Abstract: An improved coffee brewer is provided for rapid and consistent high quality brewing of coffee. The coffee brewer includes a control panel for initiating a brew cycle wherein a metered volume of hot water is delivered from an insulated water reservoir via a spray head to mix with coffee grounds contained within a filter-lined brew basket, with the resultant brewed coffee draining into an underlying pot preferably such as an insulated carafe. The control panel is further operable for precision calibration of the metered water volume delivered to the brew basket for each brew cycle. In addition, the coffee brewer incorporates a removable rail unit for supporting the brew basket, wherein the rail unit and spray head are removable quickly and easily disassembled for periodic cleaning.

Abstract: An extraction bag with support includes a support member and a bag member which contains a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extraction, and is obtained by using a sheet composite on which the support member is arranged and joined along the center line of a water-permeable filtering sheet member, by folding the sheet composite into two and by passing it through a bag-making machine (and, as required, though a filling machine). The head portions of the extraction bag with support are torn apart, the right and left ends are pushed down or up toward the inside to push open the head portions. At the same time, the leg portions continuous with the head portions are folded down to place the extraction bag with support on an extraction container.

Abstract: The present invention is composed of a drink extraction portion, a drink container for storing drink extracted by the drink extraction portion, a heat retention chamber surrounding the drink container, a fan for supplying air to the heat retention chamber for air circulation, and a heater for heating air supplied to the heat retention chamber by the fan to make warm air, the warm air heating the drink container to keep drink therein warm.

Abstract: A coffee hot and cold flush device comprises an upper receiving frame, a lower receiving frame, a hopper type earthen bowl, and a liquid collector. At least three support rods are connected the two receiving frame. The upper receiving frame, lower receiving frame and support rods are formed with a space having a size sufficient to receive the liquid collector. A center of the lower receiving frame has a receiving groove for placing the liquid collector. A center of the upper receiving frame is formed with an engaging hole for positioning the hopper type earthen bowl steadily. The hopper type earthen bowl has a bowl groove which is formed with a liquid guide incline. The liquid guide incline is inclined toward a middle liquid outlet. An isolating layer enclosed by filtering cloth is placed upon the liquid guide incline.

Abstract: A brewing system (30) with a brew basket support (358) with apparatus for mounting the brew basket (180) for movement between a first position (FIG. 10A) in which the brew basket (180) is aligned with the brewer (30) for receipt of water and a second position (FIG. 10B) in which the brew basket is removed from proper alignment to facilitate removal of the brew basket from the brew basket support (180). A filter support basket is supported within the brew basket (184) but spaced inwardly from a closed wall of the brew basket to provide a perimital gap (172) between the filter support basket (184) and the wall for passage of bypass water through the brew basket without passing through the filter support basket (184). The basket (184) includes an annular trough (172) for receipt of water above the gap (180) with a plurality of drain holes (344) for draining by-pass water through the perimital gap (172).

Abstract: A beverage brewer (20) with a programmable dispenser cycle dispenser valve controller (36) for controlling a dispenser valve (34) to intermittently open and close during a plurality of control periods of an intermittent dispense period (88) to selectively control the quantity of hot water that is dispensed without changing the overall duration of the dispense period (88). Each of the control periods (CP1-CP20) has a duty portion during which the dispenser valve is open that is selectively varied to brew either greater or lesser amounts of beverage without varying the overall dispense period (88). Alternatively, the number of control periods is selectively changed to change the overall dispense period (88) without changing the quantity of beverage by appropriate changes to the duty portion.

Abstract: A liquid shield and a funnel in combination with the liquid shield is disclosed. The funnel includes at least one side wall defining a cavity within the funnel and it has a drain opening generally on the bottom surface of the funnel. A rim along the upper edge of the side wall defines a mouth of the funnel. A handle is provided on the funnel. Spaced apart receptacles are positioned on the side wall in relation to the handle. The liquid shield includes a body portion which extends over at least a portion of the cavity of the funnel and is positioned adjacent the handle. The shield includes attachment portions extending from the body which are engageable with the receptacles for removably retaining the shield on the funnel. A flange extends from a portion of the shield and abuts an inside surface of the side wall of the funnel generally blocking passage of material between the shield and the funnel.

