Abstract: The invention herein described is a tea brewer comprising a plurality of removable dispensers which are filled from a central brewing unit. The central brewing unit comprehends provisions for developing a tea extract or concentrate which is then contemporaneously mixed with a dilutant within one of the removable dispensers; the ratio of extract to dilutant being controlled to provide a potable mixture.

Abstract: A machine for preparing brewed beverages includes a housing; a collecting vessel station disposed in the housing for receiving a brewed beverage collecting vessel thereon; a brewing water supplying station disposed in the housing above the collecting vessel station; a filter vessel for receiving a filter and a beverage material to be extracted therein; and a filter vessel holder for vertically receiving the filter vessel therein. The filter vessel holder is pivotally attached to the exterior of the housing for rotation between a brewing position in which the filter vessel received therein is substantially disposed between the brewing water supplying station and the collecting vessel station, and a filling position in which the filter vessel received in the filter vessel holder is spaced from the interior of the housing.

Abstract: The In-Car Coffee Maker allows the driver of a motor vehicle to brew a cup or other single portion of brewed beverage without taking attention from the road. The device is stabilized by an anchored base. There is a rotatable holder clamp to level the coffee maker on an uneven floor or other surface of a motor vehicle, and an interlock mechanism prevents commencement of the brewing cycle unless the drinking cup is applied in proper position adjacent the coffee maker. A showerhead configuration above a brewing chamber allows heated water to dispersably contact a prepackaged filter containing beverage precursor particles. A thermostat control causes automatic shut-off when a single portion has brewed. A water reservoir is removable and resealable. Splash guard features are provided in the drinking cup for safety.

Abstract: An appliance for brewing a flavor-carrying material such as coffee, tea or the like. The appliance includes a reservoir for receiving a predetermined amount of water, heating means for heating the water and a brew basket having a chamber adapted to receive a predetermined amount of flavor-carrying particulate therein. The brew basket includes an open upper end, an aperture at the lowest portion of the chamber, and a valve element movable between a first position and a second position to create a drain opening at two locations within the chamber. In the first position, the valve element defines a drain opening a predetermined height above the lowest portion of the chamber and in the second position defines a drain opening at the lowest portion of the chamber.

Abstract: a spool for use with a piston assembly in an automatic beverage brewing apparatus including a brew chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a filter disposed therein, and a water distribution system for introducing brew water and flush water therein. A flush water dispenser of the water distribution system is positioned centrally in the brew chamber for rinsing inside surfaces of the brew chamber. The piston assembly includes the spool and a device for controllably moving the spool in axial and rotary directions. The spool has a head, a base, and a necked portion extending between the head and the base. The head and base have external dimensions which are less than or substantially equal to an internal dimension of an opening in the filter. The external dimension of the head is less than or substantially equal to the external dimension of the base. The dimensions of the head, base and necked portion allow the filter assembly to be installed and removed over the head and base.

Abstract: A vertical hollow cylinder has a first vertical hollow tube on its periphery which extends upwardly above the upper cylinder end and terminates in a hollow horizontal extension having a downwardly disposed discharge orifice overlying the open cylinder end. A vertical hollow cylindrical member has an upper end being disposed adjacent but below the horizontal tube extension and lower end adjacent but below the upper cylinder. The member is peripherally secured to the first tube and being horizontally pivotable between a closed position at which the cylinder and member are vertically aligned and an open position at which the member is swung outwardly with respect to the cylinder. A second vertical hollow tube has a first opening which communicates with the interior of the member at a point disposed above its inner surface. A third vertical hollow tube engaging the second tube has a second opening communicating with said inner surface.

Abstract: A coffeemaker with a stand and a carafe. The stand includes a receiving tray to hold the carafe and keep the coffee hot,a water heater, and a basket for holding ground coffee and receiving heated water. The carafe has two concentric chambers of about equal volume. The inner chamber receives freshly made coffee and holds it prior to pouring. The outer cylinder is a reservoir to hold water prior to its being heated to make coffee. After the coffee has been made, the outer chamber is empty and acts as an insulator for the coffee in the inner chamber. A water-receiving tube in the stand presses a valve on the reservoir, opening it, so that the water in the reservoir flows into a water heater in the stand and, after heating, is directed to the coffee-holding filter at the top of the stand.

