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.

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.

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 apparatus for preparing hot beverages includes a boiler and a device for inhibiting scale. That device comprises at least one ultrasound transmitter located at the boiler, inside the boiler or in the region of the boiler. The ultrasound transmitter is operatively coupled to the boiler and excites it to oscillate with its natural frequency. In a preferred embodiment, an ultrasound receiver and an amplifier is provided whose input is connected to the ultrasound receiver and whose output is connected to the ultrasound transmitter. The advantage of the invention is that the boiler always oscillates with its natural frequency, so that the sound energy is optimally used and can be kept lower than it would be for the same effect without resonance.

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 beverage making system that includes a plurality of packs containing different beverage making ingredients and having different infrared reflectance spectra in a region thereof. A beverage making apparatus includes a station for receiving at least one of the packs; a source of liquid adapted to supply liquid into the at least one pack while the pack is located at the station; a system controller for controlling the supply of liquid from the source according to a beverage making program; and an infrared pack recognition system comprising an infrared light source for illuminating the region of the pack while it is located at the station. The apparatus also includes a detector for measuring an intensity of infrared light reflected from the region and for supplying an output signal to the system controller, whereby the beverage-making program is selected by the system controller in response to the output of the infrared pack recognition system.

Abstract: A unit having a collecting device with a seat arranged to receive a disposable capsule containing a soluble product, such as a beverage-forming powder. The capsule contains at least one inlet port for a diluting fluid introduced into the capsule, at least one outlet port for delivery of a beverage provided by thorough mixing of the soluble product and the diluting fluid, and a bottom wall. The unit also includes a throttling arrangement provided by an engaging surface of a plunger that is operatively associated with the outlet port of the capsule. The engaging surface of the plunger is positioned and arranged outside of the capsule before the diluting fluid enters into the capsule, with the throttling arrangement created as diluting fluid is urged to enter the capsule by expansion of the capsule bottom wall and by forcing the engaging surface of the plunger to snugly fit through the outlet port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for infusing a liquid with a flavoring or a scent. The method and apparatus may be used to produce soups and beverages, including tea-based beverages which use various flavoring agents, and also scented products. Further, the method and apparatus allow for fine adjustments to infusion conditions such as submersion time and temperature, and preparation (such as chopping or grinding) of the flavoring or scent agents, to allow for the consistent, repeatable preparation of a high quality flavored or scented liquid.

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 brewing apparatus includes an intermittent brewing feature whereby a controller regulates flow into a brew basket based upon a user selected pre-stored flow profile comprising a sequence of flow pulses. A user selects from among a plurality of stored intermittent flow profiles according to the specific brewing operation, where each profile is designed for different brewing conditions. The flow profiles can be incorporated into a larger set of pre-stored or programmed instructions that also regulate temperature, volume, warming operations, and the like.

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: An automatic tea maker comprises a cover body, a tube base, and a bottom base, wherein the cover body is covered on the tube base, which is eccentrically disposed on the bottom base. A partition is disposed on an interior of the tube base to partition an independent drainage area. A vent disposed on the partition communicates with the tube base. Each of water exits, provided with a stopping members, are disposed on a base surface of the tube base. A baffle extends from an internal periphery of the bottom base with push rods placed on the baffle protruding outward from the water exits. The push rods placed on the baffle extend corresponding to the stopping members of the water exits, is able to push the stopping members away from the water exits, when the tube base is slanted corresponding to the bottom base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for brewing coffee or a similar brewed beverage allows a consumer to select a desired strength, and then, a serving of the brewed beverage is promptly brewed and dispensed in response to that selection. Regardless of the selected strength, a constant volume of beverage results; in other words, the strength of the brewed beverage is not altered by merely adding or subtracting water.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a water reservoir, an in-line water heater, a brew basket for receiving coffee grinds, and a water passage between the reservoir and the brew basket. The passage passes through the in-line water heater for delivering heated water to the brew basket. A a bi-directional valve disposed in the water passage between the water reservoir and the in-line water heater to permit substantially unrestricted flow in a first direction and restricted flow in a second direction. A controller can be provided for altering the valve between an unrestricted bi-directional mode and a unidirectional mode.

