Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage brewer which produces beverage by delivering brewing water to a quantity of brewing substance. The brewer includes a water source for providing water to the brewer. The water source may be in the form of a reservoir or pressurized waterline. A water supply line is provided in the brewer communicating with the water source and a pump. A control is provided for controlling operation of the brewer. The pump transfers water from the water supply line to a heater assembly for heating prior to use in brewing a beverage. A water delivery line communicates with the heater assembly for delivering heated water to a brewing assembly. Brewing substances retained in the brewing assembly and brewing water is received therein for producing a brewed beverage.

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 and a dispensing tank. A delivery line communicates with the brew chamber and with the dispensing tank at an intermediate level demarcating the interior of dispensing tank into upper and lower compartment. The volume of the upper compartment is equal to the metered volume. A vent valve communicates via a vent line with the upper compartment. A supply line connects 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 received in the dispensing tank. A sensing mechanism for generating control signals indicative of the level and temperature of water in the dispensing tank.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a valve mechanism having a micro switch, an electromagnetic valve, a magnetic covering board activated by the electromagnetic valve for opening or closing a powder path, and a spring interconnecting the covering board and the electromagnetic valve. A motor-driven grinding mechanism includes two ring-shaped outer grinding members having teeth facing each other, and a spring biased inner grinding member including a hollow feed rod with a lead screw formed thereon. A powder fineness adjusting mechanism includes an adjustment lever. In a powder fineness adjustment for producing coarse coffee powder, pivoting the lever toward one direction will pivot an abutment member and move the same outward to push one grinding member for increasing a space between the grinding members filled with coffee beans to be ground. Pivoting the lever toward the other direction will produce fine coffee powder.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker for preparing a coffee drink from ground coffee and water, a reservoir adapted to store water for preparing coffee, and a protective housing which encloses a device for preparing the coffee drink. The reservoir defines a free volume in which water for preparing coffee may be stored and is also of a size and configured so as to accommodate a bottle in which water for preparing the coffee is stored. A temporary connection device is provided to conduct water from the reservoir or bottle to the device preparing the coffee drink.

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: Machine for brewing coffee or beverage having at lease one single-serving brewing module, and at least one multi-serving brewing module connected to a commonly shared pump, water reservoir, and boiler. A flow controller is connected to the boiler, pump, and water reservoir, and in one position, the flow controller is connected to the single-serving brewing module, and in another position, the flow controller is connected to the multi-serving brewing module. The water reservoir, pump, boiler and flow controller are connected in series with suitable piping. The flow rate, temperature, and the amount of water to distribute to brewing module(s) are controlled, monitored and adjusted by a control system. The single-brewing module can be adapted to brew prepackaged coffee pods.

Abstract: A method of making coffee in a drip-type coffee maker includes introducing steam into coffee grounds, and passing heated water through the coffee grounds to infuse the water. A coffee maker includes a second water passage in which the flow of water is controlled so that it is converted into steam for delivery to the brew basket. The steam enters the brew basket below the level of any coffee grinds in the basket, and causes a substantially helical steam flow path in the grinds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for brewing coffee or a similar brewed beverage allows a consumer to select a desired strength, and then, a serving of the brewed beverage is promptly brewed and dispensed in response to that selection. Regardless of the selected strength, a constant volume of beverage results; in other words, the strength of the brewed beverage is not altered by merely adding or subtracting water.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a water reservoir, an in-line water heater, a brew basket for receiving coffee grinds, and a water passage between the reservoir and the brew basket. The passage passes through the in-line water heater for delivering heated water to the brew basket. A a bi-directional valve disposed in the water passage between the water reservoir and the in-line water heater to permit substantially unrestricted flow in a first direction and restricted flow in a second direction. A controller can be provided for altering the valve between an unrestricted bi-directional mode and a unidirectional mode.

