Abstract: A beverage brewing system having a bypass conduit for brewing and dispensing a selected volume of a brewed beverage from a beverage brewing chamber to a container. The bypass conduit distributes hot water beneath the brewing chamber to mix with the brewed beverage being dispensed to maintain flavor at higher selected volumes. The container interconnects by a connector assembly and switch to deliver electrical power to a heater in the container. A remote docking station also interconnects with the receptacle to supply electrical power to the heater of the container. A spray head having outward diverging flow is mounted above the brewing chamber to deliver hot water thereto.

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: An infusion maker includes a lid, a filter, a stopper, a basket, a retaining frame, and a jug. The basket has a through hole at the center of its bottom side, and a bottom extended wall with spaced slots. The retaining frame includes an annular ring at the top, an outer annular frame, supports erected between the annular ring and the outer annular frame, and an inner annular frame disposed inside the outer annular frame and connected thereto by reinforcing ribs. The inner annular frame is provided with a bearing seat for receiving the stopper. The outer annular frame is externally provided with bulges for engaging the slots of the basket. The retaining frame is fitted over the basket from below and they are placed into the jug with the annular ring suspended on the rim of the jug. The basket slips downwardly of its own weight so that the stopper blocks the through hole of the basket to allow immersion of substances like coffee in the basket.

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: The device includes a pair of passages (4--4') meeting at a top neck (5) communicating with and coupled laterally to the outlet of the mill (1). The junction between the passages (4--4') has a hinged trapdoor (7) which in a stable position seals one of the passages whilst holding the other one open.

Abstract: A brewing pot for tea includes a container including an upper portion having a top rim defining at least one cavity, and a lower portion defining a chamber, and an abutting edge formed between the upper portion and the lower portion. A supporting base supported on the abutting edge includes an upright post. A cylindrical body is slidably mounted on the supporting base and includes a top portion formed with an annular flange and a bottom portion defining a socket. At least one block is formed on the annular flange and abuts on the top rim of the container, and a control ball is received in the socket. The cylindrical body and the supporting base can be rotated relative to the container to a position where the block is received in the cavity such that the body can be moved downward relative to the supporting base while the control ball can be moved toward the post such that the control ball can be urged by the post to rise from the socket.

Abstract: A water supply dipper for a beverage brewer with the dipper mounted for pivotal movement in the hot water tank and is moved by the brewer motor upwardly and forwardly in the tank to discharge hot water into the brewer. One-way valves in the bottom of the dipper allow water to pass into the dipper.

Abstract: A tea maker structure is disclosed. It includes a percolator cup as an upper layer of the tea maker and a tea cup as a lower layer of the tea maker. A bottom of the percolator cup is formed with a water outlet communicating with the tea cup. A filter mesh is disposed above the water outlet to prevent tea grounds from blocking the water outlet. The opening/closing of the water outlet is controlled by a controlling mechanism coaxially disposed in the percolator cup, whereby the tea can flow into the tea cup with the tea grounds remaining in the percolator cup. Also, this tea maker is prevented from falling down due to improper application.

Abstract: A single chamber brewing device for brewing beverage has a single brewing chamber for receiving water and a brewing material such as tea, a thermally controlled heating element, and a thermally responsive valve for releasing brewed beverage from the brewing chamber into a container positionable underneath the brewing chamber. The heating element may be a heating and pumping element which pumps heated water into the brewing chamber to produce a dynamic flow within the brewing chamber to improve the brewing process.

Abstract: A thermal carafe brewing device includes an automatic drip brewing machine and a thermal carafe having a brew-through lid which utilizes a pressure controlled valve in a liquid passageway through the lid to allow liquid to flow directly from a brewing basket through the lid and into the carafe. The pressure controlled valve prevents liquid and heat from flowing out of the carafe through the lid by liquid and/or gas pressure from inside the carafe which closes the valve.

Abstract: An infusion maker including a beaker having an inside annular flange in the middle, an inner cup mounted in the beaker for containing boiling water for steeping tea and having a bottom center through hole, a cap coupled to the inner cup at the bottom through a slip joint to hold a ball in a ball socket thereof, and a lid covered on the inner cup, the ball being forced to close the bottom center through hole of the inner cup when the inner cup is put in the beaker and supported on the inside annular flange of the beaker, the ball being disengaged from the bottom center through hole of the inner cup when the inner cup is lifted from the inside annular flange of the beaker, for permitting prepared tea infusion to flow out of the inner cup to the beaker.