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 dispensing apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing hot water, a beverage concentrate and cold water, as well as one or more additives. The hot water and cold water are supplied at a predetermined flow rate at a predetermined proportion, regardless of the pressure of the water supply. A water heater supplies the hot water within a specified pressure range and without significant entrapped air.

Abstract: An appliance for preparing hot beverages includes a brewing chamber having an essentially cylindrical outside and at least two chamber parts. One of the chamber parts is movable relative to the other chamber part between a closed position and an opened position. The chamber parts holding a portion container in the closed position. A sleeve having an inside wall is adapted to the essentially cylindrical outside of the brewing chamber. At least two sealing rings for sealing the brewing chamber, encircle a respective one of the chamber parts. The sleeve is pushable over the outside of the brewing chamber in the closed position. Each sealing ring provides a seal between the inside wall of the sleeve and the outside of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: An improved coffee brewer is provided for rapid and consistent high quality brewing of coffee. The coffee brewer includes a control panel for initiating a brew cycle wherein a metered volume of hot water is delivered from an insulated water reservoir via a spray head to mix with coffee grounds contained within a filter-lined brew basket, with the resultant brewed coffee draining into an underlying pot preferably such as an insulated carafe. The control panel is further operable for precision calibration of the metered water volume delivered to the brew basket for each brew cycle. In addition, the coffee brewer incorporates a removable rail unit for supporting the brew basket, wherein the rail unit and spray head are removable quickly and easily disassembled for periodic cleaning.

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: Coffee-making device with a piston/cylinder unit, the piston (3) being driven by a crankshaft (11). A swivelling arm structure (13) is also driven by means of the crankshaft, with the interposition of a cam/cam follower mechanism. The swivelling arm structure is provided with a cover (19) for closing off the free end of the cylinder (2). The cover can be pressed onto the cylinder by means of a cam structure.

Abstract: An automatic coffee beverage machine, in particular an automatic espresso machine, suitable for selecting a coffee beverage from a plurality of preparation varieties. A plurality of switching contact groups is provided for this, of which respectively one is assigned to a preparation variety and respectively only one can be activated for selecting one of the preparation varieties while the other switching contact groups are blocked. The preparation of the variety selected with one of the switching contacts can subsequently be triggered with a starting contact. To simplify the operation and make the selection clearer, the switching contact groups are designed to form components of a lockable rotary selection switch provided with a turning knob (4). This rotary selection switch is assigned a preparation variety in each lockable rotary position and activates one of the contact groups in each lockable rotary position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the extraction of a substance for the preparation of a beverage. This device includes a fixed first component, and a second component moveable relative to the first along an axis of rotation arranged at the rear of the two components. The front of each component forms a housing for the substance to be extracted, and the device includes a member that is integral with the fixed and moveable parts for closing and opening the components. The device also includes a control and a valve associated with the control, with these components placed on the upper part of the moveable second component in such a way that the control and valve are near the housing wherein the substance is to be extracted.

Abstract: An espresso machine is provided with an infusion piston displaceable inside an infusion cylinder. The infusion piston is force-connected to a spring and to a device for activating the infusion piston and, in a first position, tightly encloses ground coffee inside an infusion chamber of the infusion cylinder between itself and an outlet sieve. A pressurized water inlet is connected to the infusion chamber, the infusion piston is automatically pushed by the pressure of the infusion water flowing into the infusion cylinder and counter to a spring force to a second predetermined position, thereby expanding the infusion chamber, whereupon during a pressure drop inside the infusion chamber the infusion piston is returned automatically to the first position.

