Abstract: A coffee-making machine of the type to deliver hot water during a brewing cycle to ground coffee supported in a removeable filter unit includes a heated reservoir for water heating and storage and a sprayhead to deliver heated water from the reservoir to the filter unit. A first valved conduit is actuable to deliver a first amount of heated water from the reservoir to the sprayhead and a second valved conduit is actuable to deliver a second amount of heated water from the reservoir to the sprayhead. Selection switches allow an operator to select an amount of coffee to be brewed. A controller is in communication with the selection switches and controls actuation of the first and second valved conduits during a brewing cycle to deliver an appropriate amount of heated water to the sprayhead for delivery to ground coffee in the filter unit thereby to brew the selected amount of coffee.

Abstract: A brew basket to hold ground coffee through which water is to pass includes a basket member to support a bed of ground coffee. The basket member has at least one opening therein to permit the egress of water having passed through the bed of coffee. A pan is positioned above the bed of ground coffee to collect water entering the brew basket. The pan has a plurality of spaced holes therein to distribute collected water generally uniformly and gently over the bed of coffee. A coffee-making machine having a sprayhead including a pan to collect water and distribute collected water generally uniformly and evenly over a bed of ground coffee is also provided.

Abstract: A beverage server includes a body having an internal reservoir to hold a beverage such as hot coffee. In one embodiment, a lid is pivotally connected to the top of the body. The lid has a generally conical passage provided through it which permits a beverage to enter the beverage server and pass into the reservoir without requiring removal of the lid. A floatable ball is located within the passage to seal it when no liquid is entering the beverage server. A pouring spout extends from the body near its top and is in fluid communication with the reservoir when the beverage server is tilted and the lid pivots. A counter-weight in the lid assists in bringing the lid into sealing engagement with the body to isolate the pouring spout and the reservoir when the beverage server is upright. The counter-weight also assists in smooth motion of the lid as it pivots through its entire range of movement when the beverage server is tilted.

Abstract: A coffee-making machine includes a reservoir connected to an external water supply via a valve which is divided into hot and cold water tanks. The cold water tank feeds a boiler which operates to heat the water in the cold water tank only when a brew cycle has been initiated. Heated water from the boiler is fed to an expansion chamber before being discharged onto the ground coffee via a spray head at the end of the expansion chamber. Upper and lower water level sensors are in the cold water tank and detect water level conditions therein. A controller communicates with the upper and lower level sensors and the boiler and allows a brew cycle to be initiated only when the water level in the cold water tank is detected by the upper level sensor. When the water level in the cold water tank falls below the lower level sensor, the controller disables the boiler and opens the valve to replenish the water level in the cold water tank.

Abstract: A coffee making machine of the type adapted to be connected to a mains water supply is provided with a reservoir having a level sensor controlling the water refill valve to the reservoir, and a heating element which is thermostatically controlled, the refill valve and the thermostat both being controlled by a single modular replaceable solid state circuit board. The level sensor functions to cause refill of the reservoir to the appropriate level for subsequent brewing of a full pot of coffee, irrespective of the mains water pressure and the route by which water may previously have been removed from the reservoir. The electronically controlled thermostat allows only small drops in temperature, e.g. 3.degree. F., before operating to reheat the water in the reservoir. The water can accordingly be stored at closer to the boiling point and delivered to contact coffee for brewing purposes at temperatures of not less than 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A thermal beverage container and a lid therefor are provided. The container includes an insulated reservoir for storing and dispensing liquid. A spout is located at the base of the container and is in communication with the reservoir. A dispensing arm is operable to open a valve upon actuation thereof to permit liquid to be expressed from the reservoir via the spout. The container has an open upper end onto which a lid is threadedly secured. The open upper end of the container defines a neck of reduced diameter relative to the reservoir. The neck has a groove formed therein which extends from the reservoir to the upper surface of the container. The lid is complementary to shape to the opening in the container and thus, includes a plug for seating in the neck. However, the groove is not filled by the plug. A funnel-shaped, centrally located passage is formed through the lid and supports a floatable ball. The passage permits liquid to be poured into the insulated reservoir without removal of the lid.