Abstract: An interchangeable, vacuum-sealed beverage bottle includes a body having a cap housing, a plug assembly disposed at the cap housing, a handle engaged to the cap housing, an inner flask in fluid communication with the plug assembly, and an outer flask sealed to the inner flask such that a sealed vacuum cavity is defined between an outer surface of the inner flask and an inner surface of the outer flask (single liquid-containing chamber is double-walled and a vacuum is created between the walls). An exterior cover is positioned about the inner flask and the outer flask, and an end cap mated to the exterior cover and the outer flask. Downward and upward axial displacement of a portion of the plug assembly permits and prohibits fluid to freely flow outwardly from the inner flask to an exterior of the plug assembly, respectively.

Abstract: The beverage brewing device, which is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe, includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The 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 capsule for beverages includes an external casing provided with a first base wall and with a first side wall defining a cavity that is open and suitable for containing a filtering element and a product for obtaining a beverage and a first covering element fixed to a first rim of the external casing to close hermetically the cavity. The filtering element includes a second base wall and a second side wall that extends from the second base wall to a second rim fixed to the first base wall. The product is housed in a first chamber defined between the first side wall and the second side wall. The capsule can be used in a machine for producing a beverage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a funnel liquid shield and sensor for use in brewing funnels of a beverage making apparatus. The liquid shield is moveably attached to the funnel. The sensor detects at least one of a presence and absence of liquid in the funnel and is used to provide a signal to at least one of lock or unlock the funnel from the beverage making apparatus or provide a signal corresponding to the condition of liquid in the funnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening and closing a cartridge holder of a beverage forming machine. The cartridge holder may have an opening arranged to receive and hold a cartridge with the cartridge holder in an open position, e.g., the opening may face a front of the beverage forming machine and be in an upwardly inclined position in the open position. A pivot pin of the cartridge holder may be moved along a linear path, and in response, a cam and cam follower may cause the cartridge holder to pivot and move to a closed position, e.g., in which the opening of the cartridge holder is in a downwardly inclined orientation.

Abstract: A stove top device (10) for making espresso coffee. The device (10) comprises a coffee grounds reservoir (22), a water reservoir (28) and a first conduit (36). The water reservoir (22) has a base and a volume defined by a recommended filling level. The first conduit (36) has a first end in fluid communication with the water reservoir (28) at a level above the base and below the recommended filling level and a second end in fluid communication with the coffee grounds reservoir (22). In use, heated water is only communicated from the water reservoir (28) to the coffee grounds reservoir (22) until the water level in the water reservoir (28) falls below the first end.

Abstract: A brewed beverage appliance uses a specialized pre-packaged beverage container and a related method of brewing a beverage. The container comprises a cup-shaped base having openings at the bottom. A plurality of roasted, whole coffee beans are contained therein. The appliance has a blade that punctures the cup and then grinds the beans while they are still in the cup. Heated water is delivered to the cup and passes through the ground coffee causing brewed coffee to emit from the openings in the bottom of the cup and into a container such as a coffee mug.

Abstract: A system for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, for instance coffee and/or tea, is disclosed. The system comprises an apparatus for dispensing beverage under pressure to a nozzle of the system, and at least one receiving chamber which is placeable or is placed downstream of this nozzle. During use, the nozzle spouts a jet of the beverage with relatively high velocity to and/or into the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is provided with at least one outflow opening for dispensing beverage received in this chamber. The system is at least configured to substantially counteract or prevent formation of foam of this beverage, in particular when the beverage is spouted to and/or into the receiving chamber. Further disclosed is an assembly at least provided with a holder, to a holder, a receiving body, the use of a said system and to a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption.

Abstract: A brewer, system, and method of use for producing and dispensing a beverage. The apparatus, system, and method of use includes a receiver for receiving a brewing substance container. The receiver receives the container, positions it for infusion with heated water, and then positions the container for removal from the receiver. The present apparatus, system, and method minimizes the drive mechanisms associated with the apparatus and improves the control and reliability of the apparatus. The apparatus facilitates collection and dispensing of beverage produced in the receiver and removal of the brewing substance container from the receiver.

