Abstract: A beverage making apparatus for producing a desired beverage using a heated brewing substance. The apparatus includes a system and method for preventing initiating of a heating cycle when an insufficient amount of water is retained in the apparatus. Additional features of the brewer are provided to facilitate movement of water through the system.

Abstract: A server (20) for retaining and dispensing a heated beverage. The server includes an insulated server body (23) for reducing heat transfer of heat from the liquid beverage retained therein. A sump (60) is provided in the server body at a lower portion thereof for draining beverage from the server. The sump has a minimal cross sectional area to further reduce heat transfer from a volume of liquid beverage retained in the server to the sump. A faucet (42) is attached to the server and communicates with the sump through a port (76). An interface hub (52) is positioned between the faucet and the server for reducing heat transfer from the liquid beverage t the facucet.

Abstract: A beverage system including a communication means (300) for communicating between a beverage dispensing module (32) and a base station (304). Each beverage-dispersing module (32) includes a controller (76), which is centralized for use with multiple modules (32) or dedicated to an individual module (32). The controller (76) collects information about the module (32) or modules. The controller (76) includes link (302), which connect the controller (76) to the base station (304). The base station (304) includes a means for displaying display (305) and can provide visual auditor or other information about numerous conditions.

Abstract: A brewer (20) for brewing a beverage adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with a pressurized water line. The brewer includes a tank (70) having a chamber adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the pressurized water line and a spray head (40) in fluid communication with the tank (70). The spray head (40) is adapted to discharge water from the tank (70) for brewing a beverage. A fluid pressure regulator (50) provides a flow of water to the tank (70) and to the spray head (40) at a selected pressure. A dispensing valve (90) is provided in fluid communication with the tank (70) and the spray head (40) for selectively controlling the flow of water from the tank (70) to the spray head (40). A controller (26) is provided for controlling operation of the brewer Water flows through the tank (70) to the spray head (40) under pressure provided by the pressurized water line for brewing a beverage.

Abstract: A reusable beverage container for use with a beverage maker to retain a beverage making substance therein. The reusable container has a container portion, a base and a cover. The base is coupled to the container portion and at least a portion of the base is foraminous. The cover is displaceably retained on the container for allowing a beverage making substance to be placed in the container and retained therein. At least a portion of the base is faraminous. The container may also be in the form of a kit for use with a beverage maker for containing a beverage making substance. The kit includes a cover displaceably retained on a holder of the beverage maker. The holder defines a cavity for retaining beverage making substance and the cover is displaceably positionable over the cavity for selectively retaining beverage substance in the holder.

Abstract: Disclosed are a water heating system, a method of heating water and a water heating apparatus for use in providing successive volumes of heated water at a generally consistent temperature. In one aspect of the disclosure, a water heating system includes a reservoir (22) for containing water (28), the reservoir having an inlet zone (50) comprising a lower portion of the reservoir and an outlet zone comprising an upper portion of the reservoir. A water inlet (38) is provided in fluid communication with a source (34) of water and the inlet zone. A heater (26) is positioned within the inlet zone is coupled to the reservoir. A temperature sensor (30) is positioned within the inlet zone, and a water outlet (46) is provided in fluid communication with the outlet zone. A controller (24) is coupled to the heater and the temperature sensor, the controller using information from the temperature sensor to controllably operate the heater to generally maintain a desired temperature within the reservoir.

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

Abstract: A level sensing apparatus and method of use for use with a beverage server to indirectly sense the level of beverage retained in the server. The server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage with an opening in the body for receiving the level sensing apparatus and beverage there through. The level sensing apparatus includes at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in a housing to separate the probe assembly from contact with beverage. The housing containing the capacitive sensing probe assembly being disposable into the opening in the body of the server. The capacitive sensing probe indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server. A separate display assembly is provided and selectively couplable to the capacitive sensing probe assembly. A power source is provided and coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly to provide power to sense and display the level of beverage in the server.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus (30) having a plurality of dispensing modules (32) and a housing (34) that defines a chamber (36) containing water or liquid suitable for use in brewing.

Abstract: Beverage making equipment, water heating equipment, and methods for using such equipment which use heated water and dispenses heated water from a heated water reservoir. The apparatus includes a water line extending from the heated water reservoir to a dispensing point, the line having a positive slope between the reservoir and dispensing point. A vent tube may also be used communicating with and coupled to the line with a return passage communicating with the vent and reservoir. The method of dispensing water from a heated water reservoir involves dispensing water from the reservoir at one level and delivering water to a dispensing point at a second level positioned at a positive dimension above the dispensing port of the heated water reservoir. the method may also include providing a vent tube coupled to and communicating with the line for removing gas which evolves from water passing through the line and returning the gas to the reservoir.

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 method and apparatus for producing a chilled or partially frozen beverage is provided. The system includes a beverage hopper (32) a chilling unit (44), a rotatable mixing member (38), a sensing member (230) for detecting an occurrence of a rotation reversal condition, a controller for generating a rotation reversal signal in response to the sensing member, and a drive motor (36) coupled to the mixing member for rotating the mixing member in a first direction and a second, reverse direction in response to a rotation reverse signal.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for detecting the level of acidity or pH of material in a beverage container. The system includes a sensor assembly including a pH sensor. Preferably, a controller is provided and receives a signal from the sensor assembly for controllably operating functions of the beverage container or dispenser based on the detection signal from the sensor assembly relating to material in the container. The controller may prevent further dispensing or may indicate a level of freshness based on baseline pH values or a range of values for the particular beverage contained.

Abstract: A beverage brewer having a water flow control system for controlling the flow water through the system during a brewing cycle. The water flow control system is related to the spray head used in the brewer. The system can be calibrated based on the spray head used with the system and the calibration information can be used during the brewing process. An information device may be provided on the spray head to communication information to the brewer to control the brewing process. The brewer may be provided with a reader to read the information from the spray head. A system which can be used with a brewer, including all of the aforementioned information associated with the spray head for use in controlling the water flow during a brewing cycle. The system can be provided with the brewer or retrofitted with an existing brewer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing beverages or other food products which includes, generally and broadly, controllably dispensing water from the system for use in brewing. Water is introduced to a heated water reservoir heating and subsequent use in a process such as brewing. A thermal expansion system is provided to accommodate water which expands from the reservoir as a result of the heating process. One form of thermal expansion system may include a venturi device which allows the accumulation of water which expands during the heating process and then returns the water to the flow of water during a brew cycle.

Abstract: A brewing system which uses an air pump to evacuate a dispensing line and a method of brewing in which a brewer includes an air pump to provide pressurized air at least at the end of a brew cycle to help evacuate moisture from a dispensing line. The brewing system includes a heated water reservoir which retains heated water for dispensing and a dispense line through which the water is dispensed. A vent is coupled to the reservoir. A controllable air pump communicates with the reservoir to controllably add air to the reservoir to drive water out of the reservoir. The vent is closed when the pump is used to add air to the system to allow for a build-up of air pressure in the reservoir and out through the dispense line. The controllable air pump controllably dispenses air into the upper portion. Both the air vent valve and air pump are controllably coupled to a controller.