Abstract: A multifunctional beverage machine designed for automatically making various kinds of hot drinks, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate or soups, and incorporates an advanced microprocessor control system such that multifunctional appliance operation can be easily be achieved via a one-touch button. The multifunctional beverage machine may include a removable water tank can hold a sufficient capacity of water so that the machine can make many cups of various drinks without refill. In addition, the multifunctional beverage machine has two or more independent brewing chambers installed in the machine allowing it to make different kinds or different combination of drinks in one operation.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus, such as a coffeemaker, including a hot water heater; a first temperature sensor connected to the hot water heater; a second temperature sensor connected to either a cold water inlet to the heater or a hot water outlet from the heater; a pump connected to the cold water inlet for supplying water to the heater; and a controller coupled to the pump and the sensors. The pump is a variable speed pump. The controller is adapted to adjust the speed of the pump based upon signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A coffee-maker is disclosed. It comprises a lid (30) which closes an upper part (10) with an upper chamber. A rising pipe (14) extends into the upper chamber. This pipe has at least one lateral opening (15) in an upper end region. In order to avoid splashing of liquid coming out of the rising pipe (14), a downwardly extending splash guard (34) is present on the lid (30), which guard covers the at least one opening (15) of the rising pipe (14) laterally when the lid (30) is closed.

Abstract: Portable combustible fuel automatic drip coffee making apparatuses use combustible fuels such as propane, butane, white gasoline, and kerosene to heat water which can be alternatively used to make drip coffee, or for other requirements calling for heated water, depending on the selected position of a switching valve. The portability of these devices is self contained and hand transportable. The inventive units are designed to be user maintained with easily cleanable or replaceable parts, as well as designed for manufacturing. These units are configured based on the specific fuel being used, and some units are designed to be able to use a variety of fuels in the same unit.

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 (FIG. 8).

Abstract: A drip coffee maker having a horizontal spray of heated water into a brew basket. Much of the effect of gravity is removed and the spread of heated water may be increased. The horizontal spray shower head may be used to expose the top layer of coffee grinds in the brew basket to an equal amount of hot water within a few seconds of brewing start time. By immersing the coffee grinds in hot water at the same level, the coffee grinds are all subjected to the same water pressure. The water then filters down evenly over the coffee grinds in the brew basket. Thus, the coffee grinds within the brew basket are given maximum exposure to the heated water. This exposure allows more coffee to be extracted from fewer grinds, thus conserving coffee and avoiding overcooking of the grinds.

Abstract: An automatic coffee maker having a grinding device is provided. Responsive to closing a door, activating an electromagnetic valve will move a covering member away from first apertures and counterclockwise pivot a stop with resilient means being expanded so that powering on a motor will activate a gear mechanism to transmit motion to an outer grinding mechanism for grinding coffee beans into powder which drops through aligned second and first apertures onto a filter cup in a base prior to falling into a bowl in the base by permeation. The coffee maker further comprises a particle fineness adjusting device so that a turning of a projecting bar thereof will adjust the powder fineness.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a brewed beverage, in particular coffee, with the arrangement comprising an approximately truncated-cone shaped filter receptacle for holding a cone-shaped filter insert and a water intake device that is arranged above the filter receptacle and is provided with a water distributor having a plurality of flow-through openings on a side facing the filter receptacle with one flow-through opening be located in the center of the projection surface for the water distributor and the filter receptacle. Additional flow-through openings are arranged along a peripheral line, for which the course approximately corresponds to the peripheral outline of a projection surface for the filter receptacle inside space in the lower to mid-level region of the filter receptacle.

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 method and apparatus for brewing tea is shown which utilizes heated water from a boiler 7 of an espresso machine 10. A porta-filter 20 having a brewing chamber 40 therein is attachable to a group head 12 of the espresso machine 10 such that heated water is directed out of the espresso machine 10 and into the brewing chamber 40. A drain 38 from the brewing chamber 40 leads to an outlet tube 100 which has a lower end 110 discharging a brewed beverage V, such as tea, therefrom. An outlet valve 120 restricts outflow from the brewing chamber to a rate less than inflow of heated water from the boiler 7 so that the heated water is provided with residence time within the brewing chamber 40. This residence time facilitates infusion of the heated water with soluble flavor particles from a brewable substance such as tea leaves T before the heated water is discharged from the brewing chamber 40 in the form of a brewed beverage V.

