Abstract: A pinch valve for selectably controlling flow of fluid through one of two resiliently deformable tubes used e.g., for transporting water in a steam iron. The valve comprises a body member defining a compression surface supporting each one of the tubes. A selector lever is pivotally mounted on the body for selectably moving an integral cam abutment between individual tube shut-off positions. A rocker element supported on the tubes is captively held in the body member intermediate the selector lever and the compression surface for rocking movement between tube pinching positions. The cam abutment continually presses on the rocker causing the rocker to bear upon each one of the tubes on the compression surface. As the selector lever is pivoted, the cam abutment engageably slides along the rocker to rock the rocker between its tube pinching positions. The tubes are thus isolated from sliding contact with the cam abutment by the interposed rocker thereby preventing frictional wear of the tubes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a coffeemaker with a variable brew strength apparatus which comprises a base which contains a water reservoir and a heater and which supports a coffee carafe. The base supports a variable brew strength apparatus directly over the coffee carafe. The variable brew strength apparatus includes a water restrictor member which is rotably mounted on the cover of a coffee basket member. The water restrictor member and the coffee basket member, in combination, form a valve which either admits heated water to an inner basket which is mounted in the coffee basket and which contains ground coffee, or causes a portion of the heated water to bypass the inner basket and enter the coffee basket to mix with and dilute coffee brewed in the inner basket. The coffee basket supports a special coffee scoop which has a tabular indicia relating the number of cups of coffee desired, the brew strength desired, and the number of scoops of coffee required.