Abstract: A dual brewing mechanism is provided. The dual brewing mechanism includes a hot water pipe, an espresso brewing device, a first solenoid valve, a pour over device and a second solenoid valve. The espresso brewing device includes a brewing head that has a flow channel configured therein, and hot water can be transported to the flow channel through a first pipe body of the hot water pipe. The first solenoid valve is in communication with the flow channel of the espresso brewing device, the hot water is transported to the pour over device through the second pipe body of the hot water pipe, and the second solenoid valve is in communication with the pour over device.

Abstract: A portable coffee brewing system includes a container, a lid assembly, a pump positioned within a hollow interior of lid assemble, a basket configured to hold an amount of coffee grounds and a tube fluidically connecting the pump to the basket. The lid assembly is connected adjacent the upper end of the container. The tube has an upper end of the tube fluidically connected to the pump and a lower end fluidically connected to the basket. When activated, the pump moves fluid via the tube to cause liquid in the hollow interior of the container to be moved through the amount of coffee grounds in the hollow interior of the basket thereby brewing coffee.

Abstract: A beverage system is provided including a housing and a brew basket body connected to said housing. The brew basket body is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When said brew basket body is in said retracted position, said brew basket body is arranged in sealing contact with an adjacent component of said beverage system.

Abstract: Cartridge loaders for fluid mixture dispensing systems are disclosed. One disclosed fluid mixture dispensing system comprises an interface surface, a cartridge receiver carriage, and an actuator configured to depress the cartridge receiver carriage towards the interface surface to load a cartridge. The fluid mixture dispensing system is configured to apply continuous downward pressure on the cartridge towards the interface surface when the cartridge is loaded and is in contact with the interface surface.

Abstract: A coffee holder includes a holder body and a holder lid. The holder body includes a holder base, a holder sidewall extending from the base and defining an interior configured to receive loose coffee, and an open receiving end opposite the base. The holder lid is configured to engage the holder body to cover the open receiving end. The holder lid includes a recessed portion that extends into the holder body interior when the holder lid engages the holder body, and a passage in the recessed portion configured to allow fluid to flow into the holder body interior from the recessed portion.

Abstract: A beverage system for making a beverage that includes a single-serve capsule and a beverage machine. The capsule has a cavity containing a beverage material; a flange; a cover fastened to a top side of the flange; and an individualization identifier on a bottom side of the flange. The beverage machine includes: a capsule receptacle having a wall structure to receive the capsule; an optical sensor/detector positioned outside of the wall structure to direct a beam through a portion of the wall structure to read the identifier; a pump that supplies water into the portion capsule only after the identifier is read by the sensor/detector; a mandrel to pierce the cover in a region that is offset from the central axis; and a seal that seals against the cover in a region between a peripheral edge of the flange and the region of the cover pierced by the mandrel.

Abstract: A beverage system for making a beverage that includes a single-serve capsule and a beverage machine. The capsule has a cavity containing a beverage material; a flange; a cover fastened to a top side of the flange; and an individualization identifier on a bottom side of the flange. The beverage machine includes: a capsule receptacle having a wall structure to receive the capsule; an optical sensor/detector positioned outside of the wall structure to direct a beam through a portion of the wall structure to read the identifier; a pump that supplies water into the portion capsule only after the identifier is read by the sensor/detector; a mandrel to pierce the cover in a region that is offset from the central axis; and a seal that seals against the cover in a region between a peripheral edge of the flange and the region of the cover pierced by the mandrel.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus may include a chassis dimensioned to fit within a compartment of an aircraft galley. The chassis may include a front chassis section and one or more guide rails configured to engage one or more tracks in the aircraft galley compartment. The front chassis section may include a brew head assembly with one or more server restraints or one or more brew cup restraints and a brew cup panel assembly. The brew cup panel assembly may include a hinge assembly configured to engage the brew head assembly and a brew cup panel. The brew cup panel may be coupled to the hinge assembly and may be configured to adjust the brew head assembly in a selected direction via actuation of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: An ice-water dripping-rate adjuster for a drip-type ice coffee maker includes: a dripping valve having an upper valve member and a lower valve member, an upper coupling member secured with the upper valve member and having an ice-water container fixed on the upper coupling member for storing ice and ice water in the ice-water container, a lower coupling member rotatably engageable with the upper coupling member and secured with the lower valve member, with the lower coupling member having a coffee jug secured to the lower coupling member, whereby the ice water is downwardly dripped for adjusting its dripping rate by the dripping valve and is brewed through a ground coffee canister, which is mounted in an upper portion of the coffee jug, to make a drip ice coffee to be received in the jug.

