fine screen laid over top side of the lower frame and having more mesh openings per unit area than the coarse screen. The top side of the lower frame can be connected with the bottom side of the upper frame so as not only to form a single unit but also to form a re-filtration space between the coarse screen and fine screen.

Abstract: A brewing unit used in a beverage maker is adapted to make a beverage based on an interaction between a beverage extract and an extracting fluid, and includes a chamber that can receive and accommodate a quantity of beverage extract, a lid that is movable between an open and closed state for opening and closing the chamber, and an outlet for letting out fluid from the chamber. The outlet includes a first outlet passage and restrictor for restricting an outlet flow in the first outlet passage, and a second outlet passage. The brewing unit further includes a controller device for interacting with the lid so as to block the outlet flow to the second outlet passage when the lid is in the closed state and to allow a free outlet flow from the chamber to the second outlet passage when the lid is in the open state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.

Abstract: A device (1) has: a cartridge seat (10) arranged to receive an ingredient cartridge (2) for extraction; a beverage outlet (35) connected to this cartridge seat for dispensing beverage during extraction; and a liquid injection arrangement (50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 81) comprising a pump (60) for pressurizing and circulating liquid from a source (50) via the cartridge seat into the beverage outlet. The liquid injection arrangement further comprises a valve (80?) between the pump and the cartridge seat. The liquid injection arrangement is configured to release via the valve (80?) pressure from this pressurized liquid in the injection arrangement and maintain liquid in the injection arrangement from the pump (60) to the cartridge seat (10) after the pump is stopped, so as to inhibit dripping from the beverage outlet (35).

Abstract: A device (1) has: a cartridge seat (10) arranged to receive an ingredient cartridge (2) for extraction; a beverage outlet (35) connected to this cartridge seat for dispensing beverage during extraction; and a liquid injection arrangement (50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 81) comprising a pump (60) for pressurizing and circulating liquid from a source (50) via the cartridge seat into the beverage outlet. The liquid injection arrangement further comprises a valve (80?) between the pump and the cartridge seat. The liquid injection arrangement is configured to release via the valve (80?) pressure from this pressurized liquid in the injection arrangement and maintain liquid in the injection arrangement from the pump (60) to the cartridge seat (10) after the pump is stopped, so as to inhibit dripping from the beverage outlet (35).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (APP) for preparing a beverage from a solvent (S) and ingredients (IG). The apparatus comprises: a container (CO) for containing the solvent, an infuser (IF) for containing the ingredients, and said infuser being placed in the container (CO), a system (SYS) for carrying the solvent from the container (CO) into said infuser (IF) at a given flow rate (Rin), an arrangement (AR) for carrying the solvent from said infuser (IF) into the container (CO), and for regulating the output flow rate (Rout) of said solvent to an average value corresponding to the given input inflow rate (Rin). This apparatus allows the amount of solvent inside the infuser to remain constant in order to guarantee optimal brewing of the ingredients.

Abstract: A coffee maker including a base, a filter basket positioned above the base, the filter basket including an outlet, and a drip stop assembly, and a method of using the coffee maker.

Abstract: A beverage marker comprises a water reservoir (1) and a beverage extract holder (2) which is adapted to accommodate an amount of beverage extract, whether contained in a filter or not, which is suitable for containing an amount of fluid, which has at least one outlet opening (4) for letting out beverage, and which is arranged at a position for receiving water from an outlet opening (3) of the water reservoir (1). Furthermore, the beverage maker comprises a movably arranged water flow restriction member (6) which is mechanically connected to the beverage extract holder (2), such that an increasing weight of the beverage extract holder (2) causes an increasing restriction of the outlet opening (3) of the water reservoir (1). If so required, the outlet opening (3) of the water reservoir (1) may be completely blocked in order to prevent the beverage extract holder (2) from overflowing.