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

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

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are shown. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: A beverage forming system that includes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients and having an outer surface; a capsule-based beverage producing device provided with a member for injecting a liquid under pressure into the capsule, a member for draining a beverage from the capsule, and an enclosing member transferable from an opened state to a defined closed state, in which the enclosing member encloses the outer surface of the capsule; and a sealing member associated with the capsule and which is compressible when engaged by the enclosing member in the closed state, wherein the sealing member is effective to compensate for the clearance between the enclosing member and the capsule which would otherwise exist when the enclosing member is in its defined closed state. Also, a method for producing a beverage using such a system.

Abstract: A multi-path valve arrangement in a beverage making unit by which, optionally, various beverages can be prepared. The multi-path valve arrangement includes a multi-path valve with a housing provided with a cold milk inlet, a cold water inlet, a valve outlet and an air opening. A valve body in the housing is suited to connect the cold milk inlet having an adjustable throttling with the valve outlet. The valve body is set by a step motor which is connected with a programmable control of the valve body position.

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

Abstract: A beverage apparatus including a soluble beverage system and a liquid flavor dispensing system. The liquid flavor dispensing system can add liquid flavor to water flowing through a heated water manifold for combination with beverage material dispensed from the soluble beverage system. The liquid flavor dispensing system and soluble beverage system are cooperatively positioned and controlled to combine liquid flavor, water, and soluble beverage material for controllably producing a variety of beverages.

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

Abstract: A beverage system (1) having a coffee machine (2) for preparing and dispensing hot beverages, and a water dispenser (3) for processing and dispensing drinking water the system being inexpensive and requiring little space. The coffee machine (2) and the water dispenser (3) are connected to on other n such a way that at least one functional component of the coffee machine (2) or of the water dispenser (3) can be utilized both for the coffee machine (2) and for the water dispenser (3).

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water reservoir, a removable tank, and a spring-biased actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a reservoir portion and the reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid so that the tank comprises a fluid bucket when removed from the hot beverage maker. The tank is placed on a platform in a mating relationship so as to engage a warmer plate to keep the contents of the tank warm. The hot beverage maker produces a brewed beverage that is stored in the tank. The dispenser actuator may be engaged by a vessel for holding a hot beverage in order to commence the dispensing of the brewed beverage from the tank.

Abstract: A brewing unit of a drinks preparation device is provided with a first housing device with a coffee brewing chamber (4), having an outlet (5), for housing coffee powder and for preparation of a drink therefrom, provided with a second housing device (6) with a housing chamber (7) having a through opening (22) in the base thereof for an alternative or additional milk or foamed milk regeneration, said second device being suitable for housing a milk or milk powder portion unit (14) and for preparation of the milk or milk foam.

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: A beverage assembly includes a housing having a liquid reservoir, an inlet portion formed in the housing, a beverage container configured to be removably accommodated within the inlet portion and having a fracturable seal and containing a beverage ingredient of a first size, a grinding mechanism positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the inlet portion, and a piercing assembly positioned within the housing, wherein the piercing assembly selectively pierces the fracturable seal thereby causing said beverage ingredient to enter the grinding mechanism. The grinding mechanism selectively transforms the beverage ingredient from the first size to a second size, the second size being smaller than the first size. The beverage assembly further includes a brewing area disposed beneath the grinding assembly and configured to removably accommodate the beverage container after the beverage container has been pierced by the piercing assembly.

Abstract: A water dispenser is provided which includes a housing for the dispenser, a dispensing area associated with the housing and including a space for receiving a receptacle for receiving a charge of water from the dispenser, a water outlet through which water is dispensed into the dispensing area, and a fixed flange support positioned between the water outlet and the dispensing area arranged to receive a flavor insert device in a substantially horizontally sliding manner. The flavor insert device includes a cup having a flange extending around at least a portion of a periphery of the cup, a porous enclosure located in the cup, and a supply of solid flavor particles contained in the porous enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing beverages comprising a module (10) for distributing a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid, a liquid supply tank (7), gas supply means (65) configured to supply the module with pressurized liquid, a liquid feed chamber (80), the said chamber being arranged, in a filling configuration, to communicate with the tank (7) in order to be filled with liquid and the said chamber being arranged, in a module supply configuration, to communicate with the gas supply means in order to pressurize the liquid in the chamber and to distribute a quantity of liquid under a certain pressure through the module. Preferably, the chamber (80) is bounded by at least one elastic wall (85), separating the gas from the liquid in a sealed manner and, configured to deform elastically and thereby reduce the internal volume of the chamber under the effect of the gas thrust against this wall. The invention applies, for example, to mobile or portable coffee or multi-beverage machines.