Abstract: An apparatus for making tea which includes a tea cup having two stepped flow guide ribs raised from the inside wall and two swivel locking plates pivoted to the flow guide ribs, an infusion container supported on steps on the stepped flow guide ribs and retained in place by the swivel locking plates and having a bottom drain hole, a filter mounted inside the infusion container and covered over the drain hole and having an axle housing at the center, a ball forced by a return spring into engagement with the drain hole to stop its passage, a pull rod sliding in the axle housing of the filter and pulled to lift the ball from the drain hole for permitting prepared tea to flow out of the infusion container into the tea cup.

Abstract: A filter unit for brewing filtered coffee which uses basket filter bags. A special design of the filter openings of the basket filter assures an even discharge of the brewed coffee. Hot water is poured into a special distributing cover which is placed on the filter basket. Suitably designed distributing holes cause the hot water to form drops and distribute the hot water evenly over the entire amount of powdered coffee in the basket filter bag. The brewing and filtering operation is performed continuously and evenly because of these distributing holes, and thus the quality of the filtered coffee is improved.

Abstract: A coffee filter retaining insert including a retaining body having a first section that is slidably positionable with respect to a second section thereof to provide a variable diameter enclosure area, at least four resilient standoff arms having a first end secured to the exterior of the retaining body, a plurality of spaced, parallel oriented, coffee ground level indicators disposed along the interior wall of the retaining body, and a indicator assembly secured to the interior wall adjacent the spaced level indicators having a marking bead positionable along a rod member running perpendicular to the orientation of the level indicators.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which includes a substance dispensing device and a brewing device. The brewing apparatus includes a receptacle for receiving a brewing substance from the substance dispensing device, a movable chute positioned between the substance dispensing device and the receptacle, and a water dispensing system operatively associated with the brewing device and selectively communicating with the receptacle for delivering water to a brewing substance retained therein. Additionally, a drive assembly is provided to operatively displace the water dispensing device relative to the receptacle. When the water dispensing device is positioned in communication with the receptacle, the chute is moved out of communication with the receptacle. When the water dispensing device is removed from communication with the receptacle, the chute is placed in communication with the receptacle.

Abstract: A ring for supporting a coffee filter within a filter basket of a brewing device. The inventive device includes a support ring positionable within a filter basket so as to capture an upper edge of a coffee filter between the ring and the basket. A plurality of vertical stanchions depend from the support ring for engaging a bottom of the basket to support the ring at a desired position therein. An adjustment assembly is provided for varying a diameter of the ring and each stanchion includes frangible notches permitting sizing of the stanchions to a desired height.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a beverage brewing machine has a reservoir in which water is heated, which is arranged upstream of a brewing unit and heatable by an electric heating device. At the bottom is an outlet valve which opens only on reaching a given water temperature so that the hot water flows through an outlet pipe downstream of the outlet valve from the reservoir over the upper surface of a product, preferably ground coffee or tea-leaves, contained in a brewing unit, from which it goes to a receptacle as a beverage after extraction of the product. Hot water from the reservoir can also be taken via a pipe along paths other than over the upper surface of the product into the receptacle. The pipe takes a siphon-like path, the vertex of which is far enough above the bottom of the reservoir so that hot water also flows via the pipe to the other path and not only over the upper surface of the product only when a certain level is reached in the reservoir.

Abstract: A machine for making hot beverages composed of a chamber having at least one water outlet, a filter holder located beneath the chamber holding a mass of ground product, a water distribution member disposed below the water outlet for directing water onto the surface of the ground product contained in the filter holder, the water distribution member being provided with a plurality of perforations for conducting water into the filter holder, and a device for regulating the distribution of water into the filter holder. The water distribution member is composed of a plate having a center and a periphery, and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the plate to divide the member into a plurality of individual sections, and the plate is provided with a plurality of water passage perforations each located in one of the sections. The member and the chamber are mounted in the machine in a relatively movable manner for establishing a desired relative position of the water outlet above the individual sections.