Abstract: A filter-holder for use in coffee machines, comprising: a cup in which a filter containing the coffee is inserted; at least one delivery spout; and a valve associated with the delivery spout for stabilizing the infusion back-pressure. The filter-holder also comprises a regulating device for adjusting the flow of coffee through the stabilizing valve so as to preset the organoleptic characteristics of the resulting beverage.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controllably adjusting characteristics of a beverage produced by a beverage system. The characteristics of the beverage may include the strength, flavor, concentration of various flavor components as well as other characteristics. A control is provided for access by a user to adjust the characteristics to a desired level. The user may increment or decrement the level of the characteristics in response to personal preferences. The control provides an interface to control the beverage system.

Abstract: The system includes a vertically-oriented cylinder sized to receive a selected amount of water and a substance such as coffee to be brewed. A plunger is slidingly received within the cylinder. A filter assembly separates the grounds from the brewed drink. A heating element is wrapped around the cylinder to maintain a selected temperature within the cylinder.

Abstract: A tea pot is provided with a container having an upper reservoir, a lower reservoir, and an intermediate dividing member; a cavity formed with the dividing member and having an upper opening for communicating with the upper reservoir, and a lower opening for communicating with the lower reservoir; a receptacle in the upper reservoir and including a ball receiving well; a vent pipe partially positioned in the receptacle and having a passageway; a threaded recess extending outward from the cavity and being open to an outer surface of the container; a rotatable cylinder inserted through the recess into the cavity and including a hollow main body having surface openings; a nut secured to the recess; and a knob secured to the cylinder. Communication from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir through the openings of the main body can be open or closed by turning the knob.

Abstract: A device for brewing coffee. The device includes a microprocessor, a user actuated controller for interfacing with the microprocessor, a tank for retaining water and a heating element for selectively heating the water. The device further includes a brewing basket for receipt of water from the tank, and a cone valve located in a dispersing end of the brewing basket. The microprocessor dictates a measured quantity of water to be delivered to the brewing basket in conjunction with a measured amount of ground coffee for brewing. In a preferred embodiment, a multichannel valve is employed together with a suitable pump for controlling fluid flow as dictated by the microprocessor.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a pressed coffee maker is provided. The coffee maker can comprise a tank for storing coffee solution; a screen disposed in the tank for pressing coffee grounds in the tank; and a squeegee to clean the tank. A removable bottom can be used to both add new coffee grounds and remove used coffee grounds.

Abstract: An apparatus that generates brewed beverages by performing one or more chemical and/or mechanical processes may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The apparatus may include a master controller that initiates and controls performance of the chemical and/or mechanical processes to produce the specified beverages. The master controller may adaptively apply one or more process accelerators during the performance of one of the chemical or mechanical processes to accelerate the process or to achieve a desired qualitative or quantitative characteristic for a beverage or a component thereof. The adaptive application of one or more process accelerators may be dependent on a multiple-variable process profile developed for the process and/or a specified beverage. For example, the pressure in a steam wand and/or the depth of the wand may be varied during a process to froth milk in order to produce frothed milk having a desired temperature.

Abstract: A brew through lid for a thermal carafe that has a pouring provision and an internal liquid reservoir. The brew through lid has a cap member with a cone shaped cap top wall, a brew inlet in a center of the cap top wall at a lowest part of the cone shaped cap top wall, a substantially cylindrical connection wall having a top edge that is connected to the cap top wall and a lid connector that is an integral part of the connection wall. The brew through lid further has a pouring skirt wall that extends around an upper portion of the connection wall and defines a liquid space between the connection wall and the pouring skirt wall. A plurality of pouring passages is circumferentially spaced in the pouring skirt wall and that allow passage of brew liquid out of the liquid space. A plurality of connection wall passages that are circumferentially spaced in the cylindrical connection wall and is configured to allow passage of brew liquid from the internal liquid reservoir of the carafe to the liquid space.