Abstract: An improved manually operated coffee machine. The improved manually operated coffee machine includes a cup body, a water-pressing base body, and a coffee brewing base body that are detachably connected together, and a water storage cavity in communication with the cup body is disposed in the water-pressing base body. Technical essentials are: The water-pressing base body includes an inner housing and an outer housing sleeved over the inner housing, the water-pressing base body is provided with a lock sleeve that inserts from the outer housing into the inner housing and locks the outer housing and the inner housing, and a hand-pressing power rod that extends into the water storage cavity is disposed in the lock sleeve. The present invention is simple in structure, and may be equipped with multiple outer housing accessories for customers to select and use.

Abstract: A beverage brewing device is configured to brew beverages such as coffee and tea. A brewing canister having a filter at a bottom end is held partially within a receiving beaker, and a seal is created between the canister outer surface and the beaker inner surface. Brewing media such as coffee grounds and brewing fluid such as hot water are added to the canister, mixed, and allowed to brew. At a desired time, the receiving beaker is moved relative to the brewing canister so that the brewing canister is partially removed from the receiving beaker. As such, a vacuum is formed between the bottom end of the brewing canister and the receiving beaker. The filter stops brewing media from flowing into the receiving beaker, but the vacuum draws the brewed beverage through the brewing media and filter and into the receiving beaker.

Abstract: A coffee maker provides a controlled release of heated water into brewing material. In one embodiment the coffee maker includes a spiraling nozzle releasing heated water over brewing material held in the coffee maker. The nozzle provides a single release point at each instant providing improved exposure of the brewing material to the heated water. In another embodiment the coffee maker includes a rotating sprinkler arm releasing heated water into the brewing material. In either embodiment motion may be provided by the flow of heated water, or by an electric motor.

Abstract: A receptacle holding unit includes a first part and a second part cooperating with the first part; a cavity for receiving a receptacle containing an ingredient for preparing a beverage by a device, the cavity being delimited by at least one of the first and second parts; and a driving device for relatively moving the second part towards the first part into a closed position and relatively apart from the first part into an open position. The driving device includes an actuator and a transmission having a helicoidal ramp arrangement cooperating with a connector member for converting a translational movement into a rotational movement or vice versa. When the actuator actuates the transmission, the first and second parts are driven together or apart. The ramp arrangement includes two ramps spaced apart and generally parallel between which the connector member relatively moves along the ramp arrangement.

Abstract: A receptacle holding unit for a beverage preparation device includes a first part and a second part cooperating with the first part; a cavity for receiving a receptacle containing an ingredient; and a driving device for relatively moving the second part towards the first part into a closed position for securing such receptacle in the cavity and relatively apart from the first part into an open position for inserting of the receptacle into the cavity. The driving device has an actuator and a transmission that has a helicoidal ramp arrangement cooperating with a connector member for converting a translational movement into a rotational movement or vice versa. When the actuator actuates the transmission, the first and second parts are driven together or apart by the ramp arrangement cooperating with the connector member.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker includes a pump, a kettle, a pumped fluid conduit, and a brew basket assembly. The kettle includes a reservoir, a heating element in the kettle for heating water in the reservoir, a spout for pouring water from the reservoir, and a pump inlet opening for providing heated water from the reservoir to the pump inlet. The pumped fluid conduit is connected with the pump outlet and includes a pumped fluid outlet. The brew basket assembly includes a pumped fluid outlet receptacle and a brew basket. The reservoir is selectively fluidly connectable with the brew basket via the pump inlet opening in the kettle being selectively fluidly connected with the pump inlet or the pumped fluid conduit outlet being selectively fluidly connectable with the pumped fluid outlet receptacle to selectively provide heated water from the reservoir to the brew basket.

