Abstract: A beverage vessel or carafe 20 includes a container 22, an upper body 24 which is secured to the container, a handle 28 which extends between the upper body 24 and the container 22, a spout 30 formed in the upper body and a lid 34 which located in an opening 32 of the upper body. A seal 52 or 52a is located between, and compressed by, the container 22 and the upper body 24 to preclude the beverage from undesirably entering a chamber 70 of the carafe 20. A rib 98 of the upper body 24 cooperates with a pocket 110 of the container 22 to secure the upper body with the container. A fastening element 142 is attached within a pocket 140 formed on an outer surface of the container 22 and includes a sleeve 148 which fits snugly within a hole 156 of an end 38 of the handle 28 and is secured in this firm assembly by a threaded fastener 164. A compliant handle cover 180 is assembled with the handle 28 to provide a firm but tactile comfort for one who uses the carafe 20.

Abstract: A coffeemaker (30) includes a lower housing (32) and an upper housing (34). A water reservoir (44) sets atop a portion of the lower housing (32). A top cover (56) extends in cantilever from the upper housing (34). A brew basket holder (58) is mounted pivotally to the upper housing (34) and contains a brew basket (76), having a brewed-beverage outlet (88), and a filter (78). When the coffeemaker (30) is in use, the holder (58) is located beneath the top cover (56). A releasable latch unit (62) is employed to retain the holder (58) in this. As a carafe (64) is placed in the coffeemaker (30), an actuator (132) is moved by the carafe to operate a switch (130), whereafter, upon operation of a control switch by a user, the coffeemaker (30) will process through a beverage brewing cycle. When the actuator (132) moves, the outlet (88) is opened to allow the flow of the beverage to the carafe (64).

Abstract: An electric coffeemaker includes a first electric heater for heating water for brewing the coffee. A carafe is supported on a base portion of the housing of the coffeemaker. A second electric heater is mounted in heat transfer relation with the base portion for keeping the base portion warm when a coffee-laden carafe is positioned thereon. The operation of the second electric heater is controlled to reduce the heat delivered to the base portion when a relatively lesser quantity of coffee has been brewed and to increase the amount of heat delivered to the base portion when a relatively greater quantity of coffee has been brewed. The operation of the second heater may also be varied to satisfy specific consumer taste preferences.

Abstract: A coffeemaker includes a housing and a water reservoir contained within the housing. A carafe is supported on a base portion of the housing. A spreader is mounted within the housing. A hot water generator has an inlet connected to the water reservoir and an outlet connected to the spreader. The hot water generator has a generally shallow V-shape. An enclosure is supported within the housing and surrounds the hot water generator. The contact area between the surfaces of the generator and the enclosure is relatively minimal. The major portion of the surfaces of the enclosure and the hot water generator are spaced from each other to form an insulating air barrier to retain the heat generated by the hot water generator within the enclosure.

Abstract: A coffeemaker includes a housing and a water reservoir supported within the housing in a reservoir storage portion. A carafe is supported on a base portion of the housing. A spreader is mounted within the housing. The coffeemaker includes a hot water generator having an inlet connected to the water reservoir and an outlet connected to the spreader. The water reservoir includes a front wall having a handle extending outwardly therefrom for grasping by the user of the coffeemaker. The front wall is concave-shape to increase the space formed between the wall and confronting surface of the handle. The water reservoir is releasably latched into the storage portion of the housing.

Abstract: A knife sharpener is disposed adjacent a second electrical appliance of a design family. In an inoperative position, the knife sharpener includes design features mimicking the remainder of the design family. When moved to an operative position, the knife sharpener makes its sharpening wheel accessible to the edges of a knife blade. An energizing switch is coordinated for actuation as the knife sharpener reaches its operational position. In a combination that uses the same electric motor to drive the knife sharpener and a second appliance, different motor speeds are produced appropriate for the two functions to be performed. A bi-directional spring loading assembly permits deflection of the sharpening wheel in opposed lateral directions from a positively controlled neutral position to maintain substantially uniform application of sharpening force on the knife edges. An articulating knife guide permits the use of a single guide slot which can be inclined on either side of the sharpening wheel.