Abstract: A method for producing a fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage using a predetermined amount of ground coffee, includes: feeding a predetermined amount of ground coffee into a brewing chamber; preparing a coffee concentrate with the supplied predetermined amount of ground coffee with a brewing operation in the brewing chamber, wherein the prepared coffee concentrate constitutes a specifiable multiple (VK) of a concentration (KN) for a normal drinking quality for filtered coffee at approximately 1.2 to 1.4% dry substance share; and mixing the prepared coffee concentrate with an amount of water which corresponds to a specifiable multiple (VM) of the amount of the prepared fresh coffee concentrate to prepare the fresh, cold, coffee-based beverage.

Abstract: A coffee maker comprises a filter basket assembly that enables two coffee dispensing modes. The assembly comprises a filter basket, an actuator that cooperates with a carafe and a motor driven valve. The actuator stops coffee from dispensing when the carafe is removed, but can be defeated by the user to dispense into a cup or mug when the carafe is absent.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) having a housing (16, 30) with source of dispense water (37, 39) for mixing with beverage ingredient to produce a freshly brewed beverage has an electromagnet (76) mounted to the housing (30) and a brew basket assembly (32, 34) with a drain plug assembly (49) that is responsive to energization of the electromagnet (76) to actuate a drain plug assembly to move a drain plug (48) out of blocking engagement with a drain hole (61). The drain plug (48) is attached to a lower end of a plug support member (50) that has an upper magnetic responsive end (51) that is received within a hollow core of (54) of the magnet (76) when the brew basket assembly (32, 34) is toolessly mounted to by raising it into operative position where it is held by mating magnetic connectors (72, 74). During use, the elongate plug support member (50) is used as a handle to remove a filter assembly (60) for cleaning.

Abstract: A coffee brewer (10, 10? and 10?) is provided with a plurality of solenoid controlled, bi-position dispense valves (40, 40?), a size adjustable valve (60) or a combination of both and a programmable controller (18) for controlling the dispense valves in accordance with preselected brew parameters of batch quantity and dispense time duration.

Abstract: A system and method for brewing coffee to produce elevated levels of niacinamide is shown. One embodiment includes providing a dark roasted coffee, brewing the coffee at pressures above atmospheric pressure in water heated above boiling temperature, and producing a brewed coffee with elevated levels of niacinamide. Another embodiment includes a system comprising a boiler with a heating element, a heat exchanger extending into the boiler, the heat exchanger having an injector with at least one lateral opening to inject water laterally into the heat exchanger, to produce pressurized water above atmospheric boiling temperature to brew ground coffee at temperatures above boiling to produce a coffee with elevated levels of niacinamide. The embodiment system may also include a thermally insulating lid.

Abstract: A portable automatic beverage brewing drinking vessel comprising, an on/off button, a heating element, a receptacle for accepting infusible material, and a means for translating the receptacle through the liquid. The means for translating the receptacle through the liquid includes but is not limited to, an electric motor, and magnets or electromagnets. In one embodiment, a pump transfers the liquid through tubes to the receptacle. The brewing vessel is portable and provides a simple and automatic means for brewing a beverage that can be consumed directly from the vessel.

Abstract: Coffee filter holder including, a funnel wall, a substantially flat bottom wall having an outer edge and a coffee brew outlet, a drip-stop valve assembly that can be brought in an opened and a closed condition, the drip-stop valve assembly including a valve member mounted on a valve member carrier consisting of a blade spring that is connected to the bottom wall, the drip-stop valve assembly further including an actuator lever slideably connected to the bottom wall, the actuator lever including an integral piece of sheet material with a first end that extends beyond the outer edge of the bottom wall so as to be engageable by hand and having a second end that is positioned under the substantially flat bottom wall to engage the valve member carrier to bring valve member from the opened position to the closed position and vice versa.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for instant beverage machines includes a tank, a water extraction pipe contained in the tank, a flow-meter connected to the extraction pipe, a pump, a first vibration-damping valve, a boiler, a second relief and safety valve, a water/steam faucet, a third beverage flow valve, and a recovery tank.