Abstract: A mechanical waste pod ejector system for a single cup pod beverage flavoring machine that has a lower head with a holding chamber therein, for holding a pod during a flavoring operation, which head mechanically ejects the pod after usage. The system includes a pod ejector mechanism, a pod support plate sized to engage the pod, and actuator head, with a pod ejector controller including a cam slide surface for moving the lower head from a flavoring position to a pod disposal position.

Abstract: A hot beverage brewing apparatus including a pressurized hot water delivery system to provide liquid under pressure within a range of acceptable infusion temperatures without a water pump. A fresh water tank is situated above a water heater in liquid communication to maintain the water heater filled. Water in the water heater is kept at a pre-infusion temperature. When infusion process is to commence the user selects volume of water to be dispensed into infusion material, water is rapidly heated to infusion temperature and displaced from water heater by pressurised air from air pump. At the end of the brew cycle the air pump is stopped and a valve connects the water heater to atmospheric pressure to facilitate water flow from the fresh water tank into the water heater. After the infusion process an air valve may direct air from the air pump to the infusible material to dry it for ease of disposal.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus including a housing containing a water system. The water system includes a heated water reservoir and a pour-in basin for receiving water. The pour-in basin is connected to a water pump which pumps water from the basin to the heated water reservoir. Water from the heated water reservoir is moved to a spray head for dispensing to a beverage brewing substance retained in either at least one of a pod format or a cartridge format. A pair of conductance probes are contained in the fill basin to indicate the status of water in the fill basin. The brewer is designed for use with multiple beverage making substance holders so that multiple beverage substance formats can be used with the brewer.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage has: a beverage preparation module for processing one or more beverage ingredients and for dispensing a beverage resulting therefrom; a unit for controlling such processing in accordance with a parameter set to a value stored in the unit; and a user-interface (20) connected to the control unit for acquiring the value from a user and storing the value in the control unit. The user-interface has a first user-selector (21) associated with a first value for the parameter and a second user-selector (22) associated with a second value for the parameter. The first and second user-selectors (21, 22) each comprises a user-actuation adjustment direction (211, 221) for shifting on user-actuation in the adjustment direction the value associated with the user-selector to a user-selected adjusted value selected from a range of values associated with the user-selector.

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: The invention relates to a brewing apparatus, in particular for coffee, comprising a drainage valve, which is located on the one hand in a brewing liquid path between a brewing liquid container and a brewing unit of the brewing apparatus and on the other hand, in a drainage liquid path between the brewing unit and an outlet of the brewing apparatus. In a brewing position of the drainage valve, the brewing liquid path is released and the drainage liquid path is blocked. The brewing apparatus is characterised by a drainage position of the drainage valve in which both the drainage liquid path and also the brewing liquid path are released and a decalcification position of the drainage valve in which the brewing liquid path is blocked and a decalcification liquid path is produced between the brewing liquid container and the outlet via the drainage valve.

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 dispenser for a nutritional composition comprises a water reservoir, water heating means, water discharge means, a bacterial filter between the water heating means and the water discharge means such that heated water passes though the filter prior to discharge from the dispenser, and means to heat surfaces of the dispenser which come into contact with filtered water.

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: The baby formula preparation device includes a powder hopper and a distributor operably associated with the powder hopper for dispensing powdered baby formula into a baby bottle. The device also includes a water dispensing system having a water storage tank and a water heater that dispenses heated water into the baby bottle. A load cell measures the weight of the bottle and a controller coupled to the load cell regulates the quantity by weight of heated water and powdered baby formula dispensed into the baby bottle.

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: The beverage brewing device is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe. The beverage brewing device includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle defined in the body and extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The at least one outlet probe receptacle is sized and configured to receive an outlet probe of a beverage brewer. A lid is removably securable to the body and is engageable with the body to selectively enclose a top opening of the body. An inlet probe opening is defined in the lid for receiving an inlet probe of the beverage brewer. At least one filter is defined within in the body, wherein the filter is configured to retain a dry beverage medium within the brew chamber while allowing a brewed beverage to pass through the brew chamber.

