Convertible Patents (Class 99/284)
-
Publication number: 20080060526Abstract: An integrated beverage infuser and lid are adapted for use with an insulated drinking vessel for brewing a consumable product, such as tea, in an insulated travel mug, tumbler, or the like. The lid includes a main body adapted for movable receipt on a drinking vessel that forms a downwardly directed, open-ended cavity. A fluid-permeable brewing basket defines an enclosable receptacle for removable receipt of the brewing consumable product. The basket is movable between a stowed position, substantially within the cavity above the liquid level of the hot water in the tumbler, and a deployed position, below and substantially outside of the cavity for submersion in the hot water contained in the drinking vessel. A lever arm forms a part of the transfer mechanism and has a portion that penetrates the main body to the outside thereof so that the transfer mechanism can be operated by an individual without removing the lid from the insulated drinking vessel, tumbler, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: PACIFIC MARKET INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventor: Tyler Sean GILBERT
-
Patent number: 7318372Abstract: A beverage making apparatus for preparing a plurality of different beverages, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle station for receiving a receptacle for the beverage; a capsule receiving station having walls defining a cavity for receiving a capsule containing a beverage making ingredient; an inlet for introducing water into a capsule in the station to produce a beverage; and a beverage outlet for directing an outflow of beverage from the cavity to the receptacle station; wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of different beverage outlets that are interchangeable for making different beverages.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Mars, Inc.Inventor: John Charles Cooke
-
Patent number: 7162949Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, apparatus and kit for dispensing hot water. The apparatus includes a body which may be positioned or etched to a portion of a housing of a brewer or other beverage making system. The body may be mounted in various orientations relative to the brewer. A moveably mounted faucet is provided on the body to accommodate one of several orientations.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: Burton L. Hart
-
Patent number: 7021197Abstract: A multifunctional beverage machine designed for automatically making various kinds of hot drinks, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate or soups, and incorporates an advanced microprocessor control system such that multifunctional appliance operation can be easily be achieved via a one-touch button. The multifunctional beverage machine may include a removable water tank can hold a sufficient capacity of water so that the machine can make many cups of various drinks without refill. In addition, the multifunctional beverage machine has two or more independent brewing chambers installed in the machine allowing it to make different kinds or different combination of drinks in one operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Electrical & Electronics Ltd.Inventors: Yuen Chin Andrew Chen, Kwan Fai Lui
-
Patent number: 7013794Abstract: Electric coffee maker includes a housing (1) comprising a base (5) on which rests a support (3) for an infusion receptacle (5), an upright (4) secured to the base (2) enclosing an infusion group and carrying at its upper region an infusion head (6) overlying the support, and a water reservoir (7) formed by a tubular body comprising a base (8) and a sidewall (9) and adapted to supply the infusion group. The water reservoir (7) is pivotally mounted on the base about a vertical axis (X–X?) to occupy at least one closed position and at least one extended position.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventor: Jacky Rolland
-
Patent number: 6964222Abstract: The tea brew basket operates in conjunction with a coffee maker. The coffee maker includes a vertical superstructure and an overhanging sub-structure which delivers heated water to a carafe located beneath the sub-structure. The tea brewing system includes a tea brewer basket with a hanger complementary to the basket hanger on the coffee maker, a chute and a tea leaf retaining basket loosely fit within the chute. A controllable latch releases the tea leaf retaining basket from the chute and into the brewer basket. A controller operates a drain valve at the bottom of the brewer basket. Sensors and operator selections control either the brew time, brew temperature or both prior to opening the drain valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Inventor: George H. Tucker
-
Patent number: 6862978Abstract: An espresso coffee making machine, comprising a bearing structure formed by a monolithic cradle (2), made of plastic material and equipped with fastening means and/or compartments for housing a water heating boiler, a compression and pumping group, possibly other internal components, and with a basin for collecting liquids, and by a metal frame (4) that is coupled to the monolithic cradle (2) and is arranged to support one or more coffee delivery groups, the electric and hydraulic control members of the machine and a plurality of external covering panels (28, 32, 34, 35, 36, 30) of plastics and/or metal.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Rancilio Macchine per Caffe SpAInventor: Armando Fogagnolo
-