Abstract: Beverage brewing and/or warming systems benefit from water treatment and, in some cases, the elimination or reduction of the amount of AC heat heretofore provided for such devices. Water treatment is provided in the present invention by using magnetic treatment or electromagnetic treatment by direct injection in the fluid stream or a combination of such water treatment systems. Treatment preferably occurs prior to mixing of the heated brewing fluid and the beverage powder, but improved brewing also results from treatment at the discharge side of the brewing container, e.g. the discharge of a filter holder. Improved taste and a reduction in the amount of coffee used to obtain a desired taste level results from such treatment, and the holding qualities are also improved. The bitter taste resulting from extend holding periods can be minimized or eliminated. Magnetic treatment may employ a multi-magnet concept to create sharp field boundaries, or other magnetic water treatment devices.

Abstract: A coffee making machine for automatically producing coffee solution from unroasted coffee beans comprises a roaster for holding coffee beans and roasting the dried coffee beans into roasted coffee beans, a milling/extracting unit for grinding the roasted coffee beans into ground coffee and extracting coffee solution from the ground coffee, a blower for blowing air into the milling/extracting unit to cool the roasted coffee beans before they are ground, a pouring unit for pouring hot water onto the ground coffee and extracting the coffee solution therefrom, a coffee server for receiving the coffee solution from the milling/extracting unit, and means for supplying the coffee solution from the milling/extracting unit to the coffee server. The operation of the roaster, the supply of roasted coffee beans from the roaster to the milling/extracting unit, and the operation of the milling/extracting unit, the blower and the pouring unit are automatically performed at predetermined timings.

Abstract: Coffee or tea maker has an intermediate vessel for holding heated water, a siphon for periodically emptying the intermediate vessel into a coffee or tea filter, a ventilation pipe for venting the intermediate vessel, and a water inlet for filling said intermediate vessel with heated water. The intermediate vessel is closed except for the siphon, the ventilation pipe, and the inlet pipe. There is a siphon inlet on an upper part of the siphon and which extends upwardly further than a lower delimiting plane on a lower portion of a downwardly open chamber located within the intermediate vessel.

Abstract: A compact portable apparatus for brewing hot coffee, hot tea or another hot beverage has a housing with a first chamber for a supply of liquid to be heated and a filter assembly above the chamber. A cup which can receive, for example, a quantity of hot beverage to fill two standard cups confines the lower portion of the housing when the apparatus is ready for storage but the cup is placed next to the housing and beneath an outlet for hot beverage when the apparatus is to be put to use. The cup and the lower portion of the housing define an annular chamber which receives the convolutions of an electric cable serving to connect an electric heater for liquid in the first chamber with an energy source. A carrier of the filter assembly has a chamber for reception of hot beverage before the latter flows into the cup.

Abstract: An electric coffee or tea making machine wherein the housing resembles a carafe and has an annular outer chamber for hot beverage and a centrally located chamber for a body of water. The centrally located chamber is located above a heating unit, such as a standard electric resistance heater, a halogen lamp or a heater with one or more thick film conductors, and the heated liquid flows upwardly through a riser to be distributed over a supply of comminuted coffee beans or tea leaves in a removable filtering unit which has an outlet for admission of freshly brewed coffee or tea into the outer chamber. A cover above the filtering unit is threadedly connected to the upper end of the housing to ensure that the interior of the housing can be maintained well above atmospheric pressure without risking escape of hot water or steam. The device for uniformly distributing heated water in the filtering unit can constitute a nozzle or a foraminous top wall above the supply of flavoring agent.

