Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for hot beverages is provided with means (4,5) to filter hot pressurized water through ground edible ingredients such as coffee, tea or herbal remedies in a chamber, means (17,18,20) of monitoring real-time data concerning brewing parameters; a controlling unit (16) comprising means of storing data, means of comparing the real-time data to a set of stored data and/or threshold parameters, stored in the controller's memory associated with the brewing system, to determine whether a correction to the parameters should be made, and means (8,9,24) of altering at least one of the relevant brewing parameters, when required to bring said real time parameter in line with said recorded parameter to obtain consistent high quality of the dispensed beverage.

Abstract: The multiple beverage brewer utilizes the vacant vertical spaces in an establishment, opens counterspace, and allows placement of different products, such as coffee varieties and flavors, for simultaneous brewing. The vertical multiple coffee brewer begins with a base, a housing upon the base extending upright while leaving room for at least one warmer on the base, a deck extending from the housing above the base with a brew basket and a coffee pot, at least one warmer on the deck, a second deck extending from the housing, and a top. The housing contains one tank for heating of water supplied to all of the brew baskets through piping and dump valves. Alternatively, the housing has two vertically stacked tanks supplied with fresh water but heating the water separately for delivery to each deck.

Abstract: An assembly for preparing a beverage comprises a concentrate containing package and an apparatus for receiving the package and for preparing a beverage with the concentrate. The apparatus comprises a recess for receiving said package, a concentrate discharge channel debouching in said recess and connecting to a mixing chamber, and movable pressure element for pressurizing the package. The package rupturing mechanism is positioned in said concentrate discharge channel in a manner as not to protrude effectively into the recess. The package is sufficiently flexible as to bulge out locally towards the concentrate discharge channel and into contact with the package rupturing mechanism when pressurized by the pressure element. Further a package and an apparatus for use in the assembly are provided.

Abstract: A system (1) for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchangeable holder (2) and an apparatus (4) provided with a fluid dispensing device (6) which is detachably connected to the holder (2) for dispensing at least an amount of at least a first fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable holder (2), wherein the exchangeable holder (2) is provided with at least one storage space (8) which is filled with a second fluid, such as a concentrate.

Abstract: A method brewing a beverage or coffee, and an associated system, include a water reservoir having a fixed capacity, an electric pump, a steel vessel with an inlet and an outlet for water and with a heater for heating the water, a container for holding coffee grounds having a removable insert for selectively optimizing coffee strength including but not limited to optimizing for amount of coffee brewed, and an optional heater to keep brewed coffee at a desired temperature until dispensed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine with a capsule comprising an enclosure containing tea leaves comprising the steps of: a) introducing water in the capsule to submerge the tea leaves in the capsule enclosure, then b) introducing water at a soaking flow of at most 80 ml/min, then c) introducing water in the capsule until the required volume of beverage is delivered, wherein during at least one period of step b), water is introduced in the capsule at least once at a stirring flow superior the soaking flow to stir tea leaves.

Abstract: Nutritional delivery system using single-serve capsules comprising: a dispenser for a nutritional composition comprising means for providing water into a single-use capsule containing a portion-controlled serving of a nutritional formula; different types of capsules (10,11,12,13,14,15,16) being designed according to a nutritional feeding plan corresponding to persons or categories of persons to be fed, each type comprising capsules containing a nutritional formula; the capsules of different types having at least one differentiating characteristic so that each type of capsules corresponds to a feeding time period determined by the feeding plan; control operation means associated to each type of capsules, said means comprising information relating to at least one differentiating operational parameter relevant to produce and deliver a differentiated nutritional liquid in the dispenser according to the feeding plan.