Abstract: An infusion maker comprising, similarly to an espresso maker, a lower container or boiler (11) and an lapper container (12). The bottom (12') of the upper container (12) is provided with an outlet (16) which connects said upper container (12) with the intermediate cup (14), and the chimney conduit (15) conveying the liquid from the lower container to the upper container is provided with a movable sleeve (17) which may be moved from a position associated with the closing of said outlet (16) and the opening of said chimney conduit (15), thus permitting the passage of the liquid from the lower container into the upper container, to a position associated with the opening of said outlet (16) and the closing of said chimney conduit, thus causing the liquid in the upper container to pour into the lower container.

Abstract: A portable beverage brewing device for brewing a single cup or other individual portion of a beverage in an automobile, boat, van, or other vehicle without distracting attention from driving or operating responsibilities. An anchored mounting base, a leveling plate and a clamp together support a coffee maker body in level position. The body includes a water reservoir, a brewing chamber, a drinking cup, and a drip cup or cupholder. A brewing chamber holds a prepackaged filter containing beverage precursor particles. A water reservoir is removable and resealable. A positive displacement pump, driven by a permanent magnet motor pumps water from the water reservoir through an electric heater to the brewing chamber. Operation of the motor and the pump commences only when water has been heated to a predetermined brewing temperature.

Abstract: An electric beverage maker comprising: a water reservoir; a water delivery tube for conducting hot water from the reservoir; a water distribution chamber located above a location of a filter holder and disposed for receiving water from the water delivery tube, the chamber being provided with a water outlet opening; a water recycling conduit providing a water flow path between the water distribution chamber and the reservoir; and a valve for blocking or unblocking the water outlet opening for permitting, when the water outlet opening is blocked, recycling of water via the recycling conduit, the improvement wherein the recycling conduit is constituted by a guide member forming a channel enclosing the water delivery tube.

Abstract: A coffee-making machine includes a reservoir connected to an external water supply via a valve which is divided into hot and cold water tanks. The cold water tank feeds a boiler which operates to heat the water in the cold water tank only when a brew cycle has been initiated. Heated water from the boiler is fed to an expansion chamber before being discharged onto the ground coffee via a spray head at the end of the expansion chamber. Upper and lower water level sensors are in the cold water tank and detect water level conditions therein. A controller communicates with the upper and lower level sensors and the boiler and allows a brew cycle to be initiated only when the water level in the cold water tank is detected by the upper level sensor. When the water level in the cold water tank falls below the lower level sensor, the controller disables the boiler and opens the valve to replenish the water level in the cold water tank.

Abstract: A purifying unit containing an adsorbent is positioned between the discharge outlet of a discharge pipe from which boiled water is discharged, and an extracting chamber, so that boiled water flows into the extracting chamber after detrimental components are removed from the boiled water by the purifying unit. Further, a passage change-over section is provided in order to circulate water through the heater until the water is heated up to a temperature suitable for extraction of coffee, and the passage change-over section allows water to be discharged into the extracting chamber from the discharge outlet of the discharge pipe when the water is heated up to the suitable temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rapidly heating coffee making apparatus having a large capacity (1, 1.5 or 2 gallons) for use in canteens and the like, in which in a housing (1) the filter holder (6) is arranged above the coffee tank (7) and the spray head (5) is arranged directly above the filter holder, wherein the water reservoir (3) of the apparatus, adapted for the batchwise heating of water, is arranged directly above the spray head (5).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a coffee maker having the capability of shortening the length of time from the grinding of the roasted coffee beans to the brewing of the coffee, thus shortening the length of time required to obtain the brewed coffee, and wherein there is no large difference in the brewing strength of the coffee between the start of brewing and the end of brewing. The coffee maker performs all of the steps from the roasting of the raw coffee beans to the grinding of the beans and to the brewing of the coffee completely automatically.

Abstract: An appliance for making beverages is provided which comprises a filter device (3) and a movable arm (7) having an outlet opening (10) for the supply of hot water to the filter device, which arm is movable by means of a motor (15) so as to position the outlet opening in different positions relative to the filter device. In order to ensure that the outlet opening (10) of the arm (7) is positioned correctly there are provided means (23b, 23c) for holding the arm, and a transmission mechanism comprising a friction coupling (20-22) is interposed between the motor (15) and the arm (7).

