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

Abstract: A water filter replacement indicator for apparatus that utilizes a filter for purifying water which has a power supply (20) and an auxiliary power supply (22). A timer (24) receives electrical energy from one of the power supplies, generating a first output signal indicating timed intervals. A divider (26) receives this first output signal quantifying the signal until a predetermined number of modulations are perceived at which time it produces a second output signal. A counter (28) receives the second output until a predetermined number of events are perceived at which time it produces a third, fourth and fifth output signal. The third output signal energizes a green light (30) indicating that the filter is operating within its usable life. The fourth output signal energizes a yellow light (32) indicating that the filter is about to reach its predetermined life span.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insulated beverage carafe adapted for use in an automatic drip coffee maker fabricated from non-reactive metal, having a heat resistant plastic handle that includes a detachable substantially transparent tubular gauge adapted to measure the amount of beverage within the carafe. Also taught is a method for preparing and serving hot coffee suitable in beverage service in individually dispensed portions, reading the gauge to determine when the carafe is empty; and, cleaning the empty carafe in a commercial dishwasher. An article of manufacture comprising packaging material containing an insulated beverage carafe with a handle that includes a gauge adapted to measure the amount of beverage within the carafe is also taught. The packaging material includes a brochure that provides directions for the use of said carafe.

Abstract: A light emitting diode light strip that uses a rigid hollow tube (20) sized to accommodate a printed circuit board (22) which has a positive and negative bus extending the full length of the board. One or more resistors (38) are in contact with the positive bus on one end and a series of light emitting diodes (44) on the other. The diodes are mounted through holes (34) in the board and the anode of the diode is in communication with a resistor while the cathode of the diode contacts an adjacent diode anode connecting them in linked series through traces on the bottom of the circuit board. The end cathode in each series, engages the negative bus forming a predetermined group of diodes electrically coupled to a single resistor on one end and the negative bus on the other. A pair of end caps (50) enclose the tube and an electrical cable (60) is connected through the caps to the busses on the circuit board.

Abstract: A watertight enclosure is presented which has the capabilities of housing not only coffee brewing apparatus but also a liquid detector for the prevention of leaking water from the inside of the housing if some abnormally is present in the liquid system. The enclosure (20) consists of a base (22), configured with an extended portion (24) suitable for receiving a coffee server, a top (26) with an overhanging shelf (28) aligned with the base extended portion for dispensing brewed coffee into a coffee server, an integral front (30), back (32), and a pair of sides (34). The top and back each have a removable portion (36) and (40) for access into the enclosure to house brewing apparatus. A liquid detector (46) may be disposed within the enclosure with sensors between the base and the access opening for recognizing the presence of liquid allowing its internal system to de-energizing the brewing apparatus within the enclosure.

Abstract: A coffee brew cone retaining device that maintains compression of a brew cone (40) onto the underside of a commercial coffee brewer which consists of a spray head holder (20) that has been modified to include a pair of downward depending legs (30) and (32) one located on each side. A torsion spring tape rail (38) is installed, preferably with threaded fasteners (50), onto each side of the spray head holder directly beneath the legs (30) and (32) and functions by supporting and maintaining the coffee brew cone tightly against the bottom (24) of the holder. The brew cone is modified by adding a raised peripheral lip (58) on the top surface of the mounting flange (56) which encircles the cones tapered interior. The lip slides easily on the bottom of the holder and wipes off moisture in the form of condensate when the cone is removed.

Abstract: A brewing completion indicator for a commercial coffee brewer that operates by receiving a signal from the brewer (20) and energizes an indicator (32) when it is safe to remove the brew cone or filter basket. In the past commercial brewers simply light an indicator when the brewing cycle is completed which may be dangerous as the hot water and steam may still be present and create a hazard. The invention precludes this problem by adding a time delay that permits sufficient time to pass until it is safe to remove the coffee grounds and filter in the brew cone. As brewers vary in capacity and utilize various types of coffee the apparatus is adjustable in the duration of time. Further the invention may be used in conjunction with existing solid state control systems already in the brewer or may be separate device that is added to the brewer as a separate component.

