Abstract: A beverage making apparatus for producing a desired beverage using a heated brewing substance. The apparatus includes a system and method for preventing initiating of a heating cycle when an insufficient amount of water is retained in the apparatus. Additional features of the brewer are provided to facilitate movement of water through the system.

Abstract: A beverage maker (1) comprises a boiler (30) for containing and heating water and a normally opened thermostat (63) having a sensing member (63a) for sensing a temperature of the water, wherein the sensing member (63a) is located at a certain distance with respect to a water inlet (34) of the boiler (30). When the water is heated, and the temperature of the water exceeds a set point of the thermostat (63), the thermostat (63) closes. As a result, a pumping action is started, wherein hot water is forced to flow out of the boiler (30), and wherein cold water is forced to flow into the boiler (30). When a front of the cold water reaches the sensing member (63a) of the thermostat (63), the thermostat (63) is triggered to open again, and the pumping action is terminated. By means of the thermostat (63), the quantity of hot water that is used for the purpose of making a beverage is accurately controlled.

Abstract: A tea brewing assembly which is disposed within an upper housing of a coffee maker and operates in conjunction with the coffee maker. The coffee maker delivers heated water to tea brewing assembly which includes a tea brewing basket divided into two sections by an internal wall, a tea leaf holder and a cover having a tea leaf holder positioner. A controllable valve in the internal wall provides communication between the two basket sections at an appropriate water temperature, which permits the heated water to contact the tea leaves in the tea leaf holder. A controller operates a drain valve at the bottom of the brewer basket at an elapsed brew time causing the brewed tea to ultimately enter a conventional pouring carafe. Sensors and operator selections control either the brew time, brew temperature or both for opening the wall and drain valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage, for instance baby milk, from water and an instant product, for instance formula. The apparatus comprises a water supply system (2) for supplying water, a heating device (11) for sterilizing water by heating it; and a cooling device (10) for cooling water heated in the heating device (11). The cooling device uses water from the water supply system (2) as cooling-water. The water that is sterilized in the heating device (11), has preferably previously been used in the cooling device (11) as cooling-water. The cooling device (10) may comprise a counter flow heat exchanger.

Abstract: A hot beverage brewing apparatus. A pressurized hot liquid delivery system provides liquid under pressure within a range of acceptable brewing temperatures without any mechanical pump. Water is apportioned into sealable tank volumes, one of which is heated to boil the liquid and produce steam under pressure. The pressurized steam displaces the liquid from the tank volumes in proportion and at a temperature that is within the acceptable brewing range. The hot liquid under pressure is directed to a capsule receiving station to infuse a material in a capsule. The capsule dispenses the brewed beverage without contacting the brewing apparatus.

Abstract: A portable hot water dispensing machine, particularly suitable for dispensing espresso, that is compact, lightweight, requires minimal power to operate, and is readily transportable, and a method of dispensing hot water, such as espresso. Two-stage heating is utilized for reducing the boiler volume and power requirements. In addition, components are thermally insulated and are strategically spaced to maximize space and allow for portability.

Abstract: Automatic apparatus for brewing a hot beverage. A control system causes a heater that is integral with a beverage container to elevate the water temperature to a predetermined brewing temperature while infusible material in an infuser basket is isolated from the liquid. When the brewing temperature is achieved, the controller causes a positioner assembly to submerge the infuser basket in the heated liquid. The control system maintains the liquid at a predetermined brewing temperature. After a predetermined brewing interval, the control system causes the positioner assembly to raise the infuser basket thereby to isolate the infusible material from the brewed beverage. Thereafter the control system may maintain the beverage temperature at an optimal serving temperature.

Abstract: An appliance for producing hot drinks comprising a water heating device; a heat source; a seat adapted to receive a product for preparing the drink; a duct for feeding hot water from the water heating device to the seat; a first temperature sensor associated with the water heating device; a control unit operatively associated with the temperature sensor and with the heat source said control unit the temperature of the water contained in the device, by switching on/switching off the heat source based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; a second temperature sensor associated with the hot water feeding duct; and said control unit is being adapted to control the temperature of the water contained in the device by switching on/switching off the heat source also based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor.