Abstract: An automated beverage brewing system includes a liquid storage tank and a metering chamber. The metering chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid in the storage tank. The chamber includes a sealable liquid inlet port communicating with the interior of the storage tank beneath the standing level of liquid. The chamber also includes a liquid outlet port and an aperture that receives compressed air, wherein the compressed air forces liquid from the liquid output port of the chamber for use in preparing a brewed beverage. A pump provides the compressed air and a controller monitors a pressure signal value indicative of the air pressure in the metering chamber. The controller commands the pump on to commence flow of liquid from the metering chamber. The controller then commands the pump off several seconds after detecting a drop in air pressure within the chamber. A baffle is affixed to the distal end of a shaft, which is moved between a first and second position.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker includes a removable filtering member for receiving ground coffee beans. A selection unit can be actuated to operate the assembly of a water-supplying device, a flow control unit, and a dispensing member in a selected one of a single-stage Espresso coffee mode and a two-stage Americano coffee mode. In the Espresso coffee mode, hot water is supplied into the filtering member via a main water path for discharging brewed coffee. In the Americano coffee mode, hot water is supplied twice. The first supply of the hot water flows into the filtering member via the main water path so as to discharge brewed coffee into a cup. The second supply of the hot water flows into the cup via a secondary water path and a water passage space in the dispensing member that is located outside the filtering member.

Abstract: A beverage brewer comprises a storage tank adapted to contain a supply of liquid, and a metering chamber structured and arranged to be filled with a metered amount of liquid received from the storage tank via an inlet in communication therewith. A brewing chamber is structured and arranged to receive a beverage filter cartridge containing a dry beverage medium. A baffle in the storage tank is shiftable from an open position accommodating liquid flow between the storage tank and the metering chamber via its inlet to a closed position preventing such flow and isolating the metering chamber from the storage tank. During a brewing cycle, liquid is delivered from the thus isolated metering chamber to the brewing chamber for combination with the beverage medium contained in the filter cartridge. At the conclusion of the brewing cycle, the baffle is returned to its open position, thereby allowing the metering chamber to be refilled with liquid received from the storage tank via its inlet.

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 tea maker (54) is provided with a control system (116) that enables the tea to be intermittently drained of water to allow contact of the tea (52,26) with atmospheric oxygen several times during each brew cycle to enhance flavor and to eliminate the problems associated with seeping of the tea.

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: 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 beverage server and beverage brewer. Contacts are provided between the brewer and server, and the server is conductively coupleable to and removable from the brewer. The server is configured to detect a level of beverage retained in the server and communicate this information to the brewer. The brewer is configured to automatically initiate a brewing cycle in response to pre-determined conditions, such as upon beverage in the server decreasing below a pre-determined level. The brewer is configured to detect whether the server is in position relative to the brewer and is configured to dispense beverage only if the server is detected. Preferably, the server is configured to prevent dispensing of beverage if a pre-determined time period has expired, in order to avoid dispensing beverage with an expired pre-determined freshness period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the system, apparatus, and method for controllably mixing a concentrate with a dilution substance using closed-loop feedback in order to improve the resultant substance. The present invention discloses a system, apparatus and method for sensing the conductivity of a diluted substance to provide feedback information for adjusting dispensing of a concentrate used to produce the resultant or diluted substance. The present invention also includes a system for dispensing beverages using the conductivity sensor such that the system controllably adjusts the dispensing of concentrate to maintain the resultant beverage within a desired concentration range based on conductivity sensing. The present invention also includes the method for sensing the conductivity of the resultant beverage and adjusting the dispensing of concentrate in response to the conductivity of the resultant beverage.

Abstract: The invention refers to a coffee machine having a brewing chamber and a beverage outlet. A valve assembly is inserted between the brewing chamber and the beverage outlet. The valve assembly comprises a valve seat and a valve body member movable with regard to the valve seat. The valve body member is biased by a spring and can be moved, against the force of the spring, by the pressure of the coffee beverage flowing through the valve assembly. Moreover, these are provided for adjusting the bias force of the spring. In such a design, the operator or user of the coffee machine can directly influence the amount of coffee to be brewed per time unit. Moreover, within the limits of the user selected value, the brewing water flows through the coffee powder received in the brewing chamber with an essentially constant flow rate, regardless the amount and granule size of the coffee powder received in the brewing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for preparing hot beverages, comprising a water tank (1) which can be filled with water (23) and a brewing unit (6) which can be filled with an ingredient (9) such as ground coffee or tea leaves. The water (23) is heated and supplied to the brewing unit (6) for extraction. After the extraction process, the hot beverage (24) flows into a container (8). The machine for preparing hot beverages includes a device (10, 11) for sensing the amount of water and ingredients. The device (10, 11) sends corresponding electric signals to an electronic evaluation device (14). The electronic evaluation device (14) indicates the detected strength of the hot beverage on an indicator instrument (17). The degree of strength may be varied by this arrangement in conformity with a user's taste. Further, only that amount of ingredients required for the desired strength of the beverage is used.