Abstract: A beverage brewer includes a water reservoir in which water is heated to a predetermined brewing temperature by a resistance heater element within the reservoir. To initiate a brewing cycle cold water is admitted to the reservoir for a predetermined time period through an electrically operated fill valve to displace a predetermined volume of heated water from the reservoir. The heated water flows through a beverage filter containing coffee or tea to a serving beaker. A temperature interlock circuit having a temperature sensing element in the reservoir prevents actuation of the fill valve when the reservoir temperature falls below a predetermined minimum level.

Abstract: A coffee or tea making machine wherein the housing has a container for a supply of water and supports a holder for tea leaves or comminuted coffee beans. A conduit connects the outlet of the container with the holder, and a portion of such conduit is constituted by an electric heater which has one or more thick film conductors in series with an on-off switch and a relay which regulates the flow of current from an energy source to the thick film conductor or conductors. Such conductor or conductors can be applied directly to an insulating carrier which can be made of a ceramic or plastic material and defines a portion of the path for the flow of water from the container to the holder. Alternatively, the carrier can be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, and then supports one or more insulating covers at least one of which carries a thick film conductor. The conductor or conductors are applied in the form of a paste which is caused to dry on the insulating carrier or on the cover or covers.

Abstract: A machine for making coffee, soup or other hot beverages has a housing for a pressure-resistant container which can receive a supply of water or another liquid. The bottom wall of the container constitutes or supports an insulating carrier for one or more thick film conductors which can be connected by several relays so as to cause heated liquid to flow to the holder in pulsating fashion. One of the relays receives signals from a thermometer which monitors the temperature of heated liquid in the conduit. A second heater employing one or more thick film conductors is used to heat a warming plate for a vessel which can be placed onto a leg of the housing beneath the holder to receive hot beverage when the outlet of the holder is open. The conduit includes a riser with an inlet at its lower end, and a pipe connecting the upper end of the riser with an outlet for heated liquid.

Abstract: A machine for making hot tea wherein a pressure-resistant container for the supply of water supports or embodies an insulating carrier for one or more thick film conductors. A riser, which can be caused to move up and down relative to the bottom wall of the container, serves to convey hot water into a steeping receptacle wherein the water comes in contact with tea leaves. The sealable outlet in the bottom of the steeping receptacle can discharge hot tea into a vessel resting on a warming plate. The warming plate is supported by a leg of the housing for the container and steeping receptacle and can be heated by a second heater having a carrier for one or more thick film conductors.

Abstract: A beverage maker system for installation and use in automotive vehicles including an improved beverage-brewing chamber. The beverage-brewing chamber has an upper brewing chamber area for receiving heated water from a water heater and a lower brewing chamber area for receiving a disposable brew basket. The brew basket holds a filter-like pouch containing powdered or granular beverage making material and the brew basket includes a central top opening for receiving heated water from the upper chamber area, an annular side wall, and a bottom wall having a multiplicity of fluid flow perforations. The bottom wall of the brew basket also includes a central depressed closure portion for seating in and closing a bottom aperture of the beverage-brewing chamber. Shape-memory members of initially reduced height are located within the lower brewing chamber area below the brew basket and are positioned around the closure portion of the bottom wall of the basket.

Abstract: A convertible beverage (coffee and tea) making machine which as manufactured is a manual cold water pour-in machine and which is readily convertible "in the field" to an automatic cold water inlet machine, with or without a separate hot water faucet, by installing the contents of a conversion kit. If desired, the machine can be re-converted from an automatic back to a manual cold water pour-in machine. Separate and apart from being convertible from pour-in to automatic, the beverage making machine incorporates structural features which readily permit the following optional changes: the brewing funnel support rails can be re-positioned to allow the brewing funnel to be inserted and withdrawn from either the right or left side instead of from the front; the electric switch "buttons" can be re-positioned from the front to either the right or left sides; and, a hot water faucet, when added, can be mounted on either the right or left sides.