Patent number: 6857351Abstract: Portable combustible fuel automatic drip coffee making apparatuses use combustible fuels such as propane, butane, white gasoline, and kerosene to heat water which can be alternatively used to make drip coffee, or for other requirements calling for heated water, depending on the selected position of a switching valve. The portability of these devices is self contained and hand transportable. The inventive units are designed to be user maintained with easily cleanable or replaceable parts, as well as designed for manufacturing. These units are configured based on the specific fuel being used, and some units are designed to be able to use a variety of fuels in the same unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Inventors: Geoffrey D. Cutter, Robert J. Zsofka
-
Patent number: 6805041Abstract: An apparatus for the brewing of a beverage by transmission of an aqueous fluid through a sachet containing a beverage brewing ingredient. The apparatus includes one or more injectors to inject the aqueous fluid into the sachet during the brewing and a clamp for the sachet. The clamp has one or more members that are movable to open and close the clamp, the members having inner surfaces which in a closed position of the clamp define a cavity adapted to substantially enclose and support the sachet during the brewing. The members further define a beverage exit pathway in a lower part of the cavity wherein the inner surface of at least one clamp member includes at least one deformable region mounted on a support that is movable while the clamp is in the closed position. The shape of the cavity or of the exit pathway can be changed while the clamp is in the closed position to provide a desired brewing configuration of the sachet.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Martin E. Colston, Christopher J. Gee, Jon W. Shaw, Kevin C. Pope, John C. Cooke, Adrian B. Caroen, Evgeny I. Rivin, Victor R. Fey
-
Patent number: 6766729Abstract: An infusion machine includes a base receiving a collecting tray formed with a bottom and a side wall and provided with a cover forming a support for an infusion receptacle, as well as a device for producing infusion having a head for an infusion outlet, overlying the support by a distance. The support is movably mounted as to height relative to the tray by an adjustment device to cause the distance to vary. The adjustment device includes nesting members adjustable in height by sliding and distributed over at least two opposite regions of the sidewall of the well and of the periphery of the support.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventor: Jacky Rolland
-
Patent number: 6752069Abstract: A beverage brewer with two modes of operation, an automatic mode in which water automatically flows into a reservoir for heating the water and is dispensed over beverage concentrate during a brewing cycle and a manual mode in which water is manually added to the brewer and dispensed over the beverage concentrate during the brewing cycle. The beverage brewer has a water level sensor system signaling the water level for auto-fill from an external water supply or fill by manual pour-over operations.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Grindmaster CorporationInventors: Michael Burke, Robert C. McNeill, Keith W. Enscoe
-
Patent number: 6742442Abstract: A coffee maker structure is disclosed. The coffee maker comprises a base seat, a water container and a siphoning tube container. The ends provided on the base seat connect electricity to the heating base seat and a sensing switch to boil water. The siphoning tube container is with a powder isolation pad and contains coffee powder. The siphoning tube passes through to the water container. Steam is passed through the siphoning tube to the siphoning tube container to the coffee powder. The heating base seat generates heat and switches on the sensing switch to cut off the electric power of the base seat. The temperature of the water container is lowered and water is recycled to the water container.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Chang Yue Industrial Corp.Inventor: Yung Sen Su
-
Patent number: 6622614Abstract: The present invention is a convenient, aesthetically pleasing, multi-purpose container/beverage infuser that allows a user to store and brew beverages such as tea. The device includes a base container for storing the loose tea leaves prior to brewing. A lid is provided to seal the container so that the tea leaves may be preserved during storage. An infuser is removably attached to the base container. The infuser is shaped so that that it may be inverted over a drinking container and receive a predetermined amount of fresh tea leaves to be steeped. Clips are coupled to the infuser so that the infuser may be retained in the inverted position over the drinking container during the brewing process. A cap is placed on top of the infuser when assembled and may be invertedly placed on a stable surface to hold the infuser after use to prevent excess dripping.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Tazo Tea CompanyInventor: Steven D. Smith
-
Patent number: 6439105Abstract: A holder is used with a beverage making apparatus to make a beverage, such as coffee, concentrated beverage or tea. The holder retains a quantity of substance which can be used to make a beverage which is thereafter deposited into one of two reservoirs. This allows different flavors, or regular and decaffeinated coffee, to be served from the apparatus. The holder includes a body, a drain hole provided therethrough for allowing liquids to flow through the holder, and first and second handles attached to the body. The first handle and the second handle are offset from each other. A first magnet is associated with the first handle and has its north and south poles in first orientation. A second magnet is associated with the second handle and has its north and south poles in second orientation which is generally opposite the first orientation. The apparatus includes a housing on which the holder can be mounted in various directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
