Abstract: A single cup pod beverage brewer is presented utilizing a pod (20) containing coffee grounds or tea leaves surrounded by filter paper. A pod holding chamber (22) consisting of a upper head (26) and a lower head (28) having an ejection disc (42). An upper head mounting frame (48) is attached to its horizontal base (50) and includes lower head rotating arms (60) attached to a first shaft (62) with a first gear motor (66) rotating the arms into a pod loading position, a pod brewing position and a pod disposal position. A second gear motor (66a) is secured to the upper head mounting frame, driving a cam (76) through a second shaft (62a) engaging the upper head to lower, seal and raise said upper head. A pod ejector solenoid (84) is disposed on the base electromechanically propelling the pod from the chamber when the lower head in the pod disposal position. An electronic control system employs a solid state direct current arrangement for control regulation and alternating current for heating system functions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insulated beverage carafe adapted for use in an automatic drip coffee maker fabricated from non-reactive metal, having a heat resistant plastic handle that includes a detachable substantially transparent tubular gauge adapted to measure the amount of beverage within the carafe. Also taught is a method for preparing and serving hot coffee suitable in beverage service in individually dispensed portions, reading the gauge to determine when the carafe is empty; and, cleaning the empty carafe in a commercial dishwasher. An article of manufacture comprising packaging material containing an insulated beverage carafe with a handle that includes a gauge adapted to measure the amount of beverage within the carafe is also taught. The packaging material includes a brochure that provides directions for the use of said carafe.

Abstract: A coffee brewer and hot water dispenser, which includes a brew water tank (30), with water heated to a pre-determined temperature by a pre-heater (38). A boiler (50) boils the pre-heated water into a spray head (56) and into a ground coffee containing cone (114). A separate hot water tank (70) is heated to an adjustable, controlled temperature by a heater (72), and a solenoid valve (74) dispenses the water into a container. Fill, water level dispensing and process control, and indicating are accomplished by the use of a solid state electronic controller (140) interconnected to an indicating control panel (112), producing automatic operation upon manual selection.

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.