Abstract: In a beverage extracting apparatus (10) for extracting a beverage by pouring hot water into a cartridge (1) charged with a powdery material, an open receptacle (12) is interposed between a hot water tank (11) and a hot water pump (13). The open receptacle is open to ambient air and connected to the hot water tank to be supplied with the hot water from the hot water tank. The hot water pump is connected to the open receptacle and carries out a hot water supplying operation of sucking the hot water in the open receptacle and supplying the hot water into the cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved automated beverage making machine combining a traditional French Press of the plunger/strainer type with an improved automatic hot water dispensing machine, the dispensing machine having a housing, a water tank and automatic electric water heater. The dispensing machine is adapted to communicate with a French Press plunger/strainer extractor where the extractor also functions as a serving carafe for hot infused beverages such as coffee and tea. The invention also employs improved heating circulation and temperature sensing system which recirculates water until the water has reached a pre-selected desired temperature.

Abstract: A beverage mixture forming apparatus includes a batch vessel, a first valve distributing a mixture of hot water and a beverage concentrate into the batch vessel, a second valve for distributing cold water into the batch vessel, and a controller. The controller controls the first valve to intermittently distribute the mixture of the hot water and the beverage concentrate and the second valve to intermittently distribute the cold water in forming a batch of the beverage mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for the production of heated beverage being, in particular, coffee. The apparatus provides a brewing chamber in which the outlet from the brewing chamber is closed for a period during operation to ensure retention of the liquid in contact with the coffee. Upon opening of the outlet, the coffee progresses to a beverage container substantially sealed against the escape of steam and aroma from the brewed coffee.

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 automated beverage brewing system includes a liquid storage tank and a metering chamber. The metering chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid in the storage tank. The chamber includes a sealable liquid inlet port communicating with the interior of the storage tank beneath the standing level of liquid. The chamber also includes a liquid outlet port and an aperture that receives compressed air, wherein the compressed air forces a predetermined amount of liquid from the liquid output port of the chamber for use in preparing a brewed beverage. A pump provides the compressed air and a controller monitors a pressure signal value indicative of the air pressure in the metering chamber. The controller commands the pump on to commence flow of the predetermined amount of liquid from the metering chamber.

Abstract: A digital timer and method for controlling a length of a brewing cycle during which time a brewer brews a beverage. The digital timer includes a controller having an initial brew time stored therein. A switch is in communication with the controller, and the controller is configured to add to and/or subtract from the initial brew time when the switch is actuated. The method includes steps of providing a digital timer including a controller having an initial brew time stored therein, providing a switch in communication with the controller, and actuating the switch, where the controller is configured to add to and/or subtract from the initial brew time when the switch is actuated.

Abstract: A computer controlled coffee steeping machine which extracts a minimum of undesirable acids and a maximum of desirable flavorings by steeping the grinds at a low temperature for a long time. The computer is programmed to maintain the lowest water temperature possible for producing a full flavored coffee within a time period selected by the user. At the end of the steeping period, the computer triggers the release of a spring propelled filter basket which lifts the grinds out of the liquid. Finally the coffee is automatically heated to drinking temperature.

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: A method and system for brewing a desired volume of coffee at a selected brew time, in which a volume of water corresponding to the desired volume of coffee is heated and directed into contact with coffee grounds in a brewing chamber. Contact between at least a portion of the heated water and the coffee grounds is maintained for approximately the selected brew time to form brewed coffee. The brewing time, however, is substantially independent of the desired volume of coffee to be brewed and is controlled by control of the rate at which heated liquid flows into or out of the brewing chamber. At the expiration of the brewing time, brewed coffee is released through an opening in the brewing chamber and into an underlying receptacle.