-
Patent number: 6422132Abstract: A brew bowl adaptor for use in association with a beverage brew bowl of the type defining a bowl side wall and bottom wall, and a fluid opening in the bottom wall through which beverage may pass after brewing, and having a body to fit in the fluid opening substantially blocking the same, retaining device retaining the body in the opening, and a beverage drip passageway formed through the plug body, of reduced cross sectional area in regard to fluid opening in the brew bowl, the body being insertable into and removable from the fluid opening in the brew bowl.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Mother Parker's Tea & Coffee Inc.Inventor: John Patrick Devine
-
Patent number: 6360650Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the preparation of multiple beverages. The device comprises a housing containing a primary reservoir for holding a liquid that is used to make a beverage. Disposed within the housing is a rotatable tray. The rotatable tray contains a plurality of receptacles. These receptacles are for receiving a concentrate solution for flavoring the liquid. In addition, disposed within the housing is a conduit for transporting the liquid from the reservoir to the rotatable tray. In this case the conduit allows the reservoir to be in fluid connection with the tray.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Inventor: Joseph Mangiapane
-
Patent number: 6192785Abstract: An automatic dispenser of frothed milk and pre-made liquid coffee received from refrigerated milk and pre-made liquid coffee containers that selectively delivers cold and hot Italian-style coffees, such as, cappuccino, latte, espresso, and other. The refrigeration mechanism is based in Peltier effect and has a chamber to store the milk and pre-made liquid containers which are accessible to a user. The heating mechanism includes a hot water tank and cone-shaped heat exchanger assemblies to heat the frothed milk and pre-made liquid coffee, respectively. The milk and pre-made liquid coffee are drawn by two separate pumps through fluid conduits from the refrigerated containers to the air valves to be frothed. If a user selects hot beverage, the flow is directed to the heat exchanger and then discharged through a nozzle to a cap. If a user selects cold beverage, the flow is directed to the nozzle to be discharged to the consumer.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventors: Roberto Trida, GianCarlo DeBattisti
-
Patent number: 6123010Abstract: Portable hot beverage machine. This device also has a detachable beverage mug which can be operated independently from the beverage maker. Both units have self-contained carrying cases and may be powered by electric, rechargeable battery pack, solar power, a wind up generator, and a cigarette lighter plug. safety features include removable overflow reservoir will spill prevention lip, on and off switch with built in timer, insulated receptacle to hold the liquids, and mounting brackets to stabilize units.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Inventor: Michael Alexander Blackstone
-
Patent number: 6082246Abstract: A height-adjustable coffee or tea brewer is described. The invention includes a base element that may include a selectively operable warming plate. A vertical stand includes two slidably engagable components that may be vertically displaced with respect to one another. The first of these components is attached to the base element and the second is attached to a head element. The head element may be provided with a device to accept a funnel or other mechanism to hold coffee or tea. The head element may also contain a device for heating water or may simply be plumbed to a hot water source. The height-adjustable feature permits the coffee or tea brewer to fill thermally insulated and other containers of varying height.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventors: Richard P. Thorn, Barbara Mason Thorn
-
Patent number: 6029562Abstract: A modular beverage brewing apparatus includes a frame having at least a first pair of inwardly directed flanges. A joiner plate is connected to the frame. The joiner plate and the pair of inwardly directed flanges define a first channel and a second channel therebetween so that the modular brewing apparatus is selectively engageable with a pair of inwardly directed flanges of a companion modular unit. An electrical connection is made between the modular beverage brewing apparatus and the companion modular unit. The electrical connection includes a first electrical power connection comprising an electrical output receptacle on the modular beverage brewing apparatus coupled to an electrical input receptacle on the companion modular unit for delivering electrical power from the modular brewing apparatus to the companion modular unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignees: Kevin O'Donnell, Hamilton Beach & Proctor Silex, Inc.Inventor: Ivan Sintchak
-
Patent number: 5957033Abstract: A coffee machine includes a housing frame in which are slidably disposed at least one extraction device, one electronic control unit and a hot-water supply as modules implemented independently of one another. Each modules is provided on a rear side thereof with at least one connector component which in the slide-in state is coupled with a corresponding connector component in the housing frame. The connector components in the housing frame are connected with one another via cables or lines. The coffee machine can be assembled in extremely simple manner, and it is possible in the event of a defect to replace a module without involving an expert.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Thermoplan AGInventor: Jean-Paul In-Albon