Abstract: The reservoir of an automatic coffee brewer is closed except to a siphon tube, and a vent connected to two ball valves. One ball valve closes when the water level floats the ball. The other ball valve opens when the reservoir pressure approaches an unsafe level.

Abstract: A wheeled coffee maker device for allowing a user to more easily move the coffee maker about upon a countertop. The wheeled coffee maker device includes a conventional coffee-making unit including a base housing, a heating plate mounted upon a top of the base housing, a coffee-making housing being disposed above the base housing, a coffee pot, and a filter member being removably attached to the coffee-making housing; and also includes a wheel assembly being mounted to a bottom of the base housing; and further includes non-slippage support members being securely attached to the bottom of the base housing to prevent the coffee-making unit from uncontrolled rolling; and also includes a handle being securely attached to the base housing to facilitate rolling of the coffee-making unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated drip-type coffee or beverage making machine with an automatic bean grinding apparatus and an automatic cleaning apparatus. The invention also incorporates improvements and features such as a projection or boss within the device which improves the operating efficiency of the bean grinding feature, an improved blade configuration which improves grinding efficiency, including a unique blade arrangement employing a plurality of blades of different lengths, and an improved lid for the coffee or beverage container which acts as an insulator, a moving and sealing cover to prevent ground material from escaping during the grinding process, a water tank insulating compartment, a double-walled grinding basket lid to aid in insulation and spreading of hot liquid, and a damping member for reducing the vibrations associated with motor operation.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker is mounted on a platform which is rotatably supported by a frame that can be fixed by ears “under-a-cabinet” in a kitchen, above a worktop. The principal components (a carafe a water reservoir, and a filter holder are confined in a relatively small cylindrical cavity defined by the platform, the support frame, upstanding walls and arcuate slidable doors. Because the platform can be rotated either by an electric motor or manually, the components are easily accessible and removable out of ‘front’ of the cavity. Compared to known equivalent coffee makers, this coffee maker also requires considerably less space.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a housing having an upstanding tower, a carafe support platform extending horizontally forward from the lower end of the tower, and a fixed, tubular filter basket support extending horizontally forward from the upper end of the housing above the platform. A horizontal filter basket cover, including a water spreader, is disposed above the filter basket support and carried by the housing for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A cover pivotal about a horizontal axis is provided over a water reservoir defined by the housing. A valve mechanism is provided that operates upon pivoting of the filter basket cover to selectively permit heated water to be supplied to the water spreader, thereby preventing burns or the like from heated water when the water spreader is not located above the filter basket support. The coffee maker also includes an electronic controller having a control pad on the front surface of the housing platform.

Abstract: A beverage brewing press is provided that includes a brewing vessel defining a chamber having an axis and that is supported by a housing. Positioned within the brewing vessel is a fixed partition and a partition that is movable about the axis relative to the fixed partition. The movable partition includes at least one porous receptacle that encloses a brewable material.

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: A coffee brew cone retaining device that maintains compression of a brew cone (40) onto the underside of a commercial coffee brewer which consists of a spray head holder (20) that has been modified to include a pair of downward depending legs (30) and (32) one located on each side. A torsion spring tape rail (38) is installed, preferably with threaded fasteners (50), onto each side of the spray head holder directly beneath the legs (30) and (32) and functions by supporting and maintaining the coffee brew cone tightly against the bottom (24) of the holder. The brew cone is modified by adding a raised peripheral lip (58) on the top surface of the mounting flange (56) which encircles the cones tapered interior. The lip slides easily on the bottom of the holder and wipes off moisture in the form of condensate when the cone is removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drip-type coffee makers or machine having an integrated storage compartment for unused paper cone-type coffee filters.