Abstract: In a coffee maker, a hot-water tank, including water purifying agents and a siphon mechanism, is provided between a coffee-extracting room and a hot-water outlet. This structure reduces an amount of water remaining in the purifying agents. A water tank, a heater which heats the water supplied from the water tank and produces hot water, and a hot-water outlet for pouring the hot water supplied from the heater into the coffee-extracting room are provided. The hot-water tank detachable from a main body of the coffee maker is situated between the outlet and the coffee-extracting room. This structure allows a siphon phenomenon to supply intermittently the hot water from the hot-water tank to the coffee-extracting room. After a coffee extraction, the hot-water tank can be detached from a main body of the coffee maker and washed with ease.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker includes a removable filtering member for receiving ground coffee beans. A selection unit can be actuated to operate the assembly of a water-supplying device, a flow control unit, and a dispensing member in a selected one of a single-stage Espresso coffee mode and a two-stage Americano coffee mode. In the Espresso coffee mode, hot water is supplied into the filtering member via a main water path for discharging brewed coffee. In the Americano coffee mode, hot water is supplied twice. The first supply of the hot water flows into the filtering member via the main water path so as to discharge brewed coffee into a cup. The second supply of the hot water flows into the cup via a secondary water path and a water passage space in the dispensing member that is located outside the filtering member.

Abstract: An automated beverage brewing system includes a liquid storage tank and a metering chamber. The metering chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid in the storage tank. The chamber includes a sealable liquid inlet port communicating with the interior of the storage tank beneath the standing level of liquid. The chamber also includes a liquid outlet port and an aperture that receives compressed air, wherein the compressed air forces liquid from the liquid output port of the chamber for use in preparing a brewed beverage. A pump provides the compressed air and a controller monitors a pressure signal value indicative of the air pressure in the metering chamber. The controller commands the pump on to commence flow of liquid from the metering chamber. The controller then commands the pump off several seconds after detecting a drop in air pressure within the chamber. A baffle is affixed to the distal end of a shaft, which is moved between a first and second position.

Abstract: A beverage brewer comprises a storage tank adapted to contain a supply of liquid, and a metering chamber structured and arranged to be filled with a metered amount of liquid received from the storage tank via an inlet in communication therewith. A brewing chamber is structured and arranged to receive a beverage filter cartridge containing a dry beverage medium. A baffle in the storage tank is shiftable from an open position accommodating liquid flow between the storage tank and the metering chamber via its inlet to a closed position preventing such flow and isolating the metering chamber from the storage tank. During a brewing cycle, liquid is delivered from the thus isolated metering chamber to the brewing chamber for combination with the beverage medium contained in the filter cartridge. At the conclusion of the brewing cycle, the baffle is returned to its open position, thereby allowing the metering chamber to be refilled with liquid received from the storage tank via its inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a quantity of a hot beverage, comprising providing a source of a liquid having an adjustable temperature, selecting an infusion time and an infusion temperature, supplying from the source liquid substantially at the selected infusion temperature, the supplied liquid having a volume equal to or slightly larger than the quantity, mixing the supplied liquid with a flavor ingredient having the selected infusion time and infusion temperature, infusing the flavor ingredient in the supplied liquid substantially for the selected infusion time whereby the selected ingredient is at least partially dissipated in the supplied liquid thereby forming a brew, and following the infusion time, removing an undissipated portion of the flavor ingredient from the brew thereby yielding the beverage.

Abstract: A brew basket is provided that is dimensioned to be received within the brew basket support member of an associated brewing machine such as a coffee maker. The brew basket includes an anti-drip valve mounted within a lower cavity and to the lower surface of the bottom wall. The brew basket is provided with an overflow return for diverting brewing water from the brew basket to the brewing machine carafe or other beverage receptacle if the brewing water reaches a level presenting potential overflow from the brew basket.