Abstract: A coffee making and music or movie playing apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising a water reservoir and a brewing station; a container for receiving the brewed coffee; a compact disc player and/or an MP3 player and/or a DVD, and at least one speaker; and a sensor that senses when the coffee starts to brew and activates said compact disc player to start playing music or movie.

Abstract: A beverage maker includes a reservoir; a heater for heating water in the reservoir from a starting temperature to a brewing temperature; a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the water and the heater; a pump connected to the reservoir for pumping hot water from the reservoir at the brewing temperature to a user's cup via an infusible food material; and a controller adapted to operate the pump over a predetermined pumping time based at least in part on the time interval to bring the water temperature in the reservoir from the starting temperature to the brewing temperature. The controller may also be programmed to turn said heater on, turn said pump on when the water temperatures reaches said brewing temperature, and turn said heater and pump off when said temperature sensor senses another temperature higher than said brewing temperature.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine for fruit juice and a control method thereof.

Abstract: Overheat prevention device for household bean milk and bean curd makers is disclosed. Such makers include a housing having a cavity to contain water therein, a main body, and a drive motor to rotate a cutting blade on an end of a drive shaft. A heater may be provided which generates heat when electricity is applied to the heater, thus heating an interior of the housing. Overheat prevention device includes a temperature sensing and fusing bar extending to a predetermined length to reach a position around the filter net and has a temperature sensor to detect an internal temperature of the housing, and a thermal fuse to cut off electricity supplied to the heater, when the interior of the housing overheats. Overheat prevention device allows the thermal fuse to accurately detect an internal temperature of the housing, therefore preventing the bean milk and bean curd maker from overheating.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing tea in accordance with an aspect of the invention includes a brew chamber that holds water. An infuser disposed in the chamber holds tea leaves and allows the water to contact the tea leaves. A heater heats the water in the brew chamber. A control sets a tea characteristic of the tea leaves. The tea characteristic can include one or both the tea format (loose or bagged) and tea type. The control can also set tea strength. A control circuit communicated with the heater. The control circuit controls power to the heater to heat the water to a steep temperature and then controls power to the heater to maintain the steep temperature for a steep time. The control circuit determines the steep temperature and the steep time based on the set tea characteristic or characteristics. It can further determine steep time based on the set tea strength. The tea leaves steep in the heated water until expiration of the steep time to produce a brewed tea.

Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.

Abstract: A twin brewer system (30) with a pair of brewers (30A, 30B) each with a controller (158) for controlling the application of electrical power to a hot water heater, disables the application of electrical power to the heater (154) of one brewer (30A, 30B) in response to actuation of a start brew switch of the one brewer (30A, 30B) while electrical power is being applied to the heater (154) of the other brewer (30A, 30B). The controllers also respond to a hot water quantity sensor (164, 168) and a responsive delay circuit for disabling dispensing of hot water in response to actuation of the brew start switch (50) until a sufficient quantity of hot water is in a hot water dispenser tank (152) needed for the brew cycle. Indication lamps indicate when the brew cycle is being delayed and when brewing is not being performed. Actuation of a single emergency stop switch (138) stops hot water dispensing of both brewers (30A, 30B).