Abstract: An in-wall coffee maker includes a coffee maker unit received in a mounting structure mounted within a wall cavity. The mounting structure includes engagement tabs to enable engagement of the mounting box to one or more wall structures and attachment flanges or tabs with apertures to receive fasteners from mating apertures in the coffee maker unit to attach the coffee maker unit in the mounting structure. The in-wall coffee maker unit can also include a metered water connection to facilitate a self-filling capability.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus with a brew basket for holding ingredients in particulate form that contain soluble flavorants delivers a predetermined amount of hot water to a spray head positioned above said brew basket. The spray head has a multiplicity of openings positioned and configured in such a manner that the hot water is sprayed uniformly over the entire surface of the ingredients at a predetermined rate thereby wetting substantially all of the particles of the ingredients and uniformly extracting said solubles.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing coffee comprises a chassis engaging an electronic power and control circuit, a water heater, a coffee brewing tray adapted for receiving a coffee packet, a coffee pot supporting shelf, a control panel adapted for receiving manual selections for operating the apparatus, an electrical interlock adapted for sensing the presence of a coffee pot on the coffee pot supporting shelf. An electrical interlocking scheme is adapted for sensing when the coffee pot is present and when it is full, the temperature and level of water in the water heater, and when a restraining handle is in place.

Abstract: The method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption such as coffee comprises the following steps:

Abstract: A brewing device for preparing coffee or tea comprises a cylinder housing defining a cylindrical brewing chamber. The cylinder housing has two pivot pins arranged centrally between the top and bottom ends of the cylinder housing, and projecting from opposite sides of the cylinder housing orthogonally to the axis. The opposite sides have vertically extending, flat surfaces defining homologous cam tracks. A sprinkler body is movable into and out of a position for closing the top end of the cylinder housing, and a sieve body is movable into and out of a position for closing the bottom end of the cylinder housing. Cam disks are rotatably mounted on the pivot pins for controlling the sprinkler body movement, the cam disks defining further cam tracks.

Abstract: A beverage brewing system includes a brewer (30) and a serving cart assembly (62, 70) having a cart (74) for supporting a serving dispenser (64) for rolling movement and having cart guide members (68A, 68A') cooperating with brew cycle members (66A, 66A') to guide the serving cart assembly into proper alignment with an inlet nozzle of dispenser beneath a beverage outlet (60) of the brewer (30) for direct receipt of freshly brewed beverage into the dispenser (66).

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 height-adjustable coffee or tea brewer is described. The invention includes a base element that may include a selectively operable warming plate. A vertical stand includes two slidably engagable components that may be vertically displaced with respect to one another. The first of these components is attached to the base element and the second is attached to a head element. The head element may be provided with a device to accept a funnel or other mechanism to hold coffee or tea. The head element may also contain a device for heating water or may simply be plumbed to a hot water source. The height-adjustable feature permits the coffee or tea brewer to fill thermally insulated and other containers of varying height.

Abstract: A disposable beverage maker (10) made from a single sheet of flat, insoluble cardboard or plastic in various sizes. The beverage maker (10) consists of a base (12) having four scored marks (14, 16, 18, 20). Extending outward from two of the scored marks are located a first side wall (22) and a second side wall (36); on the adjoining sides are located a right stabilizing flap (50) and a left stabilizing flap (56). When each of the two side walls (22, 36) are joined at their respective right and left outer sections (32, 34, 46, 48) the beverage maker (10) is fully assembled and may be placed upon the container (70). A filter (72) is then inserted into the beverage maker (10) and a quantity of brewing mix (74), such as coffee grounds, is placed into the filter (72).

Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and devices are provided for the brewing of a beverage (e.g. coffee, or tea). The invention, in particular, provides a brew chamber assembly for an apparatus for preparing a beverage from an aqueous medium and a particulate beverage material; the chamber assembly may, for example, be used in automated beverage making machines. The brew chamber assembly may comprise a brewing vessel and a spent coffee grounds discharge mechanism. The brewing vessel comprises a floor and side wall elements. The spent particulate beverage material discharge mechanism comprises an exit element for venting spent particulate beverage material out of the brewing vessel and a spinable impellor for urging spent particulate beverage material out of the brew chamber through the exit element.