Abstract: A apparatus for forming a beverage using a beverage formation device. Opening of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid from a reservoir to a heating tank that is used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, opening of the brew chamber may cause a valve to be opened or otherwise permit flow of beverage precursor liquid from the reservoir to the heating tank. The valve may open simultaneously and automatically with a brew chamber lid, and may close when the brew chamber lid is closed.

Abstract: A beverage maker that includes a container having a bottom wall, side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to foam a container cavity and a lid. The bottom wall includes a drain opening to enable liquid to drain from the container cavity. The lid is designed to be movable between an open and closed position. The lid forms a cover over a top of the container cavity. The lid includes a filter rib that extends partially into the container cavity when the lid is in a closed position. A drain plug is provided to control a flow of liquid through the drain opening.

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 contains a siphon tube for discharging hot water from a heated reservoir to a container for coffee grounds. Flow through the siphon tube is initiated by pressurizing the air space in the heated reservoir with an air pump. A siphon flow of hot water through the siphon tube to a coffee grounds container then continues without pressurization. The flow is ended when the desired volume of coffee is brewed.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a beverage by mixing water and at least one powdered product in a mixing chamber and dispensing the mixture to a final container. The method includes preparation and delivery of at least a first portion of beverage by mixing a first soluble product with water, either in the absence of mechanical stirring or with rotating a rotor at a rotor rotation speed of less than 500 rpm. The method also includes the preparation and delivery of at least a second portion of beverage by mixing a second soluble product with water in the presence of mechanical stirring and for the delivery of further portions of beverage to the final container.

Abstract: A beverage machine having a height-adjustment device that includes a movable support plate for adjusting the position of the recipient relative to at least one beverage outlet. The support plate is movable relative to the at least one beverage outlet. The machine also includes a displacement mechanism for displacing the support plate relative to the outlet. The displacement mechanism includes a motorized driver for driving the displacement mechanism, a controller for controlling the actuation of the driver and which is configured to set a predetermined distance between the outlet and the recipient. A drip-collecting device can also be selectively provided to collect liquid falling from the beverage outlet when the recipient is not present.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) with a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber body (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle, a heating element (98) to quickly and substantially alter the water temperature in the chamber body during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42). The controller (38) controls the brewer (10) to brew different types of beverages, with dispense water at different preselected temperatures in response to a manually actuatable switch (72, 74, 76 and 78). The temperature of the dispense water may also be changed from a hotter temperature at the beginning of a brew cycle to a lower temperature during an end portion of the same brew cycle.

Abstract: A beverage maker includes a boiler for containing and heating water and a normally opened thermostat having a sensing member for sensing a temperature of the water, wherein the sensing member is located at a certain distance with respect to a water inlet of the boiler. When the water is heated, and the temperature of the water exceeds a set point of the thermostat, the thermostat closes. As a result, a pumping action is started, where hot water is forced to flow out of the boiler, and where cold water is forced to flow into the boiler. When a front of the cold water reaches the sensing member of the thermostat, the thermostat is triggered to open again, and the pumping action is terminated. By means of the thermostat, the quantity of hot water that is used for the purpose of making a beverage is accurately controlled.

Abstract: An automatic drip coffeemaker with an automatically measured water metering means is herein disclosed. The apparatus also comprises a small flexible plastic water line which connects to the water source system, an in-line replaceable water filter to ensure clean filtered water, and a control circuit with automatic water sensing level switches to allow the user to select the desired amounts of cups to be made. While the exact water levels can vary per model of invention, selectable levels of a minimum to a maximum of cups of coffee would be envisioned as readily available. In such a manner the user only has to place the correct amount of ground coffee inside of the invention, select the proper number of cups to be made, and the invention will do the rest.

