Abstract: A brewing system (20) may utilize first (24) and second (26) structurally different funnels. The first funnel (24) has surfaces (31, 37) positioned for carrying an upwardly open first filter element (28) containing a first solid beverage material (30). The second funnel (26) has second surfaces (152) adapted for carrying a closed second filter element (144) containing a second solid beverage material (146). A brewer unit (22) has a funnel-receiving area (54) sized to receive as an installed funnel, one at a time, both the first funnel and the second funnel. The unit has a water inlet (70). A heater (72) is coupled to the water inlet for heating received water. A water outlet (74) is coupled to the heater to deliver heated water to the installed funnel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slug for distributing a fluid on an inner surface of a bore of a pipeline. The slug comprises a reservoir for containing the fluid to be distributed, an outlet for distributing the fluid from the reservoir and onto the inner surface of the bore of the pipeline, and an arrangement for discharging fluid from the reservoir through the outlet. In use, the slug's reservoir is charged with fluid, placed in the pipeline bore, and urged along the length of the pipeline under pressure of a conveying medium, such as pressurized air, while fluid from the reservoir is dispensed onto the inner surface of the pipeline bore. The outer cross-sectional area of the slug or at least one portion thereof forms at least a partial blockage with, and slidably engages the inner surface of, the bore of the pipeline to facilitate movement of the slug through the pipeline under the action of a conveying medium.

Abstract: A beverage brewing system having a bypass conduit for brewing and dispensing a selected volume of a brewed beverage from a beverage brewing chamber to a container. The bypass conduit distributes hot water beneath the brewing chamber to mix with the brewed beverage being dispensed to maintain flavor at higher selected volumes. The container interconnects by a connector assembly and switch to deliver electrical power to a heater in the container. A remote docking station also interconnects with the receptacle to supply electrical power to the heater of the container. A spray head having outward diverging flow is mounted above the brewing chamber to deliver hot water thereto.

Abstract: A superflow diffuser and spout assembly includes an inlet for carbonated water, an inlet for syrup, a diffuser assembly through which the carbonated water passes prior to being dispensed, a spout, a syrup distributor, and a flow separator within the path of the carbonated water. An embodiment herein includes a channel about the inner periphery of the spout wall to distribute syrup to holes passing through the wall of the spout. The syrup is thus mixed with the diluent flow outside of the spout.