Abstract: An electrically operated coffee maker wherein the outlet of a water tank is separably connected with the lower end of a riser for hot water by a conduit which has an inlet fitting directly into the outlet of the tank and an outlet fitting directly into the lower end of the riser. A first O-ring is received in an external circumferential groove of the inlet and is surrounded and deformed by the outlet of the tank. A second O-ring is received in an external circumferential groove of the outlet and is surrounded and deformed by the lower end of the riser. The stream of water in the conduit is heated by one or more electric heating elements which can employ one or more thick film conductors.

Abstract: A quick-release mechanical coupling for a kitchen appliance with a drive shaft, which includes an attachment for the kitchen appliance, a first coupling ring rotationally integral with the attachment, a second coupling ring rotationally integral with the drive shaft, at least one connecting pin provided on one of the coupling rings, and at least one recess provided on the other coupling ring, the recess having a central slot portion and first and second branch portions extending in opposite circumferential directions from the central slot portion.