Abstract: A device for preparing a fluid food at a desired consumption temperature on demand, comprising two reservoirs of water, a container containing a formula, a data processor and a controller for dispensing water of the correct temperature from each of the reservoirs and the formula from the container into a vessel. Also provided is a method to prepare a fluid food at a desired consumption temperature on demand.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus, such as a coffeemaker, including a hot water heater; a first temperature sensor connected to the hot water heater; a second temperature sensor connected to either a cold water inlet to the heater or a hot water outlet from the heater; a pump connected to the cold water inlet for supplying water to the heater; and a controller coupled to the pump and the sensors. The pump is a variable speed pump. The controller is adapted to adjust the speed of the pump based upon signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (10) with a controller (14) that automatically disables selected brewer functions unless enabled by an enablement code that enables use that is only sufficient to brew a preselected quantity of brew by mixing the brew ingredient (18) with water has a reader (54,56,58,56,59,62) for communicating with and reading the enablement code (86) from a smart card, card with magnetic strip or other data carrying medium (FIGS. 4 and 5). The enablement card when used by a delivery employee has codes for multiple customers, etc. that is used by the delivery employee to enable the brewers to brew the brew ingredient that is being delivered but no more to avoid brewing of ingredient not provided by the distributor of the brew ingredient. Alternatively, one card (52) is used for each location or each brewer and may only be used with the location or brewer that is indicated.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (20) with a programmable dispenser cycle dispenser valve controller (36) for controlling a dispenser valve (34) to intermittently open and close during a plurality of control periods of an intermittent dispense period (88) to selectively control the quantity of hot water that is dispensed without changing the overall duration of the dispense period (88). Each of the control periods (CP1-CP20) has a duty portion during which the dispenser valve is open that is selectively varied to brew either greater or lesser amounts of beverage without varying the overall dispense period (88). Alternatively, the number of control periods is selectively changed to change the overall dispense period (88) without changing the quantity of beverage by appropriate changes to the duty portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a quantity of a hot beverage, comprising providing a source of a liquid having an adjustable temperature, selecting an infusion time and an infusion temperature, supplying from the source liquid substantially at the selected infusion temperature, the supplied liquid having a volume equal to or slightly larger than the quantity, mixing the supplied liquid with a flavor ingredient having the selected infusion time and infusion temperature, infusing the flavor ingredient in the supplied liquid substantially for the selected infusion time whereby the selected ingredient is at least partially dissipated in the supplied liquid thereby forming a brew, and following the infusion time, removing an undissipated portion of the flavor ingredient from the brew thereby yielding the beverage.

Abstract: The steam generating device (1) is used to heat and/or froth liquids, especially milk. It includes an electrically driven pump (3) supplied with water from a water source (2), which pump delivers water in a controlled fashion to a continuous flow heater (6) heated by an electrically operated heating (22) by way of a conduit (13). The continuous flow heater (6) heats the water it receives in its steam pipe (18) to steam that is subsequently supplied to a steam tapping point, preferably a steam nozzle (7), where the steam exits under pressure. An intermediate tank (5) with an overflow chamber (53) which stores a defined quantity of water is provided in the conduit (13) between the pump (3) and the steam pipe (18).

Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which a coffeemaker (116) receives a plurality of timer settings from a network and communicates the state of the coffeemaker (116) to another network device while keeping a real-time clock (1112) synchronized and correctly set by receiving period time synchronization messages.

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus has a brewing device in which coffee powder is brewed in a brewing process with pressurised hot water. Parameters of the brewing procedure are adjustable with a control unit of the coffee brewing apparatus. The control unit includes an electronic interface via which the information related to the coffee brewing machine can be exchanged in the form of signals, wherein a transportable electronic storage medium may be attached to the interface, and may be connected to an external control unit. The external control unit is a personal computer (PC), and a docking station is provided that may be attached to the personal computer, into which docking station the transportable electronic storage medium may be inserted for the purpose of data exchange.

Abstract: A coffee making machine includes a vessel that supports a fitter basket containing measure of coffee grounds for mixing with hot water in a generally conventional way. A re-circulating passage connects a bottom outlet of the vessel to a top of the basket. A pump and heat exchanger are provided in the re-circulation passage. The pump and heat-exchanger are controlled by a programmable controller unit so that brewing or coffee-making conditions are readily and adjustably controllable by a user.

Abstract: A brewing machine freshly brews a single-serving of coffee or tea to be served hot or cold. The machine preferably includes a housing assembly, with a window therein to permit the viewing of the brewing of a fresh serving of coffee or tea, a water supply, a dry coffee or tea storage area, a brewer, and a flavor additive storage area. The coffee or tea is preferably brewed in a condensed form which becomes diluted to drinking strength by the addition of hot or cool water, and/or by the addition of hot or cool flavorings. The cool drink can subsequently be served over ice to provide a cold serving of iced coffee or tea. Mixing the various ingredients to obtain the final cup of coffee or tea preferably occurs in the user's cup. Preferred methods of making a freshly brewed single-serving of coffee or tea are disclosed.