Abstract: A brew basket with an integrated separate cavity providing for a water bypass or additive conduit all of which may be added to the brewed beverage, as it exists its brew basket discharge spout during a brewing cycle. An integrated separate cavity is provided partially around the perimeter of the brew basket, as along its upper flange, for some angular distance, and which cavity tapers into a downward conduit, which conduit extends under the bottom of the brew basket, and empties into the same discharged port through which the brewed beverage is discharged from the brew basket and into a lower decanter, during performance of a brewing cycle. Additives such as flavoring, sweeteners, and even cold water may pass through the separate cavity, for intermixing with the brewed beverage, in order to add to its flavoring, sweetening, or even cooling, depending upon whether coffee, hot tea, or ice tea, has been selected for the brewing cycle.

Abstract: The liquid-overflow platform and container device includes a generally horizontal platform for catching overflow liquid from a small appliance, such as a coffee maker, and a container attached beneath the platform that receives the liquid flowing through apertures in the platform. The apertures are less than 10% of the platform area. The platform may be topographically structured to encourage liquid to drain into the apertures, and is larger than the footprint of the appliance. The container is sized to contain more than the liquid capacity of the small appliance. The device is removable from beneath the appliance for carrying to an appropriate place to empty the contents, preferably by tipping the device to drain the liquid through platform corner apertures. The device may be separate from, and not connected to, the appliance, or may be sold as a connected but removable portion of the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation device having a water circulation system that includes a water source with an outlet, a pump with a support member for holding and securing the pump in the device, and an integral water conduit having an inlet and outlet for guiding water from the water source to the pump. The conduit outlet is connected to the pump and the water source outlet is connected to the water conduit inlet via an annular sealing member that forms an integral protruding portion of one of the conduit inlet or the source outlet. The pump support is integral with the water conduit, in particular with the conduit outlet.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: A coffee machine, especially an espresso machine, comprising a brew chamber provided with at least one coffee outlet, a height-adjustable spout for ejecting coffee, and an impact surface arranged upstream of said spout. The aim of the invention is to ensure that, despite the fact that the height of the spout can be adjusted, the coffee produced is of a consistently high quality. To this end, the impact surface is arranged at a fixed distance from the coffee outlet, coffee passing through said outlet hitting the impact surface and being guided to the spout from the impact surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a machine for preparing beverages by infusion of a liquid, that includes a holder (10), a boiler (20) for heating the liquid for producing beverages, assembling element (21 a,21 b, 25) provided so as to selectively allow the connection and removable disconnection of the boiler on the holder (10), a first fluid communication element connected to the boiler (20) and a second fluid communication element connected to a fluid inlet circuit and/or a fluid outlet circuit, the first and second fluid communication element being adapted to interact in order to provide fluid communication between the boiler and a fluid inlet circuit and/or fluid outlet circuit, characterized in that it is adapted so that the connection and the disconnection between the boiler (20) and the holder (10) respectively enables and disables the interaction between the first and second fluid communication element.

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: Disclosed is a system and method of dispensing a selected volume of liquid. The system includes an apparatus that has a reservoir having an inlet tube and outlet tube coupled thereto, and a controller for controlling at least a portion of the apparatus. Two level sensors are positioned along the reservoir and are in communication with and controlled by the controller. The method includes steps for measuring a time a liquid level in the reservoir falls from an upper level to a lower level to calculate a flow rate. The calculation flow rate may then be used to determine and compare a dispensed volume versus the selected volume. Dispensing may then continue until the selected volume has been dispensed.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water reservoir, a removable tank, and a spring-biased actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a reservoir portion and the reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid so that the tank comprises a fluid bucket when removed from the hot beverage maker. The tank is placed on a platform in a mating relationship so as to engage a warmer plate to keep the contents of the tank warm. The hot beverage maker produces a brewed beverage that is stored in the tank. The dispenser actuator may be engaged by a vessel for holding a hot beverage in order to commence the dispensing of the brewed beverage from the tank.

Abstract: A machine for filtered coffee, having an upper body, inside which a filter-carrier for the coffee and a tank for the water are housed, both accessible through a window. The machine comprises a shutter able to be moved slidingly with respect to said upper body between an open condition and a closed condition of said window and vice versa, so as to selectively allow complete frontal access to said filter-carrier and to said tank, through said window, leaving free frontal access to the filter-carrier and to the water tank. The machine further comprises a pivoting opening which opens frontally with respect to a user and allows access to said tank, when said shutter is in the open condition, for conveying water to the tank without moving said tank from the machine.