Abstract: A brewer device for brewing single servings of a beverage, while also functioning as a cup closure lid. The lid includes a filter assembly to hold a brew substance, such as coffee grounds, a lip to secure said device to the mouth of a cup, and a frangible tab to allow consumption of the beverage without removing the lid. To enhance the aroma of the beverage while it is being consumed, the brew substance is held on top of the lid just below the position of the consumer's nose. Other brew substances, such as tea, cocoa, bouillon, etc., may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel splash guard which is positioned in a brewing funnel in close proximity to the handle of the funnel. The splash guard is a curved structure which extends over a portion of the mouth of the brewing funnel. The splash guard extends over a portion of the mouth of the brewing funnel, but not to such an extent as to interfere with the spraying of water into the brewing funnel, or the placing of filter supports, filters or brewing substance into the brewing funnel. The splash guard functions to deflect a slurry of water, brewing substance and brewed beverage in the funnel which is displaced toward the handle, and to direct the slurry back into the funnel instead of splashing out of the brewing funnel.

Abstract: A beverage brewing device has an integral server locking mechanism. The beverage server (10) has top and bottom portions, (16) and (18), having first and second lips, (12) and (14), respectively. An opening in a lower server support plate (20) has a first retaining face (22) which contacts the first lip. The server support plate is preferably pivotably mounted about a pivot point (26) and biased to apply an upward force to the first end of the server. An upper server support plate (30) is positioned at the other end of the beverage server. The second support plate pivots about a second pivot point (36) and is biased downwardly, toward the first base plate. Thus, the support plates cooperate in a clamshell-like manner to secure the beverage brewing device therebetween.

Abstract: A beverage brewing device has an integral server locking mechanism. The beverage server (10) has top and bottom portions, (16) and (18), having first and second lips, (12) and (14), respectively. An opening in a lower server support plate (20) has a first retaining face (22) which contacts the first lip. The server support plate is preferably pivotably mounted about a pivot point (26) and biased to apply an upward force to the first end of the server. An upper server support plate (30) is positioned at the other end of the beverage server. The second support plate pivots about a second pivot point (36) and is biased downwardly, toward the first base plate. Thus, the support plates cooperate in a clamshell-like manner to secure the beverage brewing device therebetween.

Abstract: A brewing system with a brewer (30) and urn support member (64A) for movement of the urn (66) between a first position (FIG. 4B) in which the urn is aligned beneath the brewer (30) for receipt of beverage from the brewer (30) and a second position (FIG. 4C) in which the urn (66) in a position removed from alignment beneath the brewer (30) to facilitate removal of the urn (66) away from the support by the support member (64A). The filled urn (66) is moved to the removal position (FIG. 4C) before being removed from the urn support member (64A).

Abstract: A modular beverage brewing apparatus includes a frame having at least a first pair of inwardly directed flanges. A joiner plate is connected to the frame. The joiner plate and the pair of inwardly directed flanges define a first channel and a second channel therebetween so that the modular brewing apparatus is selectively engageable with a pair of inwardly directed flanges of a companion modular unit. An electrical connection is made between the modular beverage brewing apparatus and the companion modular unit. The electrical connection includes a first electrical power connection comprising an electrical output receptacle on the modular beverage brewing apparatus coupled to an electrical input receptacle on the companion modular unit for delivering electrical power from the modular brewing apparatus to the companion modular unit.