Abstract: A heated water reservoir for use as a heated water dispenser, in conjunction with a beverage dispenser or for other uses. The heated water reservoir (5) includes a baffle (20) which communicates with an outlet port (7) positioned along the reservoir and an upper portion of the reservoir. In the reservoir a quantity of water is retained in a heated condition with an upper portion of the reservoir containing generally heated water of a higher temperature. An upper edge (35) of the baffle is positioned relative to the upper portion of the heated water reservoir such that passage of water from the reservoir into a cavity (22) defined, at least in part, by the baffle facilitates flow of water over the upper edge and into the outlet port. In this manner, water having a higher temperature is dispensed from the reservoir.

Abstract: A sensor head/brew cup with liquid level sensor probes which rotate down into the server to avoid damage to the probes by the server. The sensor head/brew cup moves as a unit, thereby eliminating any gap between the brew cup and the sensor head through which the brewed liquid must pour, thereby preventing spillage. The moveable sensor head/brew allows beverage brewing devices to use servers of various heights. Raising the sensor head/brew cup causes the level sensor probes to rotate upward out of the server, thereby protecting the probes from impact by the server when it is removed from the brewing device. When the level sensor probes are in the upward position they touch electrical contacts completing a self-test circuit confirming electrical continuity through the level sensor probes.

Abstract: Beverage making apparatus which controllably produces a beverage from a brewing substance by combining heated water with a brewing substance. The beverage making apparatus includes a volume adjustment assembly (22) which can be controlled by a user to increase or decrease the volume of water which is controllably dispensed to the beverage making substance. The apparatus and method for using the apparatus includes controllably dispensing water from a water source such as a water reservoir (34) or pressurized water line to a controllable heated water reservoir (53). The heated water reservoir communicates with the spray head (40). A flow meter (46) is provided and communicates with a water dispensing line (38) between the water source and the heated water reservoir for monitoring the volume of water flowing through the dispensing line.

Abstract: The coffee maker for brewing powder coffee contained in a cartridge comprises a brewing chamber adapted to receive the cartridge, at least one punching member for punching the cartridge and a pump for feeding brewing water into the brewing chamber. In order to avoid that the prepared coffee shows froth at its surface, the coffee maker comprises means for restricting the amount of water fed by the pump into the brewing chamber per unit of time. This means ensures that the brewing water flows through the cartridge essentially unpressurized.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus, method, method of using such a beverage making apparatus and method of cleaning a beverage making apparatus is disclosed. The beverage making apparatus includes a liquid basin (16) for receiving a quantity of liquid and is in communication with a reservoir (20) for retaining a volume of heated liquid. A control valve (40) is provided and positioned for communication with the basin and reservoir for controlling flow of liquid from the basin to the reservoir. A controller (14) is coupled to the control valve for at least selectively operating the control valve for selectively controlling the flow of liquid from the basin to the reservoir. The control valve can be selectively operated to produce a generally continuous flow of liquid from the basin to the reservoir or may be controller for multiple dispensings of liquid from the basin to the reservoir during a brewing cycle.

Abstract: A coffee maker with a drip tray (9) which serves for receiving coffee droplets falling from an outlet member of the coffee maker when a path between the outlet member and the drip tray (9) is free from interruptions such as a coffee cup. The drip tray (9) comprises a tray portion (91) and a cover (92) in which a convex droplet landing surface (93) for receiving droplets falling from the outlet member of the coffee maker is arranged. A coffee droplet dropping on this surface (93) breaks apart, gently flows off this surface (93), and is discharged to the tray portion (91) through a hole (95) arranged in the cover (92). In this way, a situation in which coffee splashes out of the tray portion (91) as a result of the direct impact of a coffee droplet is avoided, and the cleanliness of the coffee maker is enhanced.

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: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing beverages or other food products which includes, generally and broadly, controllably dispensing water from the system for use in brewing. Water is introduced to a heated water reservoir heating and subsequent use in a process such as brewing. An active thermal expansion system is provided to accommodate water which expands from the reservoir as a result of the heating process. One form of thermal expansion system may include a controllable expansion device accommodates an accumulation of water which expands during the heating process and then returns the water to the flow of water during a brew cycle or drains the water from the system.