Abstract: A heated water dispensing apparatus has been described. The heated water dispensing apparatus includes a reservoir for retaining a quantity of water, a selector for selecting a temperature of water and a volume of water to be dispensed, and a controllable dispense valve for automatically dispensing water from the reservoir. The heated water dispensing apparatus also includes a weighing assembly which generates a weight control signal relating to the volume of water dispensed through the dispense valve and at least one device outlet valve for providing heated water to a remote device. The heated water dispensing apparatus also includes a controller. The controller operates the dispense valve in accordance with the weight control signal so that a selected volume of water is automatically and accurately dispensed. The controller also operates the dispense valve to prevent dispensing of water through the dispense valve before water of a selected temperature has been produced.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (20) with a dispenser valve (34) for passing brewing liquid from a supply (30) under control by a programmable dispenser cycle dispenser valve controller (36) to intermittently pass the liquid to a uniform flow dispenser head (38) during preselected duty portions (92) of a plurality of control periods (CP1-CP20, FIG. 5B) in order to independently control the total quantity dispensed and the duration of the dispense period (88). The uniform flow dispenser head (38) has a closed body with a perforated bottom (64) that is intermittently filled with brewing liquid during the duty portion selected for each of the control periods to provide a uniform vertical spray across an open top of a uniform ingredient holder (24) within which is held a cylindrically shaped layer of beverage ingredient (70) in order to achieve uniform contact of the brewing liquid with all the beverage ingredient.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing hot beverages, such as coffee, comprising a water reservoir, a heating element for heating water in the water reservoir, an extraction device, an electric pump and a thermostat for the detection of the temperature of the water in the reservoir. The thermostat is connected in series with the heating element and the pump is connected in parallel with the thermostat. After the water has reached the desired temperature the thermostat is closed, which causes the pump to be switched on in order to pump the hot water to the extraction device. During the pumping phase the power of the heating element is virtually cut off.

Abstract: Apparatus for brewing a beverage is disclosed. Typically, the brewed beverage is coffee, but it might be hot tea, iced tea, or soup. The beverage is brewed by delivering heated brew water to a product to be brewed by passing the heated brew water through the product to extract flavor therefrom. The brewed product is dispensed into a brewed beverage container. The apparatus includes a microprocessor, a controllable inlet valve for water entering the apparatus, and a controllable brew valve for delivery of heated brew water to the product. The inlet valve and the brew valve are under the control of the microprocessor, so that they may be opened or closed in keeping with signals sent thereto by the microprocessor. There is a control panel for the microprocessor, having a plurality of switches, each of which has a designated primary function for controlling a specific predesignated operating function of the brewing apparatus.

Abstract: A coffee maker having interchangeable carafes, a serial heating system, and a centrifugal brewing system. The coffee maker includes a glass carafe and a thermal carafe, either of which interchangeably fits within a carafe cavity. The presence of the glass carafe activates a heating element positioned under the carafe. The thermal carafe does not. The centrifugal brewing system includes a showerhead for distributing water at radially spaced locations over a rotating grounds basket. The control for the serial heating system activates and deactivates the heating element to allow for heat transfer between heated and unheated portions of the water. In an alternative embodiment including a batch water heating system, the coffee maker includes a modular distributor secured to the bottom of the water heating vessel by a hand-actuated bayonet mount for easy cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing beverages, such as a coffee brewer, has a device for measuring the periods of time during which the heating element is switched on and off by a thermostat connected in series with the heating element. The ratio between the on period and the off period is computed. If the off period is smaller than the on period, an indication is given that there is scale deposit in the water pipe. If the off period is greater than the on period, an indication is given that brewing has finished and, optionally, the heating element may be switched off permanently.