Abstract: An ADC coffee maker has a brewed coffee container and a cold water compartment surrounding part of the brewed coffee container located in a single housing. The coffee maker housing includes an upper housing member made from a thermoplastic material and a lower housing made from a thermoplastic material and forming the lower part of the brewed coffee container, such lower part being closed by a stainless steel warmer plate. A cold water fill port is located adjacent the upper end of the brewed coffee container. A uniquely constructed brew basket is provided and a uniquely constructed lid that covers the brewed coffee container and the fill port is also provided.

Abstract: A beverage maker includes a continuous flow electric heater assembly of tubular construction adapted to be connected to a source of fresh water and is arranged for guiding fresh water therethrough for heating the fresh water to brewing temperatures, and a filtering vessel and pipe arrangement to introduce heated fresh water from the heater assembly to the filtering vessel. The heater assembly comprises at least two tubular continuous flow electric heaters each being bent into a U-shaped configuration. The heaters are arranged in a generally horizontally juxtaposed mutually nested relationship and each has a metal heater tube containing an electric heating element, a metal water pipe extending adjacent the metal heater tube parallel therewith and a heat conducting flat web connecting the heater tube with the water pipe for transferring heat from the heater tube to the water pipe. There is further provided a tubular connector coupling the water pipes of the heater assemblies to one another.

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: A beverage maker for coffee or the like operated electrically and in which the water container is resilient so that it is expandable within the confines of the beverage maker so that a greater beverage capacity is achieved selectively. The beverage is made by pumping up the water from a lower compartment to an upper compartment having the flavored substance therein wherein the water drips through the flavored substance and through apertures in the upper container to an annular receptacle surrounding the expandable water container.

Abstract: A coffee or tea maker for delivering hot water to a pot via a filter vessel comprising a fresh water container; an overflow device disposed for introducing the hot water into the filter vessel when the filter vessel is disposed below a portion of the overflow device, the overflow device including an intermediate vessel having first, second and third passages; a riser pipe disposed between the fresh water container and the intermediate vessel and extending through the first passage; a flow heater for heating the water in the riser pipe; a support location for the pot; a siphon extending through the second passage and disposed for periodically emptying the intermediate vessel; and a ventilation pipe extending through the third passage and having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the ventilation pipe is disposed in the intermediate vessel and the second end of the ventilation pipe is disposed outside of the intermediate vessel; and wherein the intermediate vessel is closed on all sides except for t

Abstract: A combined beverage (coffee and tea) brewer and hot water dispenser wherein the hot water for both brewing and dispensing is supplied from the upper portion of the same hot water reservoir tank. The cold water supply to the bottom portion of the reservoir tank for displacing and replacing hot water for brewing is separate from that for displacing and replacing hot water for dispensing whereby hot water may be dispensed and replaced at anytime, including during the brew cycle, without interference with brewing.

Abstract: In an electrical continuous flow heater for an appliance such as a coffee machine, a tubular heater member has a jacket tube in heat conducting contact with a pipe for carrying the fluid to be heated, with the pipe and jacket tube disposed in horizontal side-by-side relationship. The jacket tube or the pipe, or both, have a wall thickness which varies over the periphery thereof, the thickest portion of the pipe wall being lowest in the horizontal position during use and the thickest portion of the jacket tube contacting the pipe. In one arrangement, the thickest portion of the tubular jacket and/or pipe is provided by a strip of sheet metal attached to such pipe or tubular jacket. In another arrangement, the pipe and jacket tube are constructed as a unitary extruded member.

Abstract: A fixedly positioned hot plate, particularly for use with a coffee maker, has an upper surface for receiving a container of liquid to be maintained at a constant temperature. An electric heating device arranged underneath the hot plate includes a plate member movable between a first position in biased engagement with the underside of the hot plate and a second position spaced therefrom to vary the heat exchange rate therebetween. Secured to the underside of the plate member is a metallic sheathed heating having a water heating pipe soldered to the periphery thereof. A temperature sensitive element, e.g. U-shaped bimetal, thermally coupled to the heating device has a first portion connected to a downwardly dependent stud secured to the underside of the hot plate and extending freely through a bore in the plate member an a second portion secured to the plate member.