Abstract: A safety and guide type brewing kettle includes a kettle body, a water stopper, a screen filter, and a retention disk. The kettle body has a cove that forms a flow guide plate for guiding liquid droplets formed on the cover into the kettle body. The kettle body has a bottom forming a through bore that receives therein a plug, which forms a through hole and an engagement section. The water stopper is arranged to block the through hole for eliminating undesired leaking. The kettle body has a lower circumference forming a projecting wall that forms legs to enclose and stably hold the kettle body. The kettle body forms at least one locking section, which engages an upper side of the screen filter. The screen filter forms a grip section that facilitates assembling/disassembling and cleaning. The screen filter forms a positioning section for positioning the water stopper.

Abstract: A multicontrolled, fresh beverage brewer (20) with a dispense manifold heater (104) for selectively instantaneously heating pre-heated hot water from a hot water tank (29) immediately before the preheated hot water is dispensed into the brew basket (49) in sensed temperature of the beverage within the brew basket the preheated water immediately prior to being added to the brew basket, a photosensor (106) for sensing a level of light conductance of the beverage for controlling at least one of a brew dispense valve (37), a bypass valve (38) and a brew basket drain hole closure (94) in response to photosensor sensing a level of light conductance level of the beverage, and brew basket pressurization system (50, 69, 51) for selectively pressurizing the brew basket (49) to selectively accelerate the flow rate of hot water though an ingredient within the brew basket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewed beverage maker with a diverter valve assembly placed between a heater and a showerhead, the diverter valve assembly fluidly connected to both the heater and showerhead. Opening the beverage maker during a brew cycle automatically causes at least a portion of the fluid passing through the diverter valve assembly to be diverted to a channel that directs the fluid to a point downstream of the showerhead in the brew cycle. In one embodiment of the invention, the diverted fluid is directed to a filter basket. The channel may optionally include a basin to collect and direct the diverted fluid. The outlet of the diverter valve assembly may form the showerhead.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a beverage from concentrate. A mixing chamber is included. A water tank and a concentrate container provide water and concentrate. A water conduit is horizontally oriented and is connected to the water tank to supply water from the water tank to the mixing chamber by gravity. A concentrate conduit extends from the concentrate container and at an acute angle to the water conduit and then extends generally parallel to the water conduit and in close proximity to the water conduit. The mixing chamber is connected to both the water conduit and the concentrate conduit. Both the concentrate conduit and the water conduit have an outlet end. Each outlet end is remote from the water tank and the concentrate container. The outlet end of the concentrate conduit is adjacent to the outlet end of the water conduit. A dispenser assembly is mounted on the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a metered volume of heated water to the brew chamber of a single serve beverage dispenser. The system includes: a storage tank for containing a supply of unheated water, a dispensing tank, and a delivery line communicating with the brew chamber and with the dispensing tank at an intermediate level demarcating the interior of the dispensing tank into upper and lower compartments wherein the volume of the upper compartment is equal to the metered volume. The system also includes a vent valve communicating via a vent line with the upper compartment, and a supply line connecting the storage tank to the lower compartment. An air pump is arranged to deliver pressurized air to the upper compartment. A water pump in the supply line is arranged to deliver water from the storage tank to the lower compartment. A heater for heating water is received in the dispensing tank.

Abstract: A hot beverage brewer (20) with an L-shaped, segmented, hot water tank (36) having a laterally extending side body (50) to which is mounted a membrane mounted tubular brew valve (38) with a dispense tube (66) and an electromagnet (92,94) selectively energized by a micro-computer controller (28) to attract in successive stages a first stage energy plate (98) and a second stage energy plate (102) attached to the dispense tube (66) to move the tube from a closed position (FIGS. 2 and 3) in which an inlet (72) of the tube is above a preselected level (42) of water in the tank (36) to an open position (FIGS. 4 and 5) in which the inlet (72) is beneath the surface to pass hot water to a spray head (76). In one embodiment, one or more of the energy plates are permanent magnets (138,140) and in other embodiments the plates (98,102) are not permanent magnets and are resistive to being permanently magnetized.