Abstract: The device for heating a drinkable liquid, having a liquid-storage container (9) and an electric heating element (11) arranged therein, the liquid-storage container (9) having a valve which is arranged at the bottom in the base (12) of the liquid-storage container (9) and of which one sealing surface is the border of an opening (14) in the base (12) and which opens, in a manner which cannot automatically be reversed, on account of the base curving outwards at a predetermined internal pressure in the container, and the power supply to the heating element (11) being designed such that it is interrupted when the pressure in the liquid-storage container (9) is essentially equal to the atmospheric pressure, which device can be positioned on a collecting container for the liquid, is distinguished in that the other sealing surface of the valve is a plate-like element (15) which consists of elastic material and, in its non-loaded state, is shaped essentially conically, with the cone tip directed towards the interior

Abstract: A coffee maker for brewing coffee comprises a water reservoir, a heating chamber and a pump which pumps water from the reservoir through the heating chamber to a filter device. The heating chamber is provided with a temperature sensor which causes regulation of the power supply to the heating element (16) and also provides temperature information to a control device. The control device controls the operation of the pump so that the brewing process is automated, and the pump is operated only when the water at the outlet of the heating device (10) is at a suitable temperature. The heating device (10) may be a low-mass instantaneous flow heater.

Abstract: The coffee machine for different coffee types requires no preheating time and consumes no energy in the standby mode. It essentially comprises a water supply chamber (1), a pump (5), a continuous flow heater (8) for heating the water and a brewing chamber (10) for receiving the coffee (10'). The continuous flow heater (8) has a low heat capacity and can therefore perform large temperature changes within a short time. In order to obtain the desired water starting temperature, use is made of a control loop. The unheated parts (9-12) along the water path between the continuous flow heater (8) and the coffee (10') are so designed that a minimum amount of heat energy is abstracted from the hot water, but at the same time the parts have an adequate strength.

Abstract: Coffee liquid extracting apparatus comprises an extractor vessel, a combined-use decanter that retains water for extraction, receives extracted coffee liquid and is usable for pouring coffee liquid into cups. A circulation path and a circulation pump transport the liquid from the combined-use decanter and pour the liquid into the extractor vessel. A circulating water heater heats water circulated by the circulation pump. A controller controls operation in response to a tap temperature operation switch to operate the circulation pump to circulate the water for a fixed time (T.sub.1) with the circulating water heater on for a fixed time (T.sub.0) limited to an early operation period, thereby pouring high temperature water for a fixed time (T.sub.0) limited to the early operation period and subsequently pouring unheated water.

Abstract: A beverage brewing method for producing a brewed beverage having a serving temperature within a predetermined serving temperature range. A beverage brewing appliance includes a brewing apparatus for infusing a beverage brewing substance retained therein to extract a brewed beverage therefrom. The appliance also includes a first water source having a water heater coupled thereto for providing and delivering brewing water to the brewing apparatus within a predetermined range of brewing temperatures to produce a desired brewed beverage. The brewing appliance also includes a second water source for providing and delivering temperature reduction water to the brewed beverage within a temperature range which, when mixed with the brewed beverage results in a final beverage dispensed from the brewing apparatus within a predetermined serving temperature ranges.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus is disclosed which includes a housing having a base for supporting a carafe with a brewing basket and a body defining a water reservoir, a brewing assembly including a heating chamber communicating with the water reservoir and a heating element in thermal contact with said heating chamber, and a dispensing assembly including a valve member supported adjacent an outlet port of the heating chamber, a thermally responsive actuating member disposed within the heating chamber and connected to the valve member for moving the valve member from a closed position to an open position when water contained within the heating chamber is heated to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing beverages, such as a coffee-maker, comprising a water reservoir (1) with a heating element (6), a filter device (2), an outlet channel (1) between the water reservoir and the filter device, a valve (19) arranged in the outlet channel, first sensor/switching means (24/18) for detecting the water temperature in the water reservoir and for opening/closing the valve (19, and second sensor/switching means (27) for turning on/off the heating element (6). In order to ensure that the heating element is turned off when the valve opens and is automatically turned on when a new coffee-making cycle is stared, the coffee-maker is characterized in that the second sensor (27) has been arranged on a wall (26) of the outlet channel (11) to detect the temperature of the water in the outlet channel and to turn on/off the heating element (6) when a preset temperature is reached.