Abstract: The steam generating device (1) is used to heat and/or froth liquids, especially milk. It includes an electrically driven pump (3) supplied with water from a water source (2), which pump delivers water in a controlled fashion to a continuous flow heater (6) heated by an electrically operated heating (22) by way of a conduit (13). The continuous flow heater (6) heats the water it receives in its steam pipe (18) to steam that is subsequently supplied to a steam tapping point, preferably a steam nozzle (7), where the steam exits under pressure. An intermediate tank (5) with an overflow chamber (53) which stores a defined quantity of water is provided in the conduit (13) between the pump (3) and the steam pipe (18).

Abstract: A brewing machine with brewing water flow control mechanisms for controlling flow between chambers, includes a filling chamber in fluid connection with a heating reservoir. In one aspect of the invention, a control chamber with a sealable opening is formed about a drain hole in the filling chamber so that water must flow through the control chamber to reach the reservoir, and fluid access to the control chamber is controlled by a seal which engages the opening in the control chamber. Engagement of the seal with the opening in the control chamber is controlled by operation of a lid which covers the filling chamber. In another aspect of the invention, a flow rate control valve assembly is at least partially housed within the control chamber and has a portion which is proximate to the drain hole in the filling chamber connected to the reservoir, whereby a rate of flow from the filling chamber to the reservoir is selectively controllable by adjustment of the flow rate control valve.

Abstract: A twin brewer system (30) with a pair of brewers (30A, 30B) each with a controller (158) for controlling the application of electrical power to a hot water heater, disables the application of electrical power to the heater (154) of one brewer (30A, 30B) in response to actuation of a start brew switch of the one brewer (30A, 30B) while electrical power is being applied to the heater (154) of the other brewer (30A, 30B). The controllers also respond to a hot water quantity sensor (164, 168) and a responsive delay circuit for disabling dispensing of hot water in response to actuation of the brew start switch (50) until a sufficient quantity of hot water is in a hot water dispenser tank (152) needed for the brew cycle. Indication lamps indicate when the brew cycle is being delayed and when brewing is not being performed. Actuation of a single emergency stop switch (138) stops hot water dispensing of both brewers (30A, 30B).

Abstract: A coffee making machine includes a vessel that supports a fitter basket containing measure of coffee grounds for mixing with hot water in a generally conventional way. A re-circulating passage connects a bottom outlet of the vessel to a top of the basket. A pump and heat exchanger are provided in the re-circulation passage. The pump and heat-exchanger are controlled by a programmable controller unit so that brewing or coffee-making conditions are readily and adjustably controllable by a user.

Abstract: Described is a coffee machine (1) comprising a brewing member (5, 5′), a support surface (15) for ground coffee and a member (3, 6, 7) for applying water to the ground coffee, in which it is possible to level off the ground coffee positioned on the support surface (15) in a constructionally simple and generally applicable manner to obtain a layer having a substantially uniform thickness. To this end there is provided a member (22, 24, 25, 122, 222, 322) which guides water in a purposefully non-uniform manner over the ground coffee such that the ground coffee is distributed over the support surface (15) in a layer having a substantially uniform thickness.

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: Apparatus includes a water reservoir, a container for containing flavor-containing materials and a fluid delivery system for generating a plurality of pressure pulses, each including a water pulse and a steam pulse, and for delivering the pressure pulses through the flavor-containing materials. This extracts the useful compounds out of the flavor-containing materials under the pressure of the pressure pulses. The fluid delivery system includes a chamber, a heater in heat conducting relation with the chamber, a valve disposed between the reservoir and the chamber which opens to permit water to flow from the reservoir to the chamber when pressure in the chamber drops below a predetermined pressure. Method for making flavor-containing liquid with a plurality of pressure pulses includes generating and delivering a first pressure pulse in the form of a pressurized hot water pulse and a pulse of pressurized steam to and through the flavor-containing materials in a container.

Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: A fill before brewing system for an automated coffee brewer is disclosed which includes solid state electronic controls, a water reservoir and a full pot brew switch (20) integral with the coffee brewer. A fill solenoid (22) is electrically interconnected with the full pot brew switch such that when this switch is energized the fill solenoid begins to fill the brewer reservoir with water. A full pot fill level control (24) is electrically connected with the full pot brew switch that operates when water in the reservoir reaches a predetermined level the fill solenoid terminates the water flow. A boiler (26) interacts with the full pot brew switch in that when the full pot brew switch is energized the boiler is activated simultaneously with the fill solenoid boiling water for brewing coffee. A reservoir empty level control (28) is connected with the boiler and disconnects the boiler when the level of water in the reservoir reaches the desired point.

Abstract: An automatic, household drip-type coffee making machine with a main housing for receiving and holding a carafe or decanter, and having an method and apparatus for rapidly heating water to form an infused beverage such as coffee. The speed brewing system has an automatic water level sensing system with a float box, a lever and a micro-switch, which detects the level of water in the water tank and when the water reaches a pre-selected level, activates a water heater located within a water bladder, heating the water bladder to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water passing into the water bladder. The water vapor condenses along a water outlet tube while still retaining sufficient heat to brew an infused beverage. The heated water (condensed water vapor) reaches a shower nozzle plate and is dispensed through the shower nozzle plate into a filter basket which contains a filter and material for making an infused beverage such as regular or decaffeinated coffee.

Abstract: A diffuser is provided on a beverage supply tube having a beverage supply valve. Air bubbles formed in the beverage in the final stage of filtration for extraction are removed from the beverage, and only the gas is passed through the beverage supply tube, whereby the tube is air-blown. Thereafter, the beverage remaining in the diffuser is drained through a drain tube. A pair of electrodes are provided on the beverage supply tube which leads the extracted beverage to the serving cup portion, in order to detect the presence and absence of the beverage based on the conduction caused by the beverage between the electrodes. An air pipe for supplying air to the extraction chamber from an air pump is provided with a branch, and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure within the extraction chamber during the filtration is attached to the branch.

Abstract: A diffuser is provided on a beverage supply tube having a beverage supply valve. Air bubbles formed in the beverage in the final stage of filtration for extraction are removed from the beverage, and only the gas is passed through the beverage supply tube, whereby the tube is air-blown. Thereafter, the beverage remaining in the diffuser is drained through a drain tube. A pair of electrodes are provided on the beverage supply tube which leads the extracted beverage to the serving cup portion, in order to detect the presence and absence of the beverage based on the conduction caused by the beverage between the electrodes. An air pipe for supplying air to the extraction chamber from an air pump is provided with a branch, and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure within the extraction chamber during the filtration is attached to the branch.

Abstract: The appliance for the preparation of hot beverages, soups and similar nutritional/luxury foods, with a drinking cup (1) and with a container (2) to be arranged therein being provided with a heating device (11) and intended for the liquid (10) to be heated, which, after being heated, is emptied into the drinking cup (1) after a valve (26) of the container (2) has been opened, is distinguished in that the valve (26) is provided with actuating devices (28), by means of which said valve is closed when the container (2) is inserted into the drinking cup (1) and is opened when said container is removed.

Abstract: A machine for brewing tea, particularly in a shoc situation. The machine has a housing and at least one brewing assembly. The brewing assembly is formed to hold a brewing cup that has a filter that defines and separates a first cavity within the brewing cup for containing tea leaves and a second cavity from which tea leaves are excluded. The housing has a water supply that supplies a predetermined volume of water at a temperature that is suitable for infusing tea leaves. It also has a water supply channel for delivering the water into the first cavity of the brewing cup, and a siphon tube that has a siphoning end that extends orthogonally upward into the second cavity of the brewing cup and a downward projecting dispensing end.