Abstract: In an apparatus for preparing filter coffee, there is provided an autonomous assembly for generating steam, besides an assembly for generating hot water required for brewing the coffee powder. An essential element of that steam generating assembly is a separate container to be filled with fresh water, having an outlet that is connected to a heating element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electic coffee machine and a filter element (1) therefor. The coffee machine includes a filter element (1) for taking up ground coffee (12) that is supported by a filter housing. A brewing head (2) is provided above the filter element (1) and has one or a plurality of outlet openings (3) from which water (14) heated by an electric water heater flows into the element (1) in order to extract the coffee. According to the present invention, the filter element (1) includes on its outside top edge (9) an annular collar (10) which extends at an angle relative to the edge (9). The filter element (1) is made of filter paper. Disposed below the annular collar (9) is a securing device (28) which bears the filter element (1) and on which the filter element (1) is supported in a substantially cantilevered manner. In this way, the filter element and the coffee machine are easier to handle. In addition, brewing results are improved and the dripping time is reduced.

Abstract: A combined coffee grinder and filter coffee maker has a filter compartment comprising a perforated container. A releasable cup surrounds the compartment and fit to a housing in use. A motor is provided to drive blades to grind the coffee and the coffee is then made with the compartment in situ.

Abstract: A brewing system (30) with a water dispensing brew valve (176) for controlling the passage of water through the beverage ingredient (186) and a by-pass valve (170) for passage of hot water through a brew basket (180) but past the beverage ingredient (186) having a controller (158) with a brew start switch (50) for controlling the brew valve (176) also has a flush switch (54") for opening independently of the brew switch (50), the brew valve (176) and also the by-pass valve (170) to flush a dispenser urn (66).

Abstract: A self-contained beverage machine simulataneously heats a beverage and a condiment utilized in the beverage. The condiment is in a small container removably carried on the beverage machine.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus is provided including a housing with a water inlet channel, a heater to heat water delivered through the channel and a water dispenser within the housing for providing a spray of hot water to a brewing pot. The brewing pot is releasably attachable to the housing and includes a filter receptacle positioned to receive the spray of water and outlet aperture for allowing brewed tea to exit. A filter basket for containing the tea leaves is lodged within the filter receptacle. The basket has a base with a wire mesh screen and an integrally formed non-porous siphon shroud projecting upwardly from a central area of the floor base, the shroud being closed at the top while open at the bottom. A siphoning tube is lodged within the aperture of the filter receptacle and open at both ends. When nested, the siphon shroud surrounds the siphoning tube to create a siphon arrangement for continuously removing tea extract fluid from the filter basket.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus in which all of the electrical and mechanical components necessary for a brewing operation are contained in a modular tower having a cantilevered head section at the top thereof. The modular tower is mountable directly on a supporting modular base or on a modular riser which is, in turn, mounted on a modular base to thereby allow the apparatus to accommodate a variety of beverage delivery vessels and/or brew cones. Additional supporting modules, such as warming modules, are also disclosed to provide selectable brewing apparatus configurations to meet the many needs of the user. The components of the apparatus are joined together by an interlocking assembly in which a pair of in-turned flanges on opposing sides of the bottom of an upper component are held in corresponding outwardly directed channels in a lower component. A riser plate which forms one side of an upper component is removably attached to an upward flange on a lower component to secure the components in place.

Abstract: A hot beverage machine, in particular a coffee maker, having a filter holder provided with a first pouring device having an outlet orifice, and a second pouring device having at least two outlet orifices. The second pouring device is capable of occupying either an active position in which it is located beneath the orifice of the first pouring device, or a retracted position. The second pouring device also includes an actuating mechanism for moving it between the two positions by manual operation performed at a location remote from the first pouring device.

Abstract: A coffee brewer and hot water dispenser, which includes a brew water tank (30), with water heated to a pre-determined temperature by a pre-heater (38). A boiler (50) boils the pre-heated water into a spray head (56) and into a ground coffee containing cone (114). A separate hot water tank (70) is heated by a heater (72), and a solenoid valve (74) dispenses hot water into a container. Fill, water level dispensing and process control use a solid state electronic controller (140) interconnected to an indicating control panel (112). The improvement permits larger capacity by the use of a bypass hot water cycle adding a predetermined volume of water to the container and supplementing the control by expanding its capabilities using multiple sequencing of the brew cycle for increasing the volume of brewed coffee.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a water reservoir, a heater coupled to the water reservoir, a conduit coupled to the heater, a coffee filter holder, a condensate chamber for channeling steam condensate to the water reservoir, and a fluid distributor operatively connected between the conduit, filter holder and condensate chamber. The fluid distributor channels hot water from the conduit to the filter holder and collects and condenses steam produced from the filter holder and conduit, thus preventing escape of steam into the interior of the coffee maker.

