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 beverage server assembly and a base for elevating a beverage container. The beverage server assembly includes the base including extensions and a connecting portion defining a nesting area therein. The nesting area defines an opening. A drip tray assembly can be removably retained in the nesting area. The drip tray assembly includes a drip tray with a removable grate. The nesting area is sized in dimension for use with the drip tray assembly or with the grate without the drip tray. The server assembly can be positioned with the faucet extending over a drain to allow liquid to flow from the faucet to the grate, through the opening and to the drain without collection in the drip tray.

Abstract: A gas eliminating control valve assembly, system and method is disclosed. The valve system includes a valve casing coupled to a solenoid actuator assembly. The valve casing includes an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a fluid chamber communicating at least with one inlet conduit and one outlet conduit. The outlet conduit communicates with the fluid chamber at a position at least adjacent a portion of the fluid chamber to conduct gases, bubbles or separated gas out of the fluid chamber during operation of the valve open fluid flow, such that gas entrapment and bubble formation within the fluid chamber is reduced, avoided or eliminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, apparatus and kit for dispensing hot water. The apparatus includes a body which may be positioned or etched to a portion of a housing of a brewer or other beverage making system. The body may be mounted in various orientations relative to the brewer. A moveably mounted faucet is provided on the body to accommodate one of several orientations.

Abstract: A server for use with a beverage dispenser, a beverage dispenser including a server, and methods for reducing heat transfer. The server includes an inner wall and an outer wall with the wall defining a gap there between. The inner wall defines a cavity for retaining a volume of beverage. A dispense passage extends between the inner and outer walls and communicates with the cavity for dispensing beverage from the server. A sump may be provided in at least the inner wall. The dispense passage may be configured to communicate with the sump. The dispense passage may be configured to extend from a side of the inner wall or sump through to the side of the outer wall. The dispense passage extends through the gap. An inlet port of the passage communicates with the sump. The sump is sized in dimension in relation to the inlet port to reduce heat transfer from beverage retained in the cavity to the beverage retained in the dispense passage.

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

Abstract: A container positioner assembly for use in positioning a volume of material in a container relative to a dispensing apparatus. The container positioner assembly includes structures for engagement with the apparatus allowing relative movement of a container attached thereto. The container positioner assembly may include an assist system which facilitates biased movement of the container relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and dispensing a plurality of beverages, the dispensing apparatus comprising; a plurality of beverage dispensing modules (32), each beverage module having a container (68) and a brewing assembly (30) for making a respective beverage and delivering the respective beverage to the container, and a housing (34) associated with the plurality of beverage dispensing modules and defining a chamber containing a liquid for supply to the beverage making assemblies to make respective beverages.