Abstract: An automatic beverage brewing apparatus for automatically brewing beverages such as coffee. The apparatus includes a brew chamber assembly with a throat in a top portion, a drain in a bottom portion, and a filter position therebetween. A movable piston is provided to controllably open and close the throat and drain during brewing and flushing cycles. A discharge line from the brew chamber has a controllable discharge valve to direct flow from the brew chamber through a dispensing line, a waste line, or to prevent flow through either line. Water may be controllably accumulated in the brew chamber by controlling the discharge valve to prevent flow through either line. At the initiation of the brewing cycle the valve is operated to block the dispensing line and the waste line, whereupon a brewing substance and brewing water are introduced into the brew chamber. The brewing substance floats on and steeps in the brewing water which is accumulated in the brew chamber.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which employs a water control assembly, a moisture recovery assembly, an improved thermostatic and low water sensor configuration and an easily removable sprayhead. The control assembly controllably regulates the flow of water from the fill basin into the reservoir using a valve which is interconnected with a lid covering a fill opening in the hood portion. Water from the basin will not flow into the reservoir, and thus will not produce a brewed beverage, until the lid is closed by the user. The moisture recovery assembly employs a baffle opening and a collection portion on a vent to return condensation which may accumulate on the vent to the fill basin. A sleeve is positioned in the fill water opening in the hood portion to collect condensation and to reduce the surface area of the water which may be affected by air movements through the brewing apparatus.

Abstract: A device for brewing a cup or other small portion of a beverage to a desired strength is disclosed. The suitable strength is achieved by controlling the volume of hot water contacting a prepackaged, disposable filter containing beverage precursor particles. The device is adapted to control and vary the brewing process by regulating with some precision volume of hot water flowing through the filter and the volume of hot water bypassing the filter and flowing directly into a drinking cup without having contacting the brew particles. Visual indicators are provided to facilitate choosing a brew of desired strength. The process for preparation of a brewed beverage to a desired strength is also disclosed.

Abstract: The coffee maker of the present invention has a guiding gutter formed movably below a basket for containing ground coffee beans. In the first state, the guiding gutter guides coffee extract obtained from the basket directly into a cooling tank having a freezing section. In the second state, the guiding gutter let the coffee extract obtained from the basket fall into a pot situated below the basket.

Abstract: The "PURIFIED COFFEE AND ICE WATER DISPENSER" replaces the standard kitchen sink taps. The tap water is directed to a flow director at the base of the spout which adjusts to allow the flow to either run trough a water filter or through the spout directly into the sink. When the tap water is directed through the water filter it fills a pre-heated water reservoir depending on the direction the spout is moved, and is drawn by opening the hot water or cold water spout. Coffee is drawn by adjusting a regulator valve which sends the hot water through a coffee filter and out the hot water spout. The reservoirs are cooled and heated elecrically with thermostats.

Abstract: Apparatus for brewing coffee having a heating compartment provided with water at various predetermined levels depending upon the number of cups of brewed coffee desired. A U-shaped syphon tube is provided in the heating compartment and is arranged so that the water level in the heating compartment is always below the top of the bight portion of the tube prior to being heated to a predetermined temperature. When the pressure within the heating compartment reaches a predetermined discharging value, water at the proper temperature in the heating compartment is caused to discharge through the syphon tube and out of the compartment. A pressure vent, having an orifice exposed to the pressure within the heating compartment, serves to delay the attainment of the discharging pressure until the water reaches the proper temperature.

Abstract: A beverage producing device which can be connected to and transported in the passenger compartment of a vehicle and more particularly, in the cab of a truck. The beverage producing device is operable from the power source of the truck or other vehicle. This beverage producing device comprises a canister having an interior reservoir or compartment for receiving hot water with a heating core located within the reservoir. A second compartment is located in vertically spaced relationship to the first compartment. A filter may be located at one of the compartments and contains a substance capable of producing the beverage such as for example, coffee grounds, tea leaves or the like. Water passing through the substance produces a beverage which can then be introduced into a cup capable of being disposed immediately beneath an outlet on the device.

Abstract: A coffee machine having a flow heater in the hot water line that effects additional heating of a residual amount of hot water left in the line after termination of the coffee-making process to convert it to steam and press out any water remaining in the used grounds to dry them for easy removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing coffee or the like with microwave energy comprising a generally funnel-shaped reservoir having an open upper end, a closed lower end and an aperture near the closed lower end. A removable cover is provided for closing the open upper end. A flange extends outwardly from the reservoir and is operable to position the apparatus over a conventionally-known cup or mug wherein the aperture is disposed over the cup or mug. A valve is provided to control flow of liquid from the reservoir and is operable to allow flow upon the existence of a predetermined condition in the reservoir.