Abstract: Beverage making apparatus which controllably produces a beverage from a brewing substance by combining heated water with a brewing substance. The beverage making apparatus includes a volume adjustment assembly (22) which can be controlled by a user to increase or decrease the volume of water which is controllably dispensed to the beverage making substance. The apparatus and method for using the apparatus includes controllably dispensing water from a water source such as a water reservoir (34) or pressurized water line to a controllable heated water reservoir (53). The heated water reservoir communicates with the spray head (40). A flow meter (46) is provided and communicates with a water dispensing line (38) between the water source and the heated water reservoir for monitoring the volume of water flowing through the dispensing line.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine with a capsule comprising an enclosure containing tea leaves comprising the steps of: a) introducing water in the capsule to submerge the tea leaves in the capsule enclosure, then b) letting the tea leaves soak, then c) introducing water in the capsule until the required volume of beverage is delivered, wherein water is continuously introduced in the capsule from the beginning of step a) until the end of step b).

Abstract: A tea kettle and related methods for preparing an optimally flavored hot tea. The tea kettle is capable of heating water for steeping tea leaves and steeping the packaged or loose leaf tea leaves within the tea kettle. The tea kettle can include an integrated heating element for heating the water. The tea kettle includes an integrated thermometer and can include an integrated timer for tracking the water temperature and steep time respectively so as to insure that the tea leaves steep at the proper temperature and duration of time. The tea kettle can include a detachable mesh infuser that attaches to a lid of the tea kettle for holding tea leaves during steeping.

Abstract: A method for producing crema in a coffee vending machine that has a flow-through heater for heating water and that is charged with substrate capsules which include a Venturi nozzle for crema production. The method includes a) heating the water in the flow-through heater; b) brewing ground coffee using the heated water in a brewing chamber in order to produce a coffee drink; and c) producing crema by mixing the coffee drink with a gas in the Venturi nozzle. In step c), at least one of two volumetric flows of the coffee drink or the gas is increased in the Venturi nozzle during a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A beverage preparation apparatus with a three-way valve that includes an inlet; a first outlet; a second outlet; a first member movable between first and second extreme positions under the influence of liquid flow from the inlet to the first and/or second outlets from the first extreme position towards the second extreme position which closes off the first outlet so that the liquid flow then extends from the inlet to the second outlet; a second member which is freely moveable under the influence of a liquid flow from the inlet to the second outlet between a third and fourth extreme position wherein under the influence of the liquid flow from the inlet to the second outlet, moves from the third extreme position to the fourth extreme position and in the third extreme position blocks a liquid flow from the second outlet in the direction of the inlet.

Abstract: A brewing system and method are disclosed for brewing a beverage, such as coffee or tea. The system includes an inline sensor or sensor array that intercepts the dispensing stream and measures the time dependent properties of the brewed liquid at a particular location as the liquid is dispensed. In a particular embodiment, the total dissolved solids is measured to produce a coffee signature, which is sent to a controller that uses the time-dependent data to perform one or more of the following: evaluate the quality of the brewed liquid, control the brewing process for subsequent brewing cycles; identify the blend or brand of brewed product; and/or determine when maintenance is needed or advisable for the brewing system.

Abstract: A water feeding device of a hot drink maker, particularly of a coffeemaker, is provided wherein a water feeding operation and a water heating time are controlled by a water temperature sensor, a computer circuit board, and a motor, all of which are installed in the hot drink maker. The motor is driven according to a sensing result obtained by sensing water temperature at a predetermined position, so as to push heated water smoothly and completely into an inlet of a brewing chamber. Thus, ground coffee in the brewing chamber is infused by the liquid-state heated water of a predetermined temperature to make a hot drink with a desirable taste.

Abstract: A hot drink maker is provided. The hot drink maker includes a heating device for making various hot drinks. The heating device can be set in advance with a desired temperature and time for making a hot drink so that the heating device heats water to the desired temperature and pumps the heated water into a steeping space in which a bag containing a raw material of the hot drink is placed. When the set time is up, a cam is driven to rotate, thereby pushing a pushing rod upward. Consequently, a seesaw element resiliently engaged with a plug rod at an end of an outlet of a steeping chamber is tilted so as to discharge a finished hot drink prepared by steeping into an adjacent pitcher along the lowered plug rod, and thus the hot drink is made conveniently.