Abstract: The multiple beverage brewer utilizes the vacant vertical spaces in an establishment, opens counterspace, and allows placement of different products, such as coffee varieties and flavors, for simultaneous brewing. The vertical multiple coffee brewer begins with a base, a housing upon the base extending upright while leaving room for at least one warmer on the base, a deck extending from the housing above the base with a brew basket and a coffee pot, at least one warmer on the deck, a second deck extending from the housing, and a top. The housing contains one tank for heating of water supplied to all of the brew baskets through piping and dump valves. Alternatively, the housing has two vertically stacked tanks supplied with fresh water but heating the water separately for delivery to each deck.

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: A hot drink maker is provided. The hot drink maker includes a heating device for making various hot drinks. The heating device can be set in advance with a desired temperature and time for making a hot drink so that the heating device heats water to the desired temperature and pumps the heated water into a steeping space in which a bag containing a raw material of the hot drink is placed. When the set time is up, a cam is driven to rotate, thereby pushing a pushing rod upward. Consequently, a seesaw element resiliently engaged with a plug rod at an end of an outlet of a steeping chamber is tilted so as to discharge a finished hot drink prepared by steeping into an adjacent pitcher along the lowered plug rod, and thus the hot drink is made conveniently.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method and kit for use with a beverage producing device. Included are a fitting and an insulating tube for insulating water being introduced into a heated water tank from heated water retained in the tank. Use of an insulating tube helps to reduce the heat transfer between the heated water retained in the tank and the water being introduced to the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for brewing coffee. One exemplary embodiment may include a housing formed in the shape of a helmet and having a moveable visor and an openable flap. The embodiment may also include a coffee maker disposed inside the housing and receiving ground coffee through the openable flap. Further, the embodiment can also have a coffee pot disposed inside the housing, the coffee pot receiving coffee brewed by the coffee maker and removable from the housing when the moveable visor is moved to an open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blocking device for use with a beverage making machine of the type having a housing (22) and a funnel (30) positionable relative to the housing. The blocking device (40, 40a, 40b) prevents unintended disengagement of a funnel from a corresponding housing to which at least a portion of the blocking device is attached. The blocking device includes a first engager (16) and a second engager (18). The first and second engagers are engageable when positioning a funnel on a housing. The first and second engagers are selectively disengageable when removing a funnel from a housing. The blocking device as disclosed also includes a method of retaining a funnel on a housing and a kit for attaching a blocking device to a beverage making machine which does not include a blocking device.

Abstract: A beverage device for making a beverage with a foam layer on top includes a foaming device for generating foam from the beverage. The foaming device includes at least one inlet opening for receiving beverage under pressure and at least one outlet opening for the beverage with the foam. To obtain a fine and stable foam layer on the beverage, the foaming device generates a spray of beverage, and includes a collision surface which, in use, is hit by the beverage spray thus generating the foam.

Abstract: An insulated brew basket assembly (12) having a metallic brew basket body (54) with an external surface covering non-metallic, insulating material (62) having a heat conductivity characteristic that is significantly less than that of the metal of the basket body (54), such as an insulating coating adhered to the inside, the outside or both the inside and the outside of the surrounding wall, an internal insulating liner fixedly or releasably attached to the surrounding wall at the inside or a releasably or permanently attached insulating jacket covering the outside of the surrounding side wall.