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 countertop, iced-tea brewing and dispensing apparatus includes means for heating a stream of water that thereafter passes through a bed of tea leaves at a ratio which will produce a beverage concentrate. The concentrate is collected in a reservoir where it is kept at between 120.degree. and 140.degree. F. The heated concentrate is combined with cold water at a ratio of at least four parts water per part concentrate and dispensed into a drinking vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing coffee comprising an inlet and outlet valve attached to a conduit for flowing water, a pump means interposed between said valves. A heating element comprising a coil and a burner plate. Connected to the outlet valve is a reducing nipple and water distributor.

Abstract: In a coffee maker having a housing 1, a flow heater 6, a water reservoir 4 and a filter device 3 the flow heater is accommodated in a cassette 10 which is detachably mounted in the housing 1. By detaching the cassette from the coffee maker the electrical parts are completely separated from the housing. The detached cassette permits the housing of the coffee maker to be immersed in water during cleaning.

Abstract: A drip-type hot water feeder of a coffee maker incudes an electric heater for heating and boiling water fed from a water reservoir, and a timer for controlling the time for supplying an electric current to the heater to regulate the hot-water supply to a brewer. The timer has a manually movable control member for continuously variably setting the current supply time and a scale indicating the quantity of hot-water supply corresponding to the time set by the control member. Each mark of the scale has a predetermined width in the setting movement direction of the control member and includes a plurality of compensating indexes indicative of the adjustment of the control member necessary to compensate the set current supply time and thus the quantity of hot water to be supplied indicated by each mark for variations in cold water conditions influencing the time required for supplying a desired quantity of a hot water.

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 compact self-contained compact hot beverage or drip coffee maker is provided which includes a base unit suitable to contain water for heating and a water heating unit. In the travel or storage mode, a hot beverage holder, a beverage mix storage container, at least one beverage drinking cup, and a beverage filter basket/filler assembly are internested in the base unit in order to provide a compact unit suitable for storage in a travel bag. In the brew mode, the coffee maker kit provides gourmet quality drip coffee.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for transferring a predetermined charge of water between a bottled water container and a coffee maker. The system comprises a pump and a timer which operates the pump for a preset period of time while a charge of water is transferred through a series of conduits from a bottled water container to a coffee maker, the quantity of the charge being substantially independent of bottled water level.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus of the infusion type in which a hot water tank contains several infusion charges, the tank is connected at the top to a conduit extending to an infusion sprayer over a pan containing granular matter to be infused, replenishing water is supplied to the bottom of the tank and is used to force a top charge of water in the tank into the pan, a heater for the tank is controlled by a lower thermostat in the tank and an upper thermostat indicates when the top charge is at the correct temperature for infusion to take place. The arrangements ensure a ready supply of hot water for further infusions while reducing the instant power requirements for the heater.

Abstract: An electric coffee percolator is provided with a fresh water container located above a water heating chamber sized to receive and retain about 30-60% of the volumetric amount of fresh water required for a complete coffee infusion. The heating chamber is separated by a common wall from the water container and receives fresh water therefrom through a non-return value located in the common wall. A ventilating pipe in the water container is slidably amounted in the common wall to project a selected distance into the heating chamber so that the water level in the heating chamber can be adjusted. A check valve in the ventilating tube prevents expulsion of water from the heating chamber into the water container. The bottom wall of the heating chamber is provided with an electric heating element surrounding a well from which a riser pipe through which the hot water is expelled extends upwardly to a water outlet chamber having a cross-sectional area which increase in size from its inlet end to its outlet end.