Abstract: A portable beverage brewing device for brewing a single cup or other individual portion of a beverage in an automobile, boat, van, or other vehicle without distracting attention from driving or operating responsibilities. An anchored mounting base, a leveling plate and a clamp together support a coffee maker body in level position. The body includes a water reservoir, a brewing chamber, a drinking cup, and a drip cup or cupholder. A brewing chamber holds a prepackaged filter containing beverage precursor particles. A water reservoir is removable and resealable. A positive displacement pump, driven by a permanent magnet motor pumps water from the water reservoir through an electric heater to the brewing chamber. Operation of the motor and the pump commences only when water has been heated to a predetermined brewing temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to an espresso machine comprising a boiler (1) and a filter chamber (5) which is connected to the boiler (1) via a hot water line (11) and which comprises an outlet (18) and is divided via an inserted screen (6) into two chamber regions (b, c), a thermostat switch (TH1) which is responsive to the temperature within the boiler (1) and connected in series with the heating apparatus (2) to limit the temperature within the boiler to a predetermined upper value, an air pump (8) terminating in the boiler (1), a first shut-off valve (17) positioned in the hot water line (11) and a second shut-off valve (19) positioned upstream of the outlet of the filter chamber (5).

Abstract: A purifying unit containing an adsorbent is positioned between the discharge outlet of a discharge pipe from which boiled water is discharged, and an extracting chamber, so that boiled water flows into the extracting chamber after detrimental components are removed from the boiled water by the purifying unit. Further, a passage change-over section is provided in order to circulate water through the heater until the water is heated up to a temperature suitable for extraction of coffee, and the passage change-over section allows water to be discharged into the extracting chamber from the discharge outlet of the discharge pipe when the water is heated up to the suitable temperature.

Abstract: A coffee making apparatus comprises a roaster for roasting dried coffee beans, a tank having a meshed case for temporarily storing roasted coffee beans, a blower which sends air to the roasted coffee beans in the meshed case to cool the roasted coffee beans, a milling/extracting unit receiving the cooled roasted coffee beans from the tank for milling the roasted coffee beans and thereafter extracting a coffee solution therefrom by pouring hot water, a coffee server for receiving the coffee solution which has been extracted, and a case in which the roaster, the tank, and the milling/extracting unit are provided.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which includes a tank for containing heated water. Partitions are positioned in the heated water tank to define holding sections and a brewing section. Water is introduced into the holding sections of the tank and heated therein to a temperature of 180.degree.. Water retained in the heated water tank may pass from the holding sections around the partitions to the brewing section. A beverage holding reservoir is disposed in each of the holding sections of the tank so that heat from the water in the holding sections maintains a beverage disposed in the holding reservoirs at a desired temperature. A brewing assembly is associated with the holding reservoir and a dispensing head on a swing arm communicates with the brewing section and is positionable in relation to each of the brewing assemblies. A sensor and heater in the brewing section maintain the water retained therein at a temperature of 200.degree..

Abstract: The container which can be inserted into a power-supply unit (17, 18) and is intended for the preparation of hot drinks, with a liquid-storage container (4), an electric heating element (7) arranged therein and a collecting container (1) for the drink prepared, the liquid-storage container (4) having a closure (9, 10) which is arranged in the bottom (8) of the liquid-storage container (4) and opens in a manner not automatically reversible at a predetermined internal pressure of the container, due to the arching outwards of the bottom (8), which is provided with contacts (6) for the supply of electrical power and which can be inserted or is inserted into the collecting container (1) in such a way that, in the operating position, the collecting space is essentially below the storage container (4), and the power supply to the heating element (7) being designed in such a way that it is interrupted when the closure (9, 10) is opened, is distinguished by the fact that the closure (9, 10) is formed by an annular pro

Abstract: A temperature control device and method for controlling water temperature for a fill water displacement beverage brewing apparatus. The beverage brewing apparatus includes a heated water reservoir for retaining a predetermined volume of water in a heated state and a thermostatically controlled heating device for heating the water in the heated water reservoir within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature control device includes a brew cycle activation device which automatically overrides the thermostatically controllable heating device for activating the heating device upon initiation of the brew cycle. The method heats fill water introduced into the reservoir regardless of the temperature of the water retained in the heated reservoir to reduce the time required to heat fill water to a desired water temperature.