-
Patent number: 5916351Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus in which all of the electrical and mechanical components necessary for a brewing operation are contained in a modular tower having a cantilevered head section at the top thereof. The modular tower is mountable directly on a supporting modular base or on a modular riser which is, in turn, mounted on a modular base to thereby allow the apparatus to accommodate a variety of beverage delivery vessels and/or brew cones. Additional supporting modules, such as warming modules, are also disclosed to provide selectable brewing apparatus configurations to meet the many needs of the user. The components of the apparatus are joined together by an interlocking assembly in which a pair of in-turned flanges on opposing sides of the bottom of an upper component are held in corresponding outwardly directed channels in a lower component. A riser plate which forms one side of an upper component is removably attached to an upward flange on a lower component to secure the components in place.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Hamilton Beach--Proctor Silex, Inc.Inventor: Ivan Sintchak
-
Patent number: 5887508Abstract: A hot beverage machine, in particular a coffee maker, having a filter holder provided with a first pouring device having an outlet orifice, and a second pouring device having at least two outlet orifices. The second pouring device is capable of occupying either an active position in which it is located beneath the orifice of the first pouring device, or a retracted position. The second pouring device also includes an actuating mechanism for moving it between the two positions by manual operation performed at a location remote from the first pouring device.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventor: Alain Estaun
-
Patent number: 5367607Abstract: An espresso coffee making system includes an unpressurized boiler vessel with an electric heating element arranged outside the boiler vessel for heating water in the boiler vessel for delivery to a perforated filter holder of the espresso coffee maker. A tube is provided between the electric heating element and the boiler vessel that is in thermal contact with both the heating element and the boiler vessel. A valve allows water from the boiler vessel to be recirculated by a pump through the tube to generate steam, without overheating the water contained in the boiler vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1992Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Braun AktiengesellschaftInventors: Walter Hufnagl, Stefan Schamberg, Gerhard Schafer, Roland Muller, Manfred Klawuhn
-
Patent number: 5217288Abstract: A beverage brewer is provided which can be assembled without tools from a plurality of component parts and subassemblies. The brewer includes a housing and an internal tank which engages the body of the housing by means of a tank support system. The tank support system attaches the tank to the housing body through relative rotating between the tank and the housing body. A detachable outflow spout on the tank, when attached to the tank, engages a portion of the housing body and prevents rotation of the tank, thereby interlocking the tank to the housing body. A removable access panel on the front of the brewer engages the outflow spout and prevents its detachment from the tank when the panel is in place on the body. The panel thereby locks the tank into the housing, as well as closes the housing. The access panel is locked into place using a key lock. Additional parts of the brewer, including the bottom panel and legs, can be detached without tools only when the panel is removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1991Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Assignee: Boyd Coffee CompanyInventor: Michael W. Johnson
-
Patent number: 5211103Abstract: A reconfigurable beverage brewing apparatus having an independently configurable funnel support device and control device for orienting the apparatus in more than two operational configurations. The apparatus includes an overhanging hood and a funnel supported under the hood for retaining brewing substance. A discharge tube is retained in the hood proximate to the funnel and extends through the hood portion for delivering heated water to the brewing substance retained therein. The funnel support device includes a base with two channel members attached thereto and anchoring devices. Open ends of each of the channel members are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart a distance for receiving and retaining the funnel. The discharge tube projects through a passage formed through the base. The anchoring devices attach the base to an underside of the hood and prohibit rotation of the base portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1992Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: James H. Anson
-
Patent number: 5063838Abstract: A compact portable apparatus for brewing hot coffee, hot tea or another hot beverage has a housing with a first chamber for a supply of liquid to be heated and a filter assembly above the chamber. A cup which can receive, for example, a quantity of hot beverage to fill two standard cups confines the lower portion of the housing when the apparatus is ready for storage but the cup is placed next to the housing and beneath an outlet for hot beverage when the apparatus is to be put to use. The cup and the lower portion of the housing define an annular chamber which receives the convolutions of an electric cable serving to connect an electric heater for liquid in the first chamber with an energy source. A carrier of the filter assembly has a chamber for reception of hot beverage before the latter flows into the cup.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1990Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Assignee: Robert Krups Stiftung & Co. KGInventor: Manfred Matuschek