Abstract: An adapter for machines for preparing beverages, particularly espresso coffee, comprising a supporting element which can be associated with water dispensing means and a cartridge holder associated with the supporting element, the cartridge holder comprising a plurality of receptacles for respective cartridges for infusions or the like and being movable, with respect to the supporting element, from a position for dispensing the infusion to a position for loading and/or unloading the cartridges, the supporting element being further provided with a front opening for moving the cartridge holder from the position for dispensing the infusion to the position for loading and/or unloading the cartridges and vice versa, at least one guide being provided for the translational motion of the cartridge holder with respect to the supporting element between two intermediate positions which are comprised between the loading and/or unloading position and the infusion dispensing position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage production device for preparing a liquid comestible from a portioned food substance contained in a sealed capsule. The device includes a centrifugal unit for receiving the sealed capsule, a driving mechanism connected to the centrifugal unit for enabling a rotational motion of the centrifugal unit, a liquid supply connected to the centrifugal unit, a flow rate or pressure measuring mechanism for the supplied liquid and a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the driving mechanism dependent on the measured flow rate or the measured pressure of the liquid.

Abstract: A delivering system for infusion-type beverages is described, including at least one water heating unit and at least one beverage infusion and delivering unit. The heating unit includes at least one first water supply line, at least one circuit for heating and recirculating hot water and at least one second supply line for heated water from the circuit for heating and recirculating hot water to the beverage infusion and delivering unit.

Abstract: The coffee maker for brewing powder coffee contained in a cartridge comprises a brewing chamber adapted to receive the cartridge, at least one punching member for punching the cartridge and a pump for feeding brewing water into the brewing chamber. In order to avoid that the prepared coffee shows froth at its surface, the coffee maker comprises means for restricting the amount of water fed by the pump into the brewing chamber per unit of time. This means ensures that the brewing water flows through the cartridge essentially unpressurized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee machine for producing and dispensing coffee-based beverages comprising a hydraulic pump (35), at least one dispensing device (13) comprising a filter unit (31) apt to contain ground coffee and a supply unit (14) apt to supply water to the filter unit when the filter unit is engaged with the supply unit and a hydraulic circuit which brings the hydraulic pump into fluid communication with the supply unit of the dispensing device, the hydraulic circuit comprising a supply duct (11) which supplies hot water under pressure to the supply unit, characterized in that it further comprises a system for controlling the dispensing pressure which comprises a control unit (22), a pressure sensor (21) disposed along the hydraulic circuit and apt to generate a control signal representative of the pressure detected, the pressure sensor being electronically connected to a control unit to detect the dispensing pressure, and a hydraulic variable-flow valve (36) disposed along the hydraul

Abstract: A coffee brewing system comprises: a housing defining an interior cavity for storing a volume of water; a fill valve for controlling flow of water into the interior cavity through an inlet pipe; a plurality of liners housed within the interior cavity and surrounded by the water in the interior cavity; one or more heating elements positioned within the interior cavity to heat and maintain the temperature of the water; a plurality of brew baskets, each of which is received in one of the plurality of liners and configured for holding a quantity of coffee grounds; a plurality of pivoting spray arm assemblies, each said pivoting spray arm assembly configured for pivotal movement relative to the housing; one or more pumps, each said pump for conveying water from the interior cavity of the housing to a respective pivoting spray arm assembly, which then delivers the water to a selected brew basket for making brewed coffee; and a control system for controlling operation of each said pump, each said heating element, an

Abstract: A dual-purpose brewer assembly with a brewing assembly including, within a housing (11), operator inputs (29), a hot water dispenser system (25) for dispensing hot water from a source of hot water (23) to a dispense outlet located above a removable brew basket assembly (18) with an electromagnetically controlled outlet drain valve (44) for selectively blocking beverage from leaving the brew basket (18) during a seeping period when making tea and leaves a drain hole (41) open throughout a brew cycle when making coffee. A drain plug (42) made of magnetic or ferromagnetic material is moved by an electromagnetic field to an open position (FIG. 6) in which a drain passageway (45) is not blocked when it is desired to drain the brew basket (18) of beverage and is allowed to fall to a closed position (FIG. 5) when electromagnetic field is allowed to collapse during a seeping period.

