Abstract: A digital control system for a coffee bean grinder, particularly one with a dual hopper, which is conveniently programmable and automatically operable for selecting bean type and grinding with a high degree of accuracy bean quantities ranging from a few ounces (e.g., 3 ounces or less) for brewing a few cups of coffee, to large quantities (e.g., 2 pounds or more) for brewing several gallons of coffee. The invention may be confined entirely to a grinder, or may be incorporated in a brewing system consisting of a brewer and one or more grinder. The invention allows one grinder to accommodate one or more coffee grinders either of the same type or of different types (i.e., a brewer for making multi-cup quantities or urns for making gallon quantities).

Abstract: A beverage reservoir from which beverage is dispensed in a coin-operated beverage making machine. The reservoir has a handle which incorporates an overflow passageway preventing beverage from otherwise overflowing the reservoir. The overflow passageway discharges into a drain tube which in turn discharges in the area in which beverage is normally dispensed into consumers' cups.

Abstract: A combination coffee-making and dispensing machine which has a beverage reservoir which is retained in a cabinet. The reservoir is provided with a cover to reduce evaporation. The cover is hinged to the cabinet in a way that permits it to be tilted and lifted off the reservoir and remain in the cabinet when the reservoir is removed. The cover can be readily lowered in place on the reservoir when the latter is re-positioned in the cabinet.

Abstract: A coffee-making and dispensing machine wherein coffee discharges from a brewing funnel into a reservoir from which increments of coffee are withdrawn through a dispensing spout into consumers' cups. The brewing funnel and reservoir are insertable and removable through the front access side of the machine into a reservoir compartment. The dispensing spout is located at the lower portion of the front access side and receives coffee from the reservoir through a conduit. A sight glass is also connected by a conduit providing communication with the reservoir. A quick connect-disconnect fluid-tight connection is provided between the reservoir and the inlet to the conduits.

Abstract: Fully automatic brewing apparatus is disclosed for economically and efficiently making large quantities of beverage. Beverage concentrate is first brewed from a dry, beverage-making material, such as tea leaves contained in a brewing funnel which, in one embodiment may be pivoted for emptying the concentrate into a selected one of a pair of relatively large reservoirs. The concentrate is automatically diluted to acceptable strength and temperature by the timed addition of water to the reservoir in a stream which provides complete mixing of the concentrate with the diluting water.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus includes a hot water reservoir from which heated water is dispensed in predetermined serving volumes through a beverage filter to a serving beaker. A volume of cold water equal to a predetermined serving volume is admitted to a lower inlet zone of the reservoir, heated by an electric resistance heating element within the reservoir and dispensed in a volume equal to the serving volume from an upper outlet zone of the reservoir coincident with the introduction of cold water into the inlet zone. The reservoir has a volume greater than twice the predetermined serving volume so that a volume of resident heated water is contained in the central brew zone thereof. A temperature sensing element, e.g., thermistor, is disposed within the lumen of a hollow heat conductive tubing extending to a predetermined location in the brew zone at or near the center of the reservoir and produces a temperature control signal continuously indicative only of the temperature of the water in the brew zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making large volumes of hot coffee wherein soluble coffee (i.e. freeze-dried or other instant coffee) is mixed with a relatively small stream of cool or cold water and the resulting mixture is sucked into a relatively large stream of hot water by jet action. The dry soluble coffee in the form of powder, crystals or flakes is metered by an auger from the bottom of a hopper through a discharge nozzle and falls into a mixing bowl wherein the cool or cold water is flowing in the form of a vortex. The cool or cold water spirals down the sides of the bowl in the form of a water curtain which wets and sweeps the interior surface of the mixing chamber thereby preventing buildup of soluble coffee solids thereon and inside the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A beverage making appliance operable automatically or manually, and also providing a hot water faucet. The appliance has a cold water basin located over a hot water tank with a cold water tube extending down into the hot water tank from a basin drain opening whereby cold water discharges into the lower portion of the hot water tank and displaces hot water either through a faucet, or a spray head onto the contents of a brew funnel. When operated in its automatic mode, cold water is delivered to the basin through a conduit connected with a supply of cold water under pressure. The conduit has both flow control and solenoid valves whereby a predetermined volume of cold water is delivered on each actuation of a timer. A level control circuit, together with a water level sensing probe disposed within the hot water tank, also actuates the solenoid valve to maintain a predetermined water level in the tank as hot water is drawn through the faucet.

Abstract: Fully automatic brewing apparatus is disclosed for economically and efficiently brewing large quantities of beverage. Beverage concentrate is first brewed from a dry, beverage-making material, such as granulated tea leaves contained in a rotatable funnel which may be pivoted for emptying the concentrate into selected one of a pair of large reservoirs. The concentrate is then automatically diluted to an acceptable strength and temperature by the timed addition of water to the reservoir in a stream which provides complete mixing of the concentrate with the diluting water.

Abstract: A funnel is disclosed for use in brewing beverages such as coffee, tea and the like and for discharging the beverage into either of a plurality of spaced reservoirs below the funnel. The funnel includes an upstanding side wall, a bottom wall, and flow channel means associated with the bottom wall which communicates between the interior of the funnel and a discharge port spaced from the center of the funnel for selective discharge of liquid into alternate reservoirs by turning the funnel. Stop means provided at a selected radial position on the funnel cooperate with limiting switches or the like on the brewing machine to prevent brewing unless the funnel is in the proper location for discharge into a reservoir.