-
Patent number: 4892031Abstract: A modularized fabricated custom formed beverage brewer of the type incorporating a component housing containing a hot water heating tank regulated by controls, with the heated water from the tank being further transferred to a spray head assembly, for discharge onto a basket of beverage grounds for dripping of a brewed beverage into a decanter for its consumption, the housing receiving its water from a cold water inlet or by a pour-in deliver of water, the housing being convertible for multiple usage through replacement and relocation of select of its components, the housing incorporating a base member, an upright column, and an upper cantilevered portion, the housing being formed for disposition either as front, left, or right side delivery form of brewer, legs may be provided for supporting the housing, and additional or multiple warming units may be coupled with the housing to facilitate its convenient usage.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1989Date of Patent: January 9, 1990Assignee: Newco Research CorporationInventors: Joseph P. Webster, William L. Gustafson
-
Patent number: 4829888Abstract: A modular fabricated custom formed beverage brewer of the type incorporating a component housing form containing a hot water heating tank regulated by controls, for heating water delivered to the tank by one of an automatic cold water inlet supply or by a pour-in type of delivery, with the heated from the tank being further transferred to a spray head assembly for discharge onto a basket of beverage grounds for dripping of a brewed beverage into a decanter for its consumption, the housing being convertible for multiple usage through replacement and relocating of select of its components during assembly of the brewer housing, the brewer housing incorporation a base member, an upright column, and an upper cantilevered portion, mounting upon and extending forwardly of the upright column, the combined housing disposing front, left and right sides for the brewer, and the brewer being adaptable for providing one of a front, left or right side delivery of the decanter to and from the brewer during usage, with the hoType: GrantFiled: April 23, 1987Date of Patent: May 16, 1989Assignee: Newco Research Corp.Inventors: Joseph P. Webster, William L. Gustafson
-
Patent number: 4715269Abstract: A drip-type coffee maker with efficient heat transfer and minimal heat loss keeps coffee at the optimum temperature for proper flavor over an extended period of time. A closed-top decanter formed entirely of plastic heat insulating material fits into a well which contains a recessed aluminum warming plate. The warming plate is heated to a temperature only slightly above the desired temperature of the coffee. A warming plate adapter is provided for converting existing coffee makers.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1986Date of Patent: December 29, 1987Assignee: Wilbur Curtis Company, Inc.Inventor: Arthur L. Stoner
-
Patent number: 4603620Abstract: A combination beverage brewer and hot water dispenser having a hot water supply tank from which hot water may be selectively supplied to either a beverage brewing funnel or to a hot water tank equipped with a faucet. Cool or cold water may be introduced into the hot water supply tank to displace an equal volume of hot water and maintain the hot water supply tank in filled condition. Hot water can be drawn off through the faucet at the same time hot water is flowing from the hot water supply tank to the brewing funnel and without interfering with the brewing operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1985Date of Patent: August 5, 1986Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: Donald L. Daugherty
-
Patent number: 4584101Abstract: A coffee package has a filter assembly double folded and enveloped air-tight in a wrapper in a vacuous or inert gas atmosphere. The filter assembly includes a generally rectangular support plate made up of an intermediate portion with an opening for pouring hot water therethrough and a pair of support legs connected with opposite sides of the intermediate portion. The support legs are formed with coactive nipping members adjacent to their edges such that, when the support legs are folded upright relative to the intermediate portion, the nipping members are firmly engagable with the upper edge of a receptacle to support the whole assembly in the raised position for use. A sack of filter paper open at one end is filled with a weighed volume of coffee powder and adhered to the back of the support plate to cover the opening in the support plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1984Date of Patent: April 22, 1986Assignee: Kataoka Bussan Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Joji Kataoka
-