Abstract: A stove automatic shut off control for boiling a liquid which has a hinged platform (20) for holding a liquid container (22) held horizontally by a compression spring (24) which is axially urged downward when the container includes a liquid. Spring tension is changed by manual rotation of a shaft (38) modifying the spring compressive force displaced on the hinged platform by the spring. A contact switch (50) is energized when the weight of the liquid in the container changes from a pre-set level raising the spring. A reset timer (52) and an enunciator (54) communicate with the contact switch and force the control shaft to be pulled inward in a linear direction and also audibly indicate that the stove automatic shut off control is to shut down. To pre-set the apparatus the shaft is rotated with a hand knob (46) to raise the platform and then the shaft is pulled out.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for a pool cleaner which utilizes a conventional cleaning head (30) attached with a mounting foot (32) to a cleaning disc (34). A screen (36) is inserted into the foot and an outer sleeve (38) is mounted within the head leaving a gap (40) in between. A restricting jacket (56) is slideably mounted on the sleeve and is urged into a position that restricts a water flow path from the gap, by an adjustable bypass valve (68) superimposed on the jacket. A compression spring (96) maintains the jacket position and a valve diaphragm (98) receives pool water from a pool pumping system and oscillates open and closed causing the cleaner to be propelled by a hydraulic pulsation. When the diaphragm is momentarily closed the bypass valve permits the jacket to be slid to an open position by negative pressure of pool water bypassing the diaphragm permitting full water flow through the cleaner.

Abstract: An outer pipe casing (20) and a concrete tube (26) cast inside, form a pre-stressed concrete pipe in its elementary form. Prior to casting, a layer of non-cohesive material (28) is sprayed on the inside of the pipe casing and an annular ring (32) is welded inside adjacent to each end. A resilient seal ring (46) is captivated into the inwardly facing legs (38) of the second channel (36) of each annular ring and a temporary seal (52) separates each annular ring from the material (28). After the concrete of the tube cures, a pressurized solidifying compound (54) is inserted under pressure to a pathway (42) formed into each annular ring and it is also extruded into a region (30) coated by the non-cohesive material. Pressurization of the compound is sufficient to cause the pipe casing to bulge outwardly and compression of the concrete in the tube is achieved. When the compound hardens, the compressive force remains and pre-loads the pipe.

Abstract: Floating eyeglasses having a frame (20) with lenses (22), a bridge (24) and ends (26), preferably of the wrap around type fabricated of thermoplastic, are modified to include elements that permit the eyeglasses to float. Temples (30) are pivotally attached to the frame and include a inwardly curved smooth surface (36). A number of frame float pads (38-44) are attached to the frame adjacent to hinges that connect the temples. A pair of temple float pads (52) and (54) are attached to the curved surface of the temples. The combined frame and temple float pads have sufficient buoyancy to overcome the weight of the frame and temples permitting the eyeglasses to float in water with the temples always in an upright position.

Abstract: An improved valve for a pulsating submergible pool cleaner having a valve body (20) with an integral relief valve (32). The valve is dual acting and utilizes a pair of opposed laminated valve plates (50) with an outward bend (52) on one end and a right angle bend (54) on the other. When negative pressure is applied to the opposed plates, each plate draws together over a fulcrum (26) until the right angle bend touches a restrictive boundary in a cage (28) integral with the body creating the first step in the dual action. When negative pressure continues, the valve plates arcuately bow until the outward bends contiguously abut, closing the valve to fluid flow and creating the final step in the dual action. A garter spring (60) pulls the valves plates into their original parallel position when pressure is relieved.

Abstract: The fishing lure is comprised a fishing hook (20) molded into a weighted head (22) covered by a filament skirt (34). A hollow hook arm (42) is attached to the hook and has a loop (44) on the end. A wire weed guard (46) is planar with the hook and disposed within the hollow hook arm to protect the hook from entanglement with vegetation. The hook arm and guard are bent into a bow shape and a blade arm (52) having a noise producing blade (56) is pivotally attached to the loop. A spinner (64) is also attached to the loop with a swivel (66). The lure will buzz, throb, flutter, wiggle and stabilize in a path just below the waters surface while permitting the blade to rotate upon the waters surface for audibly and visibly attracting game fish. A second embodiment replaces the hollow hook arm with a single wire (76) that includes both the hook arm and wire guard.

Abstract: A security safe that incorporates a cabinet (20) formed of sheetmetal, including a front (22) and a door jamb (30). A door (42) for the safe is also formed of sheetmetal and has a jamb stop (48), box section (50) with a front flange (52) into which a series of hinge knuckles (58) are formed. A continuous hinge leaf (60) is plug welded (62) to an inside surface of the cabinet front and a hinge pin (64) unites the knuckles to the hinge leaf. The cabinet door jamb hinge knuckles and hinge leaf extend continuously the full height of the door. The hinge combination is completely hidden within the cabinet forming a secure barrier, as no access to the hinge is provided from the outside, nor is it at all visible, even when the door is open. This arrangement forms a secure barrier preventing unauthorized entry and in the event the door is forcibly jimmied and bent inwardly, the hinge remains totally inaccessible.