Abstract: An improved beverage-making device, particularly useful for brewing coffee, provides a safety thermostat arrangement for quickly detecting excessive temperatures of a hot water container generally near a heating element arranged therein. A running thermostat provides a self-supporting sensing tube means in cooperation with a capillary tube and thermostat which detect the mean temperature of the hot water and are responsive to a narrow range of temperature variations within the hot water container. The improvement further includes a tap-off hot water system which provides hot water separately and independently of the brewing water heated in said container. The system is connected upstream of the cold water inlet valve of the device and directs cold water into a water coil means residing within the hot water container. Outlet pipe means convey heated water from the coil to an outlet faucet projecting exteriorly of the device.

Abstract: A coffee maker comprises a housing and a water tank formed as a unitary plastic part, the housing having a horizontal base and a wall extending perpendicularly to the base, the water tank extending horizontally from the upper portion of such wall. Included are a filter device and a flow heater for heating water from the water tank and feeding the same to the filter device. Provision is made for mounting the flow heater on the rear side of the housing wall; and a cover is provided for enclosing the mounted flow heater.

Abstract: Fully automatic brewing apparatus is disclosed for economically and efficiently making large quantities of beverage. Beverage concentrate is first brewed from a dry, beverage-making material, such as tea leaves contained in a brewing funnel which, in one embodiment may be pivoted for emptying the concentrate into a selected one of a pair of relatively large reservoirs. The concentrate is automatically diluted to acceptable strength and temperature by the timed addition of water to the reservoir in a stream which provides complete mixing of the concentrate with the diluting water.

Abstract: Apparatus for making coffee by the filter method has an integral water reservoir and filter holder (6) of for example a one-piece plastics moulding. The reservoir has a horizontal extension (14) in which the filter holder (13) is located. The reservoir (14) has an integral riser tube (11) for transferring hot water to the filter holder. A filter comprising a moulded one-piece framework (28) that supports a mesh filter material. The base of the filter has spacer ribs (33) that rest on the floor (23) of the filter holder (13). The coffee outlet of the filter holder is closable by an anti-drip device (35) displaceable to permit flow of coffee from the holder (6) when a receptacle is placed beneath the holder.

Abstract: A continuous flow heater assembly for an electrically heated apparatus for producing an infusion beverage comprises a generally dish-like mounting plate carrying a tubular heater of generally annular configuration and, inside that annular configuration, a water pipe which is also of a generally annular configuration. The underside of the tubular heater and the water pipe are in heat-conducting contact with the mounting plate while the underside of a support plate for supporting a container containing a beverage bears against the tubular heater but not against the water pipe. A raised edge portion of the dish shape of the mounting plate extends at a small spacing from the adjacent side wall of the tubular heater, to a position close to the underside of the support plate. Alternatively, a guard ring may be fitted onto the space between the mounting plate and the support plate outwardly of the tubular heater to partially close the space between the plates.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a main body which has a jug stand and a support portion parallel to the base at a predetermined distance therefrom. A cylindrical jug for storing brewed coffee is placed on the jug stand. A cylindrical extractor is placed on the jug. A cylindrical mill case for storing coffee beans is detachably mounted on the support portion to be located above the extractor. A motor is mounted on the support portion and housed in the mill case. A cutter is mounted on a rotating shaft of the motor and located in the mill case. The cutter is driven by the motor to grind coffee beans in the mill case. The mill case has a supply port facing the extractor through which the coffee ground in the mill case is supplied to the extractor. The mill case, extractor, and jug are vertically aligned to be coaxial with each other.

Abstract: A batch-brewing coffee system brews a number of cups of coffee at the same time and stores the brewed coffee at a reduced temperature until it is needed to prevent deterioration of flavor. The coffee is then dispensed as needed, with an approximately one cup of volume being either quickly heated in a heat exchanger on demand, or alternatively approximately one cup of coffee could be maintained hot and ready to dispense on demand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coffee maker comprising a water reservoir (1), a filter device (2) and a flow heater (3) for heating water from the water reservoir for delivery to the filter device. A problem associated with coffee makers is the deposit of scale in the flow heater. It is proposed to provide a coffee maker with means (13, 14) for adding a small amount of coffee extract to the water before it enters the flow heater (3). Coffee extract naturally contains phosphoric-acid-like compounds which inhibit the crystal growth of metal salts in the water. Preferably, coffee extract is fed continuously from the filter device (2) to the water reservoir (1).