Patent number: 4583449Abstract: The invention relates to a coffee percolator for selectively making normal coffee or espresso, comprising a water flow path extending between a cold water supply inlet and a brewing unit, said flow path being divided into a first branch including a pressure pump, and a second branch including a valve adapted to close or be closed in the espresso making mode, and further comprising control means for activating said valve(s) and/or said pump in response to the selection of the type of coffee to be made. The invention is directed towards the provision of a coffee percolator of this type, which is of simplyfied and economic construction and substantially failure-proof. This is achieved by providing that the flow path is employed in common for the water used for making espresso and normal coffee, and is only divided adjacent the pump into the first flow path branch including the pump and the second flow path branch forming a bypass across the pump.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1984Date of Patent: April 22, 1986Assignee: Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik AGInventors: Artur Dangel, Josef Frech, Willi Niess, Rolf Prillipp, deceased, Hermann Riegert, Gerhard Wittlinger, Siegfried Anderl
-
Patent number: 4508023Abstract: An extract generator for producing either hot or cold beverages. A movable stand for maintaining the temperature of a hot beverage is placed in a first position below a hot water unit. Hot water from the unit passes through a filter device, in which it picks up the extract, to a jug, in which the extract accumulates. To generate cold beverages a cooling vessel is placed between the filter device and jug and the movable stand is moved to a second position so that the filtering device, cooling vessel and jug may be placed below the hot water unit but not on the movable stand.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1984Date of Patent: April 2, 1985Assignees: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Kanazawa IndustriesInventors: Masaru Naya, Tsuneichi Ikeda
-
Patent number: 4495404Abstract: A compact self-contained travel kit for brewing a beverage, such as tea, coffee, or the like, includes an open top container which is adapted to receive a small quantity of water to be heated by means of an electric heater element contained in the bottom of the container. A removable insert assembly is received within the container through the open top and provides upwardly open storage compartments for containing the ingredients for making tea or coffee, such as sugar, powdered cream material, coffee, tea or the like, which compartments are closable by lids so that either individual packets or bulk material may be stored. The insert includes a downwardly depending semi-conical portion which is proportioned and adapted to be telescopically received in the uppermost one of a pair of nested drinking cups storable within the container. The nested drinking cups are thus retained in place in a compact manner and are accessible by removal of the insert from the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1982Date of Patent: January 22, 1985Inventor: Wayne E. Carmichael
-
Patent number: 4478139Abstract: A beverage making appliance operable either automatically or as a pour-in beverage maker. A cold water basin is located over a hot water tank. Cold water tube extends down into the hot water tank from a drain opening in the bottom of the basin whereby cold water discharges into the lower portion of the hot water tank and displaces an equal quantity of hot water through a siphon tube for discharge through a spray head onto the contents in a brew funnel positioned beneath the spray head. In the automatic mode, cold water is delivered to the cold water basin through a cold water conduit connected with a supply of cold water under pressure. The cold water conduit has a flow control valve and a timer-controlled solenoid valve whereby a predetermined volume of cold water may be repetitively delivered on each actuation of the timer. The discharge end of the cold water conduit is pointed downwardly directly into the drain opening in the basin and upper end of the cold water tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1983Date of Patent: October 23, 1984Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: John D. Zimmerman
-
Patent number: 4070955Abstract: A filtering device for the preparation of coffee, with a pot-shaped vessel, at the bottom of which a sieve sheet is attached, and with a water distribution plate, which is adapted to be supported by the upper edge of the vessel. The diameter of the water distribution plate is smaller than the inner diameter of the vessel, and a plurality of feet protrude from the edge of the water distribution plate nearly perpendicularly to the surface of the same. The free ends of the feet each form a shoulder, which serve to rest on the upper edge of the vessel such that the water distribution plate lies within the interior of the vessel and leaves a circumferential clearance to the same. Hot water which is poured onto the water distribution plate flows through that clearance onto the coffee powder. The water distribution plate may be removed from the vessel and laid onto a surface with its feet down as a base plate for the vessel, thus collecting water that might still pass through the filter.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1976Date of Patent: January 31, 1978Assignee: Maxs AGInventor: Werner Braun
-
Patent number: 4054085Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter for converting a standard eight cup coffee brewer to the commercial type that will brew 12 cups. The stand for the eight cup coffee brewer is disconnected from the base, and an adapter is inserted between the stand and the base. The adapter raises the stand to allow additional clearance for a 12 cup coffee pot, the standard commercial size. The stand is again connected to the base with the adapter inserted therebetween. The adapter has an additional electrical outlet connected to the electrical system for the coffee brewer, which outlet may be used as an additional hot plate connection to maintain an additional pot of brewed coffee at the proper temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1976Date of Patent: October 18, 1977Inventor: James Philip Tarr