Abstract: A coffee maker assembly particularly suitable for aircraft use delivers hot coffee into a decanter that can be removed from the assembly to serve the coffee to passengers and crew inside an aircraft cabin. The assembly includes an electronically controlled solenoid valve that controls the delivery of water from a reservoir into a coil heater. Electronic circuitry in the system controls the assembly's operation and provides various indications to a user of the system. Various automatic valves, couplings, and other features ensure safe and reliable operation with minimal maintenance.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly for automatic fresh brewing of hot beverage and dispensing thereof which uses single serving pods (18) stacked in plurality of static vertically extending chutes (36, 38). The assembly dispenses each individual serving of fresh hot beverage with consistent taste and flavor, within a short time and customized to a consumer's preference like ‘strong’, ‘light’, ‘with milk’, ‘without milk’, etc.

Abstract: A stove top device (10) for making espresso coffee. The device (10) comprises a coffee grounds reservoir (22), a water reservoir (28) and a first conduit (36). The water reservoir (22) has a base and a volume defined by a recommended filling level. The first conduit (36) has a first end in fluid communication with the water reservoir (28) at a level above the base and below the recommended filling level and a second end in fluid communication with the coffee grounds reservoir (22). In use, heated water is only communicated from the water reservoir (28) to the coffee grounds reservoir (22) until the water level in the water reservoir (28) falls below the first end.

Abstract: A set of articles comprises a beverage making device (1), at least one pad holder which is suitable for receiving and supporting at least one pad comprising a filter envelope and containing a quantity of beverage extract, and at least one brewing unit (21) having a space (23) for receiving and accommodating a quantity of beverage extract in a loose form. Advantageously, the space (23) of the at least one brewing unit (21) is large enough for enabling the brewing unit (21) to be used in a process of making a considerably larger quantity of beverage than may be obtained by using at least one pad and a pad holder. In this way, it is achieved that it is possible to make a large variety of quantities of beverage without a need of using another beverage making device (1), wherein a range of possible quantities may run from one cup to an entire jug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage maker having an in-line heating assembly for heating water to make hot beverages such as coffee and tea. The heating assembly defines a flow path that runs past a plurality of heaters for heating water to a desired temperature. In this manner, the beverage maker heats water as it travels, alleviating the need for a water tank or vessel, resulting in increased savings in weight and size, as well as reducing brew time. Additionally, an optical sensor assembly is provided to detect when a serving container of the beverage maker has a prescribed capacity of liquid within it. The sensor assembly includes at least one light source aligned to shine into the container and at least one detector aligned to detect light reflected off the liquid surface within the container. A drainage assembly is also provided that can drain liquid through either a connector port into an airplane's wastewater system or through a drainage port into a drainage sump.

Abstract: An hourglass shaped apparatus for cold brewing coffee, comprising a brew chamber, an extract chamber and a center piece connecting the brew and extract chambers. The extract and brew chambers comprise two ends of the hourglass shaped apparatus and the center piece comprises middle portion. The brew chamber houses a free standing self-contained filter assembly containing coffee grounds inside a micro-fine wire mesh. Water is poured into the brew chamber to generate coffee extract through cold water infusion. After the brewing process, the apparatus is inverted, and the coffee travels into the extract chamber through the center piece for dispensing. Coffee brewed in this manner is less acidic and more flavorful than the conventionally hot-brewed beverage. All the components of the apparatus, the filter assembly, the brew chamber, the extract chamber, and the center tie piece, are detachable.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may include a brew system, an indicator to indicate at least one of a cleaning and a maintenance need of the beverage maker, and a control circuit. The brew system may include a reservoir to receive a liquid, a heater to heat the liquid, an expendable filter structured to filter impurities from the liquid for at least a predetermined number of brew cycles, and a container for receiving a beverage brewed from the filtered liquid. The control circuit may include a processor configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor indicative of an end of a brew cycle, increment a brew cycle counter by one count at the end of each brew cycle, and activate the indicator when a value of the brew cycle counter is equal to the predetermined number of brew cycles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a coffee machine, comprising a grinder, a stewing vessel and a water supply mechanism, the stewing vessel is connected to the water supply mechanism, and is positioned below a discharging outlet of the grinder; a filter mesh is provided in the stewing vessel which is fixed on the casing body of the coffee machine; a bean chamber is provided in the grinder, and under the bean chamber is provided a grinding unit, the grinding unit comprises a bean grinding chamber in which a rotating grinding plate and a stationary grinding plate are provided, the shaft of grinding motor is connected to the rotating grinding plate, and a removable shaft coupling is provided between the shaft of grinding motor and rotating grinding plate. Since the stewing vessel is fixed on the casing body of the coffee machine through a removable structure, the stewing vessel may be taken off to spill out coffee grounds after the coffee is stewed.