Abstract: A coffee maker and a method of preparing coffee in which steam is applied to the coffee grinds prior to passing hot water through the coffee grinds. The coffee maker includes a controllable outlet valve disposed within a fluid path, between a water reservoir and a flow-through heater. In a first position, the outlet valve has a flow opening dimensioned sufficiently small that water exiting the outlet valve evaporates completely in the flow-through heater. In a second position, the outlet valve has a flow opening dimensioned sufficiently large that water exiting the outlet valve is heated in the flow-through heater without appreciable development of steam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for brewing tea is disclosed which utilizes heated water from a boiler of an espresso machine. A porta-filter having a brewing chamber therein is attachable to a group head of the espresso machine such that heated water is directed out of the espresso machine and into the brewing chamber. A drain from the brewing chamber leads to an outlet tube which has a lower end discharging a brewed beverage, such as tea, therefrom. An outlet valve restricts outflow from the brewing chamber to a rate less than inflow of heated water from the boiler so that the heated water is provided with residence time within the brewing chamber. This residence time facilitates infusion of the heated water with soluble flavor particles from a brewable substance such as tea leaves before the heated water is discharged from the brewing chamber in the form of a brewed beverage.

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

Abstract: A beverage brewer (20) with a dispenser valve (34) for passing brewing liquid from a supply (30) under control by a programmable dispenser cycle dispenser valve controller (36) to intermittently pass the liquid to a uniform flow dispenser head (38) during preselected duty portions (92) of a plurality of control periods (CP1-CP20, FIG. 5B) in order to independently control the total quantity dispensed and the duration of the dispense period (88). The uniform flow dispenser head (38) has a closed body with a perforated bottom (64) that is intermittently filled with brewing liquid during the duty portion selected for each of the control periods to provide a uniform vertical spray across an open top of a uniform ingredient holder (24) within which is held a cylindrically shaped layer of beverage ingredient (70) in order to achieve uniform contact of the brewing liquid with all the beverage ingredient.

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 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. A pivotal cover is provided to shield the control pad from spilled coffee.

Abstract: An apparatus for consecutively dispensing an equal volume of a liquid from a storage tank. The system includes a hermetically sealed metering chamber at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid contained in a storage tank. The metering chamber has an inlet port communicating with the interior of the tank. A one-way valve accommodates an inflow of liquid into the metering chamber from the tank via the inlet port, and blocks an outflow of liquid from the chamber to the tank. A discharge conduit protrudes into the interior of the chamber. A pump pneumatically pressurizes the metering chamber to exhaust a predetermined volume of liquid via the discharge conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gravity-flow displacement beverage brewing apparatus with a water flow control device. The water flow control device is attached to a rotatable lid and is opened and closed by the device user. Rotating the lid to an open position allows the user to pour cool water into a fill basin, and simultaneously closes the flow control device, so heated water cannot flow into the brewing basket. When the lid is rotated to a closed position, the user is prevented from adding more water to the fill basin, but the flow control device is opened, allowing heated water to flow into the brewing basket.

Abstract: A water cooler accessory that is connectable between the dispensing spigot of a water cooler and the water input port of a coffee maker and that can be activated to transfer a predetermined amount of water to the coffee maker.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a housing having a 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 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. A pivotal cover is provided to shield the control pad from spilled coffee.

Abstract: A coffee-making machine of the type to deliver hot water during a brewing cycle to ground coffee supported in a removeable filter unit includes a heated reservoir for water heating and storage and a sprayhead to deliver heated water from the reservoir to the filter unit. A first valved conduit is actuable to deliver a first amount of heated water from the reservoir to the sprayhead and a second valved conduit is actuable to deliver a second amount of heated water from the reservoir to the sprayhead. Selection switches allow an operator to select an amount of coffee to be brewed. A controller is in communication with the selection switches and controls actuation of the first and second valved conduits during a brewing cycle to deliver an appropriate amount of heated water to the sprayhead for delivery to ground coffee in the filter unit thereby to brew the selected amount of coffee.

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).