Abstract: A professional espresso coffee maker for preparation of espresso coffee comprises a plurality of dispensing bodies (5) each adapted to receive a percolator holding handle (6) . A water heater (22) is connected to each respective dispensing body (5) for instantaneously heating water supplied to the heater and to be supplied from the heater to a percolator holding handle received in the dispensing body. A plurality of steam and hot delivery devices (7, 8, 9, 10) are used with the dispensing body. An electronic control apparatus (2) is connected to the heater for controlling the heater. The water heater (22) is mounted to and over the dispensing body (5) and comprises a solid block (27) of good heat conductive material. The solid block comprises an upper plate (28) and a lower plate (27) connected to the upper plate. The upper plate has an upper surface (28a), a first channel (30) defined in the upper surface of the upper plate, and a resistor (23) in the channel for heating the solid block.

Abstract: The container which can be inserted into a power-supply unit (17, 18) and is intended for the preparation of hot drinks, with a liquid-storage container (4), an electric heating element (7) arranged therein and a collecting container (1) for the drink prepared, the liquid-storage container (4) having a closure (9, 10) which is arranged in the bottom (8) of the liquid-storage container (4) and opens in a manner not automatically reversible at a predetermined internal pressure of the container, due to the arching outwards of the bottom (8), which is provided with contacts (6) for the supply of electrical power and which can be inserted or is inserted into the collecting container (1) in such a way that, in the operating position, the collecting space is essentially below the storage container (4), and the power supply to the heating element (7) being designed in such a way that it is interrupted when the closure (9, 10) is opened, is distinguished by the fact that the closure (9, 10) is formed by an annular pro

Abstract: The material pack opening apparatus of the invention comprises: a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart teeth shaped sting edges arranged in an front-to-end (longitudinal) direction; a transverse sting edges arranged perpendicular to, and at substantially intermediate position of, said paired sting edges; and a platform for holding thereon said sting edges, said apparatus enabling a material pack at the bottom of multiple packs each containing powder material and stacked on an article stock rack, to be cut open the bottom of the lowest material pack widely along two cut lines by pressing from above said packs, and, by vibrating said platform, enabling the bottom pack unpacked, freeing the powder material almost completely into a material accommodation unit in a short time.

Abstract: The In-Car Coffee Maker allows the driver of a motor vehicle to brew a cup or other single portion of brewed beverage without taking attention from the road. The device is stabilized by an anchored base. There is a rotatable holder clamp to level the coffee maker on an uneven floor or other surface of a motor vehicle, and an interlock mechanism prevents commencement of the brewing cycle unless the drinking cup is applied in proper position adjacent the coffee maker. A showerhead configuration above a brewing chamber allows heated water to dispersably contact a prepackaged filter containing beverage precursor particles. A thermostat control causes automatic shut-off when a single portion has brewed. A water reservoir is removable and resealable. Splash guard features are provided in the drinking cup for safety.

Abstract: A household coffeemaker comprises a cold water reservoir (1) supplying a water heater (2) of the circulating type whose outlet is connected to a water channel (3) of a coffee filter (4). The water heater comprises a heating resistance (7) whose supply circuit is connected to the terminals (8) of a source of alternating current. The supply circuit of the resistance (7) comprises a device (11) for changing the electric power supplied to the resistance (7) so as to supply, during a first so-called pre-steeping phase, a low power to obtain a low flow rate of hot water, and during a second so-called infusion phase, a higher power to obtain a higher flow rate of hot water. The invention is applicable to drip coffeemakers.