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 multicontrolled, fresh beverage brewer (20) with a dispense manifold heater (104) for selectively instantaneously heating pre-heated hot water from a hot water tank (29) immediately before the preheated hot water is dispensed into the brew basket (49) in sensed temperature of the beverage within the brew basket the preheated water immediately prior to being added to the brew basket, a photosensor (106) for sensing a level of light conductance of the beverage for controlling at least one of a brew dispense valve (37), a bypass valve (38) and a brew basket drain hole closure (94) in response to photosensor sensing a level of light conductance level of the beverage, and brew basket pressurization system (50, 69, 51) for selectively pressurizing the brew basket (49) to selectively accelerate the flow rate of hot water though an ingredient within the brew basket.

Abstract: An appliance for making coffee, tea and the like comprises an automatic adjustment unit (22) for adjusting the desired quantity ratio between the quantity of water in a water reservoir (2) and the quantity of substance in a filter holder (4). The adjustment unit (22) can adjust the loadable length of a resilient element (50a) in response to the level of the water in the reservoir 2. The resilient element (50a) is pivotally attached to a lever (5) of the filtering system (3). The rotation of the lever (5) is indicated on a strength indicating scale (10, 11, 12).

Abstract: An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston assembly disposed in the chamber. The chamber is operable to receive a liquid such as water and a flavor base such as ground coffee, and to allow the beverage to brew from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The piston assembly is operable to filter a solid such as spent coffee grounds from the brewed beverage by moving in a first direction, and to force the filtered beverage out of the chamber by moving in a second direction. By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, such a machine may control one or more of the brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

Abstract: A coffee maker is provided that is structured to control the temperature of water entering the brewing area, releasably secure a coffee pot in the coffee maker, detect the presence or absence of a coffee pot or mug in the coffee maker, provide a seal between the brewing basket and coffee maker to prevent excess steam from escaping and provide a water supply pressure detection system. A structure for preventing water leaking from an in-wall coffee maker from entering a wall cavity is also provided. A system and method of filtering sediment from water supplied to a coffee maker or other appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage by injection of water through a capsule containing a substance to be dissolved and/or to be extracted. The device comprises at least one water-injection system for introducing water inside the capsule. The injection system can be switched in order for a selection to be made between at least two different modes of wetting the substance so as to adapt wetting in accordance with the type of capsule and/or with the nature of the substance contained in the capsule. The invention aims to propose a device suitable for the preparation of a wider range of beverages, foaming or non-foaming, from substances to be extracted and/or soluble substances.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved water heater and coffee maker for use in an aircraft. A water heater 1 of an aircraft has a water tank 20 to which water from a water tank 10 of the aircraft is fed via a solenoid valve 14 and a flowmeter 16. The water tank 20 is opened to the atmosphere, and it does not form a pressure vessel. The hot water heated by a rapid heating boiler 40 is sent to a coffee server 100, and sprinkled via a hot water shower head 170 into a coffee brewing cup 180. The brewed coffee is pooled in a coffee server 200. An electrostatic level sensor 260 senses the liquid surface level of the coffee, based on which power supply to the boiler is turned off and supply of hot water is stopped.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing both coffee in a reservoir and nested stacks of cup-shaped coffee filters, and then automatically filling individual filters with selected amounts of coffee and brewing the coffee while protecting the reservoir. Through a series of gears, an electric motor rotates an elastic projection with teeth and a disengaging curved tooth against the topmost filter in the stack, dragging it into a filter well beneath a coffee storage receptacle and then dropping it. Simultaneously, a rotating coffee dispenser fills with a selectable quantity of coffee and then dumps the coffee into the filter. The apparatus also includes a stirring device for insuring the stored coffee falls to the bottom of the coffee receptacle. A hot water dispenser operates in conjunction with a valve means for cutting off steam from the coffee reservoir.