Abstract: A gravity feed coffeemaker includes a water reservoir disposed above a filter basket in which coffee is brewed. The water reservoir has a valve disposed in its bottom, the valve being controlled to open only after the water held in the reservoir has reached a predetermined temperature to provide a substantially even flow of water at a desired temperature across coffee grounds contained in the filter basket. In one embodiment, the valve includes a bladder that is deformable to open the valve. In a second embodiment, a solenoid valve is employed, the solenoid valve having coils wound about a valve body having a centrally located aperture with a plunger disposed therein. The plunger moves in response to an electromagentic field generated when the coils are energized to open the valve.

Abstract: A machine for brewing hot beverages, such as coffee, has a container for a supply of fresh liquid with two communicating sections one of which communicates with the atmosphere and the other of which has a bottom wall directly above an electric heater. Two or more siphons are used to convey streams of boiling liquid from the other section into a holder for a supply of flavoring agent. The siphons, the holder and at least the second section of the container are made of a non-metallic material (particularly porcelain, certain plastics, glass, ceramic or earthenware) which does not adversely affect the aroma of the beverage.

Abstract: Coffeemaker comprising a filter 20 which is dripped on by a head 18 having a principal opening 30 adapted to drip on the central region of the filter, as well as a series of holes 34 spaced apart about said opening 30 and adapted to drip on the peripheral region of the filter. The head 18 is provided with a valve 38 which is controlled by a timing device 40 which permits flow of hot water through the opening 30 only after a so-called "steeping" period in the course of which the hot water flows only through the holes 34.

Abstract: The automatic coffee maker has a saddle valve attachment for connecting it to a cold water line via a small plastic water hose, thereby producing an automatic water supply to the coffee maker. The desired number of cups of coffee can be selected and activated using a dial/pushbutton set of controls. A water level indicator on the water reservoir assembly allows the user to automatically refill the automatic coffee maker in accordance with projected demand for coffee. A light indicator provides a visual cue that the automatic water supply valve is activated. An adjustable cup-setting dial and automatic timer allow the user to select the appropriate water level for the number of cups desired. Water can also be poured into the top of the water reservoir assembly for operation when the automatic coffee maker is not connected to the water supply.

Abstract: A hot water dispenser is provided for dispensing a selected volume of water at a predetermined water temperature. The dispenser has a body defining a predetermined sized cavity having an inlet for receiving cold water and an outlet for dispensing hot water. A heating mechanism is disposed within the body for heating the water contained within the cavity. A manually operable timer switch is operated to energize the heating mechanism and to select a time period for maintaining the heating mechanism energized. This selected time period determines the selected volume of heated water dispensed. A thermally responsive mechanism enables dispensing water from the outlet responsive to the predetermined water temperature of the heated water.

Abstract: A coffee and/or tea disperser having a cold water reservoir connected to a water heater which is connected in turn to a spray head. Below the head is a container for a bed of coffee grains or tea leaves and below which again is a tank for the infused beverage. Cups of freshly infused coffee or tea can be metered from the tank by a dispensing valve. In order to ensure that the amount of coffee dispensed does not vary by any significant amount as the head of liquid in the tank varies, the tank is disposed above the surface on which the cup rests by a distance, measured from the maximum head of liquid in the tank to said datum, which is at least six times the maximum displacement of liquid in the tank. Moreover the tank is wide and low. The tank is preferably dismountable for easy cleaning and level probes normally protruding into the tank are arranged to be swung out of the tank to assist dismounting.

Abstract: A device for making extracts of coffee or tea, including a continuous-flow water heater; a collecting container coupled to the water heater for receiving hot water therefrom; a filter vessel adapted to receive ground coffee or tea leaves; a siphon disposed in the collecting container for discharging hot water from the collecting container into the filter vessel; an outlet pipe forming part of the siphon and projecting into an outlet opening at a lowest location of the collecting container; a seal provided on an exterior surface of the outlet pipe; and a support for axially displaceably holding the outlet pipe. The support has an actuator for moving the outlet pipe into a position in which the seal closes the outlet opening and into another position in which the seal opens the outlet opening for allowing water to be emptied from the collecting container into the filter vessel through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A coffee or tea maker includes a freshwater container, a heater for heating water withdrawn from the freshwater container, a filter holder receptacle and a feed pipe extending from the heater and arranged for carrying hot water from the heater; an intermediate container into which the feed pipe opens to introduce hot water thereinto. There is further provided an arrangement for periodically emptying the hot water from the intermediate container into the filter holder receptacle.