Abstract: A hot beverage brewer (10) having a hot water dispense system (12), a brew basket assembly (18) for holding ingredient to be mixed with the hot water to make a freshly brewed hot beverage and a controller (16) for controlling the delivery of hot water from the hot water dispenser system to the brew basket (18) with a spray distribution assembly (14) having a spray head (20) having a generally vertical passageway (22) for receipt of hot water and a spray plate (38) with a an umbrella-like body (34) with a downwardly, outwardly tapered top with radiating, outwardly, downwardly directed, upwardly facing grooves and an upwardly standing central core (58) snuggly received within the passageway (22) joined to the top of the umbrella-like member (34) with a plurality of radially, outwardly facing grooves (68) extending from the top to the bottom to form a plurality of peripheral closed channels for passing hot water to upwardly facing grooves (74) of the umbrella-like body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing an infused beverage. The device includes an infusion container for containing liquid and comprising an opening to allow liquid to flow out of the container. The device further includes a receptacle comprising a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing infusible matter. The infusion container and the receptacle are operable in relation to each other to be arranged in a position wherein the infusion container and the cavity communicate through the opening. The device further comprises an openable and closable passage communicating with the cavity to allow liquid to flow from the infusion container to the passage through the cavity. The device further includes a cleaning means for introducing a liquid and/or vapor within the infusion container and a removing means for removing the cartridge from the cavity. An operating means is arranged for operating the cleaning means and the removing means successively.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a beverage brewing device that includes a housing and a fill-port located on front side of the housing. The fill-port includes an inlet that may accept a fluid supply container. Provided in some embodiments is a method of preparing a brewed beverage that includes coupling a fluid supply container to a fill-port located on a front side of a brewing device, routing a fluid contained in the fluid container from the fluid container to a heat-exchange device to heat the fluid, routing the heated fluid to a brewing container to brew the fluid, and routing the brewed fluid into a beverage container used for serving the brewed beverage.

Abstract: A drip coffee maker is provides including a means for delaying the release of brewed coffee from the brew basket assembly position in a brew basket housing. The brew basket assembly includes an upper basket portion vertically movably mounted with respect to a lower basket portion. A bias member is interposed between the basket portions, vertically biasing the upper basket portion with respect to the lower basket portion. A basket valve is included in the upper and lower basket portions, and is actuatable between an open and a closed position. A carafe is included, and has a lid portion with a lid aperture therein. The carafe is removably positionable under the brew basket assembly with the lid aperture proximal to the basket valve. The basket valve opens when the weight of the hot water and coffee grounds in the upper basket portion exceeds a threshold weight of the bias members.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a beverage brewing machine includes a filter pack containing an amount of grinds to brew approximately only a single serving of brewed beverage, a single serving disposable brew basket including a body defining a brewing reservoir. The body is formed with a disposable rigid construction. The body has an opening therethrough to permit a brewed beverage to flow from the brewing reservoir of the disposable brew basket into a beverage container. The body extends upwardly from a bottom of the brewing reservoir to an open top that is configured to receive heated water from the brewing machine. The heated water flows through the open top during a brewing operation. The brewing reservoir has a size dimensioned appropriate to make approximately only a single serving of beverage during a single brewing operation. The brewing area is sufficiently large to hold the filter pack and the heated water while brewing without a level of the heated water rising above and overflowing the open top.

Abstract: A container receiving unit for use in an apparatus for preparing a beverage includes a receiving space for receiving a container arranged for holding a beverage base material, a reservoir for containing beverage, and a distribution system which has an inlet connected to the reservoir, at least two outlets for dispensing beverage, and a liquid flow path extending from the inlet to the outlets. The liquid flow path has a device for reducing the speed of beverage flowing from the reservoir to the outlets during operation. The relatively high speed that is generated at an earlier stage of operation in the apparatus is diminished in the distribution system to a level at which the beverage can be distributed evenly over the outlets. In this manner all cups will be provided with an even amount of beverage.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for increasing the interaction between water and a brewing substance in a brewing apparatus. The structure includes a spray head having a thickness dimension which facilitates the formation and definition of tubes or passages extending therethrough. The passages are directed at an angle so as to provide an extended flow path to and through the brewing substance. The spray head is positioned a dimension above the brewing substance retained in a pod so as to increase the interaction between water dispensed through the spray head and the brewing substance which is infused by the water from the spray head. The use of the angled paths helps to increase the saturation, penetration and agitation of the brewing substance so as to help promote uniformity of extraction of the brewing substance. Additionally, directed flow helps facilitate quicker rate of expansion of the brewing substance within the corresponding chamber thereby helping to improve the overall brewing process.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker comprises a stand, a water reservoir, a filter basket to hold beverage grinds to be brewed, a brewed beverage tank for holding a brewed beverage, a dispenser for dispensing the brewed beverage from the brewed beverage tank, and a floating brewed beverage level indicator. The floating indicator is adapted to protrude through an aperture in a wall of the brewed beverage tank. At least a portion of the indicator is buoyant and floats on a surface of the brewed beverage. A portion of the indicator protrudes through the aperture to indicate an amount of the brewed beverage in the brewed beverage tank.