Abstract: An electric drip coffeemaker hot water generator wherein a unique self-cleaning water channel construction is provided in an aluminum casting. A plurality of transverse lands and grooves are formed in the walls of the water channel so that mineral deposits that build up on the lands and grooves and other surfaces of the water channel will crack off or flake away in relatively small chips from differential thermal expansion and contraction. The small chips will be flushed through the channel and into the coffee grounds.

Abstract: An improved automatic coffee maker includes three separate chambers for heating water, storing brewed coffee at a relatively low temperature, and heating coffee to serving temperature prior to dispensing. The dispensing and water heating chambers preferably share a common wall, and at least a portion of such wall is in contact with the heated water in the water chamber. Heat is transferred through such common wall to heat the coffee in the dispensing chamber prior to dispensing. Means can be included for automatically detecting a low level of coffee in the intermediate storage chamber, and initiating the next brewing cycle.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus includes a hot water reservoir from which heated water is dispensed in predetermined serving volumes through a beverage filter to a serving beaker. A volume of cold water equal to a predetermined serving volume is admitted to a lower inlet zone of the reservoir, heated by an electric resistance heating element within the reservoir and dispensed in a volume equal to the serving volume from an upper outlet zone of the reservoir coincident with the introduction of cold water into the inlet zone. The reservoir has a volume greater than twice the predetermined serving volume so that a volume of resident heated water is contained in the central brew zone thereof. A temperature sensing element, e.g., thermistor, is disposed within the lumen of a hollow heat conductive tubing extending to a predetermined location in the brew zone at or near the center of the reservoir and produces a temperature control signal continuously indicative only of the temperature of the water in the brew zone.

Abstract: A beverage making appliance operable either automatically or as a pour-in beverage maker. A cold water basin is located over a hot water tank. Cold water tube extends down into the hot water tank from a drain opening in the bottom of the basin whereby cold water discharges into the lower portion of the hot water tank and displaces an equal quantity of hot water through a siphon tube for discharge through a spray head onto the contents in a brew funnel positioned beneath the spray head. In the automatic mode, cold water is delivered to the cold water basin through a cold water conduit connected with a supply of cold water under pressure. The cold water conduit has a flow control valve and a timer-controlled solenoid valve whereby a predetermined volume of cold water may be repetitively delivered on each actuation of the timer. The discharge end of the cold water conduit is pointed downwardly directly into the drain opening in the basin and upper end of the cold water tube.

Abstract: A flow-through instantaneous electric water heater for coffee percolators has a metal casting with a substantially flat bottom portion formed with a U-shaped trough receiving therein a U-shaped electric heating element. A semi-annular boiling water chamber is formed in the casting between the arms of the U-shaped heating element adjacent the base region of the U and has an inlet and an outlet opening connected, respectively, to water inflow and outflow conduits located adjacent the legs of the heating element. The water inflow conduit has a length at least 1.3 times the length of the average flow path of water flowing through the boiling water chamber or about twice the diameter of the boiling water chamber and is thermally insulated over a major portion of its length from the adjacent heating element leg by an air gap to insure that the temperature of the fresh water flowing into the chamber from the inlet conduit is below the boiling temperature.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus useful to prepare a hot beverage from a flavor substance. The apparatus has a flow-through heater, a container for a liquid and a cup unit for the flavor substance. A pipe joins the cup unit and the liquid container. The cup unit includes a cup and there is a filter carrier to fit in the top of the cup and to carry a filter containing the flavor substance. A passage extends through the filter carrier and is open at both ends of the carrier. A channel is formed between the base of the filter carrier and the passage. Further passages join the interior of the passage to the channel. The filter carrier has upper and lower closures. The heater unit has a container for a liquid; a heater for the liquid and a head to fit over the cup unit. The pipe extends from the heater to the head.