Abstract: A method of brewing a fresh, hot beverage in a beverage brewer (10) having a brew basket (18) for holding ingredient to be brewed and a dispensing spray head (12) for passing water onto a top surface of a layer of ingredient supported within the brew basket (18) during a dispense period of a brew cycle uses a temperature selectable dispense system having an on-demand hot water heating chamber assembly (30) with a hot water chamber (86) having a volume substantially less than the volume of beverage brewed during a single brew cycle. An electrical heating element (98) of sufficient power quickly and substantially alters the temperature of the water in the chamber during a single brew cycle and a microprocessor controller (38) for controlling the heating element in response to temperature sensors (40, 42) to control the heating element (98) to selectively change the temperature of the hot water dispensed to the brew basket (18) during a single brew cycle.

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 of tea format (loose or bagged) and tea type. The control can also set tea strength. A control circuit communicates 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 the expiration of the steep time to produce a brewed tea.

Abstract: A process of preparing a beverage from a beverage preparation chamber comprises the steps of feeding water to the preparation chamber (2) until a first pressure (P1) of at least 3 bar is reached, interrupting the flow of water to the preparation chamber, holding said preparation chamber (2) in a closed condition for a first time interval (t1), opening said outlet (3) of the preparation chamber (2) and delivering the thus prepared beverage.

Abstract: Methods and systems to deliver foamed beverages from liquid concentrate(s) through a dispenser machine are presented. In an embodiment, the method and system for improving foam quality by generating foam with the desired texture, stability and bubble size distribution comprises use of a low viscous liquid(s) to generate a primary foam, which is then stabilized by mixing it with liquid(s) of higher viscosity. To create high quality foam, different dosing protocols including two approaches such as delivery of foaming liquid concentrates at different concentration, or getting different concentration by varying water dosing times and/or flow rates were used. Positive results were found for the dispensing systems using milk and other liquid concentrates at specific dispensing conditions (flow rates and times).

Abstract: A system for dispensing a metered volume of heated water to the brew chamber of a single serve beverage dispenser. The system includes: a storage tank for containing a supply of unheated water, a dispensing tank, and a delivery line communicating with the brew chamber and with the dispensing tank at an intermediate level demarcating the interior of the dispensing tank into upper and lower compartments wherein the volume of the upper compartment is equal to the metered volume. The system also includes a vent valve communicating via a vent line with the upper compartment, and a supply line connecting the storage tank to the lower compartment. An air pump is arranged to deliver pressurized air to the upper compartment. A water pump in the supply line is arranged to deliver water from the storage tank to the lower compartment. A heater for heating water is received in the dispensing tank.

Abstract: A machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is operable to move to a first position to allow the chamber to receive a liquid and a flavor base such as ground coffee, to remain in the first position for a time sufficient for the beverage to brew, and to move to a second position to dispense the beverage by forcing the beverage out of the chamber. By modifying some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, the machine can typically control coffee-brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup, and can typically brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

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 beverage 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 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: 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: A tea maker, having a receptacle supported by a base, the receptacle being suitable for receiving water from a user and suitable for containing tea leaves, an actuatable valve having open and closed positions flowably connected to said receptacle; and a timer mechanism which sets the acuatable valve into the open position after a predetermined period set by the user, thereby allowing brewed tea to flow from the receptacle into a tea vessel. The invention further comprises a tea maker which has an agitation assembly which enhances the flavor and health benefits of the tea.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage provided with a storage tank, a heater and a three-way valve. The three-way valve is provided with in inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. The three-way valve is provided with a first member which is freely movable between a first and second extreme position wherein the first member can move under the influence of the liquid flow from the inlet to the first outlet and/or the second outlet from the first extreme position towards the second extreme position and in the second extreme position closes off the first outlet so that the liquid flow then extends from the inlet to the second outlet.