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: 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: 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: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser of the type for dispensing beverage into a server. The dispenser includes a housing having a body and an overhanging portion protruding from the housing. A dispensing area is defined between the overhanging portion of the body. The housing is configured for dispensing beverage therefrom. An extension is provided protruding from the body of the housing into the dispensing area. The extension is positioned proximate to an area which retains at least one server in the dispensing area. A void is defined in the dispensing area between the extension and the overhanging portion. The void helps facilitate ease of access to the dispenser and server as well as facilitating ease of access to the servers, removal and replacement of the servers as well as maintenance, repair, operation and other aspects of the dispenser.

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: 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 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: Disclosed is a beverage dispenser of the type for dispensing beverage into a server. The dispenser includes a housing having a body and an overhanging portion protruding from the housing. A dispensing area is defined between the overhanging portion of the body. The housing is configured for dispensing beverage therefrom. An extension is provided protruding from the body of the housing into the dispensing area. The extension is positioned proximate to an area which retains at least one server in the dispensing area. A void is defined in the dispensing area between the extension and the overhanging portion. The void helps facilitate ease of access to the dispenser and server as well as facilitating ease of access to the servers, removal and replacement of the servers as well as maintenance, repair, operation and other aspects of the dispenser.

Abstract: A beverage server and method of use for use as a stand alone server or in combination with at least one of a beverage maker and server power station. Contacts are provided on the server conductive coupling to the beverage maker or the station. The server is configured to preheat a reservoir in the server at least during one of prior to or during dispensing of beverage into the dispenser. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. The server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: A beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: A beverage server assembly includes a base, a housing for holding a beverage which is positioned on the base, and a contact member between the base and the housing. The contact member is fixed to the base and is in electrical connection with the housing. The base is supported above a surface on which the beverage server assembly is positioned, such as a countertop, at a predetermined height by legs. Each leg has a foot attached thereto. Each rear leg of the base is secured to the surface by a bracket to prevent a customer from tipping the beverage server assembly towards the surface.

Abstract: Beverage servers for retaining beverages at a desired heated temperature. Prior art beverage servers have attempted to maintain the temperature of a brewed beverage retained therein in a variety of ways. One form of beverage server utilizes a heat resistant and heat conductive material for a beverage reservoir and places an exposed flame using a product such as gelled fuel thereunder to provide heat. One problem with this type of beverage server is that an exposed flame is presented to the customers and that the flame does not necessarily maintain a consistent or desired beverage temperature.

Abstract: Beverage servers for retaining beverages at a desired heated temperature. Prior art beverage servers have attempted to maintain the temperature of a brewed beverage retained therein in a variety of ways. One form of beverage server utilizes a heat resistant and heat conductive material for a beverage reservoir and places an exposed flame using a product such as gelled fuel thereunder to provide heat. One problem with this type of beverage server is that an exposed flame is presented to the customers and that the flame does not necessarily maintain a consistent or desired beverage temperature.