Abstract: The housing of a machine for brewing coffee, tea or other hot beverages confines or carries a water container, a riser which conveys water from the container past an electric heater and into a manifold, and a filter holder. The manifold has two sections which are separably connected to each other to define an inlet connected with the riser, a first outlet which can deliver hot water to the filter holder, and a second outlet which can return water into the container. A disc-shaped valving element has a central portion clamped between the two sections of the manifold and a marginal portion which can snap over from a first position, in which the valving element seals the inlet of the manifold from the first outlet, to a second position in which the valving element seals the inlet from the second outlet of the manifold.

Abstract: An espresso and drip coffee maker has a body on which a hanging member is mounted. The hanging member may be rotated to an operative position for hanging removably a coffee bean container on an upper portion of the body. The body includes a water container, a conduit, and an accumulating chamber therein. A two-way valve is provided for guiding the water in the water container through either the conduit or the accumulating chamber into a steam chamber which is communicated with the coffee bean container. A heating pipe is interposed between the conduit and the accumulating chamber for providing heat to the conduit and the accumulating chamber. A check valve is provided for preventing water or steam from flowing back to the water container through the conduit.

Abstract: A control device for a valve (8) in the water supply conduit (7) of a reservoir (1), e.g. the water reservoir of a coffee machine, comprising a diaphragm (10) disposed in a reservoir wall and having an operating stud (11) for a tilting member (12, 40) swivelling between two end positions, the tilting member being associated with a bistable switch. The tilting member (12, 40) is retained in one, first end position by magnetic force (15), and is then in the path of motion of the operating stud (11). The swivelling movement of the tilting member (12, 40) to the other, second end position is used for operating a microswitch (18) incorporated in the control circuit of the valve (8).

Abstract: A siphon of preheated water to a coffee filter basket is initiated by depression of the same float of the float valve assembly that controls the incoming plumb line to an automatic drip coffee maker.

Abstract: A coffee and/or tea dispenser having a cold water reservoir connected to a water heater which is connected in turn to a spray head. Below the head is a container for a bed of coffee grains or tea leaves and below which again is a tank for the infused beverage. Cups of freshly infused coffee or tea can be metered from the tank by a dispensing valve. In order to ensure the head of liquid applied to the valve is within reduced limits the tank is wide and low. The tank is preferably dismountable for easy cleaning and level probes normally protruding into the tank are arranged to be swung out of the tank to assist dismounting. The dispensing valve is preferably formed with a flexible liquid conduit squeezed between three abutments so that the tube is not clamped but rather distorted into a closed state.

Abstract: A coffee maker comprising both a mill assembly for grinding coffee beans, and a brewer assembly underlying the mill assembly for receiving coffee grains filtered out therefrom and for brewing coffee with heated water poured onto the coffee grains. The mill assembly has a mill housing having its top closed by a mill cap adapted to receive the heated water from a water heater. Projecting from the mill cap, in a position just over a coffee grain filter constituting a part of the mill assembly, a water chute conducts the heated water down onto the coffee grains that have been fed from the mill assembly into the brewer assembly. The interior of the mill housing is therefore not wetted with the heated water during the brewing but can be kept dry to allow immediate resumption of grinding as desired.

Abstract: A satellite coffee brewing system (10) includes a central brewing unit (11) cooperative with a plurality of like satellite receptacle units (12) for the storage and dispensing of hot coffee while positioned with the central brewing unit or at remote stations in a restaurant. The central brewing unit (11) comprises a siphon-type hot water system that directs the hot brewing water to an adjustable brew chamber (14) which is capable of discharging coffee in at least two different orientations whereby to alternately fill satellite units (12) arranged at any of said filling orientation. The central brewing unit includes a by-pass valve (44) capable of directing a portion of the hot water to by-pass the coffee grounds held inside a filter (50) in the brew chamber (14) by a basket (49) and spacers (47) so that the by-pass water flows around the filter (50) and into the satellite receptacle whereby the coffee grounds are prevented from being overextracted.