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: A single unit coffee brewer for simultaneous brewing of two different types of coffee which utilizes carafes that in appearance resemble a single carafe but in actuality are constructed of two separate carafes. Each carafe receives brewed coffee from a separate filter basket with each filter basket to receive water from its own separate water tank. The water of each water tank is to be moved through a water supply conduit that is unique to that water tank to which it is affixed. The conduits and water of both water tanks and the warming plate assembly are to be heated by a heater assembly mounted within the base of the coffee brewer. There is a separate heater unit of the heater assembly for each separate warming plate with there being multiple separate warming plates within the warming plate assembly.

Abstract: A coffee filter comprising a cylindrical coffee retaining ring, and a cylindrical sleeve, the cylindrical sleeve being sized and fitted so that it may be slidably mounted upon the cylindrical coffee retaining ring so that the inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve is in close proximity with the outer surface of the cylindrical coffee retaining ring; and comprising a sleeve and filter retaining means, fixedly attached to the cylindrical coffee retaining ring and to the cylindrical sleeve, such means being capable upon such slidable mounting of the cylindrical sleeve of fixedly attaching the cylindrical sleeve to the cylindrical coffee retaining ring, and being capable of retaining a sheet of filter paper so that such paper underlies and spans across the lower end of the cylindrical coffee retaining ring.

Abstract: In order to generate steam in an apparatus for preparing filter coffee, a design is proposed which comprises a water storage container and a device for separating water and steam. A heating element is provided for heating water and for generating steam. The separating device comprises an inlet connected to the outlet of the heating element and an outlet connected to a steam nozzle. The water storage container comprises an inlet connected to a fresh water tank and an outlet connected to the inlet of the heating element. Moreover, a throttle member is provided close to the outlet of the water storage container; the throttle member restricts, during the generation of steam, the amount of water fed to the heating element per unit of time. By such a design, dry steam, particularly suitable to prepare a cappuccino beverage, can be generated in a simple manner.

Abstract: A coffee brewer and hot water dispenser, which includes a brew water tank (30), with water heated to a pre-determined temperature by a pre-heater (38). A boiler (50) boils the pre-heated water into a spray head (56) and into a ground coffee containing cone (114). A separate hot water tank (70) is heated to an adjustable, controlled temperature by a heater (72), and a solenoid valve (74) dispenses the water into a container. Fill, water level dispensing and process control, and indicating are accomplished by the use of a solid state electronic controller (140) interconnected to an indicating control panel (112), producing automatic operation upon manual selection.

Abstract: A temperature maintaining device of a coffee maker includes a hot water chamber cover formed between the hot water chamber and the top cover, for closing atmosphere existing therebetween, to prevent temperature of the hot water passing through the hot water chamber to be decreased. The hot water chamber cover has a projection portion which is formed on the one side thereof, for covering the hot water flowing portion on the hot water chamber, and a through hole portion which is formed on the center portion thereof, into which the control knob is rotatably inserted.

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 method and system for brewing a desired volume of coffee at a selected brew time, in which a volume of water corresponding to the desired volume of coffee is heated and directed into contact with coffee grounds in a brewing chamber. Contact between at least a portion of the heated water and the coffee grounds is maintained for approximately the selected brew time to form brewed coffee. The brewing time, however, is substantially independent of the desired volume of coffee to be brewed and is controlled by control of the rate at which heated liquid flows into or out of the brewing chamber. At the expiration of the brewing time, brewed coffee is released through an opening in the brewing chamber and into an underlying receptacle.