Abstract: A liquid inlet probe for piercing the lid of a beverage filter cartridge comprises a cylindrical inner hub surrounded by an enlarged diameter outer sleeve. Support ribs extend radially between and coact with the exterior of the hub and the interior of the sleeve to define a plurality of liquid supply passages. The hub, ribs and sleeve having bevelled lower ends arranged in a truncated conical alignment converging towards the center of the probe to a pointed end projecting downwardly from its lower end.

Abstract: A beverage brewer comprises a storage tank adapted to contain a supply of liquid, and a metering chamber structured and arranged to be filled with a metered amount of liquid received from the storage tank via an inlet in communication therewith. A brewing chamber is structured and arranged to receive a beverage filter cartridge containing a dry beverage medium. A baffle in the storage tank is shiftable from an open position accommodating liquid flow between the storage tank and the metering chamber via its inlet to a closed position preventing such flow and isolating the metering chamber from the storage tank. During a brewing cycle, liquid is delivered from the thus isolated metering chamber to the brewing chamber for combination with the beverage medium contained in the filter cartridge. At the conclusion of the brewing cycle, the baffle is returned to its open position, thereby allowing the metering chamber to be refilled with liquid received from the storage tank via its inlet.

Abstract: A beverage brewer comprises a storage tank adapted to contain a supply of liquid, and a metering chamber structured and arranged to be filled with a metered amount of liquid received from the storage tank via an inlet in communication therewith. A brewing chamber is structured and arranged to receive a beverage filter cartridge containing a dry beverage medium. A baffle in the storage tank is shiftable from an open position accommodating liquid flow between the storage tank and the metering chamber via its inlet to a closed position preventing such flow and isolating the metering chamber from the storage tank. During a brewing cycle, liquid is delivered from the thus isolated metering chamber to the brewing chamber for combination with the beverage medium contained in the filter cartridge. At the conclusion of the brewing cycle, the baffle is returned to its open position, thereby allowing the metering chamber to be refilled with liquid received from the storage tank via its inlet.

Abstract: A liquid inlet probe for piercing the lid of a beverage filter cartridge comprises a cylindrical inner hub surrounded by an enlarged diameter outer sleeve. Support ribs extend radially between and coact with the exterior of the hub and the interior of the sleeve to define a plurality of liquid supply passages. The hub, ribs and sleeve having bevelled lower ends arranged in a truncated conical alignment converging towards the center of the probe to a pointed end projecting downwardly from its lower end.