Abstract: A beverage brewing system for producing on demand iced tea. The beverage brewing system may include a concentrated beverage brewer, one or more brew water circuits in communication with the concentrated beverage brewer, one or more makeup water circuits, and one or more back pressure valves in communication with the brew water circuits and the makeup water circuits.

Abstract: A tea pot includes an upper container assembly comprising a releasable top, an open bottom, a beverage chamber, and a funnel in the beverage chamber; a check valve comprising a cylindrical seat comprising a bossed hole having a conical top surface, an opening spaced from the hole and being sealingly aligned with a stem of the funnel, and guide slots on an annular surface of the seat; a conical valve unit comprising a stepped-diameter tunnel, the valve unit being seated upon the seat; and a sliding assembly comprising a body, periphery tabs slidably received in the guide slots, and a top shaft including grooves, and a cylindrical top projection fasten in the tunnel wherein the shaft is slidably inserted into the hole in an assembled state; and a lower container assembly comprising releasable top and bottom, a lower ingredient chamber, and an intermediate strainer.

Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) includes a coffee design application. The IHS receives first input information from a user that specifies a coffee design mode. The IHS receives second input information from a user that enables the IHS to define a unitless brew formula line ratio of water weight to coffee weight. The IHS displays a brew formula line on a universal brewing control chart graph, the brew formula line being dependent on the brew formula ratio. The IHS operates in a selected one of a brew water volume mode, a desired coffee yield mode and a ground coffee weight mode. The IHS converts input values to selected units and resultant output values to selected units in real time. The IHS projects a target total dissolved solids (TDS) % value on the brew formula line and plots a universal brewing control chart.

Abstract: A tea pot includes a lower container assembly comprising an internally threaded open top, a releasable bottom, and a diaphragm for dividing space of the lower container assembly into a lower beverage chamber and an upper passage chamber, the diaphragm having holes for communicating the beverage chamber with the passage chamber and an annular flange projecting into the passage chamber; and an upper container assembly comprising an externally threaded lower portion secured to the top of the lower container assembly, a releasable top, a bottom dividing the upper container assembly into upper ingredient chamber and lower passageway chamber, a cylindrical channel integrally formed with the bottom of the upper container assembly and projecting into the passageway chamber, and an annular gasket put on the channel and blocking the holes when the upper and lower container assemblies are threadedly secured together; and a strainer in the ingredient chamber.

Abstract: A coffee maker including a base, a filter basket positioned above the base, the filter basket including an outlet, and a drip stop assembly, and a method of using the coffee maker.

Abstract: A tea pot is provided with a container having an upper reservoir, a lower reservoir, and an intermediate dividing member; a cavity formed with the dividing member and having an upper opening for communicating with the upper reservoir, and a lower opening for communicating with the lower reservoir; a receptacle in the upper reservoir and including a ball receiving well; a vent pipe partially positioned in the receptacle and having a passageway; a threaded recess extending outward from the cavity and being open to an outer surface of the container; a rotatable cylinder inserted through the recess into the cavity and including a hollow main body having surface openings; a nut secured to the recess; and a knob secured to the cylinder. Communication from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir through the openings of the main body can be open or closed by turning the knob.

Abstract: A cartridge, particularly for espresso coffee machines, for extracting a beverage from a particulate substance contained therein by means of water under pressure is provided. The cartridge comprises a main body with a cup portion and a lid portion. The cup portion comprises a base, a sidewall and a rim opposed to the base, while the lid portion is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup portion so as to define an internal volume of the cartridge. The internal volume of the cartridge houses the particulate substance comprised within filtering means for retaining the particulate substance and for percolating fluid substances therethrough. The lid portion comprises a normally closed lid port defining a first passage for percolation fluid substances when it is opened. The cartridge further comprises a tappet arranged inside the internal volume so as to pierce the base when a pressure is applied to the base towards the internal volume, thus opening a normally closed cup port.