Abstract: A hot beverage maker comprises a stand, a water reservoir, a filter basket to hold beverage grinds to be brewed, a brewed beverage tank for holding a brewed beverage, a dispenser for dispensing the brewed beverage from the brewed beverage tank, and a floating brewed beverage level indicator. The floating indicator is adapted to protrude through an aperture in a wall of the brewed beverage tank. At least a portion of the indicator is buoyant and floats on a surface of the brewed beverage. A portion of the indicator protrudes through the aperture to indicate an amount of the brewed beverage in the brewed beverage tank.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing arrangement for a tank may include a float having a disc-like shape and a sensor that detects a position of the float relative to the tank. The float may have an overall height/total displacement ratio of 0.5 or less. The float may have a range of motion relative to the tank so that at least a portion of the float may move below a portion of a bottom wall of the tank and/or below an outlet for the tank.

Abstract: This invention provides a domestic appliance (1) such as a kettle, coffee maker, and toaster or similar that includes a fluid chamber (3). The fluid chamber (3) is provided with a light to diffuse through the fluid and is visible through a transparent or translucent portion in the exterior wall of the wall of the chamber. The light may be controlled to show different operative states of the appliance and provide a large visual area of indication of the operative.

Abstract: An automatic coffeemaker having, at the interior of a housing: an infusion group that includes an infusion chamber arranged to receive a pressing piston and means for actuating a relative sliding movement, between the pressing piston and the infusion chamber, between a rest position in which the piston is outside of the infusion chamber and a working position in which the piston is inside the infusion chamber; and a ground coffee distributor having a distribution orifice that communicates with a chute arranged to channel ground coffee toward the infusion chamber, wherein a drawer for collecting ground coffee grains is disposed under the chute and covers the periphery of the infusion chamber, the drawer being mounted in a manner to allow it to be directly withdrawn from the machine.

Abstract: A system for use in specifying freshness of a beverage within a beverage container. The system includes a resilient filament configured for selected attachment to the beverage container. The system also includes a timing device secured to the resilient filament. The timing device includes a user interface configured to indicate freshness of the beverage within the beverage container based on an elapsed time.

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: An improved method and apparatus for brewing a brewing substance. The apparatus including a liquid conduit (18) for supplying a brewing liquid, a liquid permeable container (28) for retaining the brewing substance and allowing the brewed liquid to pass through, a spray member (20) for delivering the brewing liquid from the liquid conduit to a brewing substance and discharging the brewing liquid into the liquid permeable container, a liquid flow modifier (52) for varying the flow rate of liquid at the spray member, and a control member (44) operably connected to the liquid flow modifying member for causing the liquid flow modifying member to vary the liquid flow rate. The alteration of the discharge of the liquid from at least a first spray pattern to at least a second spray pattern facilitating mixing of the brewing liquid and brewing substance within the liquid permeable container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conductivity detector assembly for use with a beverage preparation apparatus as well as a hot water dispensing apparatus. The conductivity detecting assembly includes a non-conductive spacer for spacing apart a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. A conductive path extends through the non-conductive spacer connecting the first and second conductive portions. An exterior surface of the non-conductive spacer is provided in a configuration, for example a generally conical shape with sloped sides, for shedding liquid away from the first conductive portion. A conductive circuit is completed when liquid is retained in the reservoir, the level at which contact can be made between the first conductive portion and a corresponding interior surface or conductive portion of the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for preparing beverages, includes supplying water from a water source to a tapping point, supplying powder for beverages from a container to the tapping point, characterized in that the supplying of powder for beverages is performed without the influence of gravitational force. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A device for measuring out coffee in a coffee-maker with conical paper or synthetic fibre filter, characterised in that it comprises at least a slide (300) including at least a mark for measuring out an amount of coffee when the slide (300) is arranged inside a volume defined by a wall (2) of the filter, the slide (300) being arranged along the wall (2) when measuring out at least an amount of coffee.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device or indicator device and a timer circuit. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within a beverage receptacle. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The timer circuit, automatically, after a certain period of time, may change the indicator device from the first or second state to a third state in which the indicator device does not provide a visual indication of the type of beverage within a beverage container.

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: A coffee-maker is disclosed. It comprises a lid (30) which closes an upper part (10) with an upper chamber. A rising pipe (14) extends into the upper chamber. This pipe has at least one lateral opening (15) in an upper end region. In order to avoid splashing of liquid coming out of the rising pipe (14), a downwardly extending splash guard (34) is present on the lid (30), which guard covers the at least one opening (15) of the rising pipe (14) laterally when the lid (30) is closed.

Abstract: A filter coffee maker having: a boiler; a case in which the boiler is disposed; an ascending conduit coupled to the boiler for upward movement of the hot water produced by said boiler; a filter holder or filter holder housing; a lid pivoted on the case; and a water delivery head arranged in the lid. The delivery head has an inlet opening brought into communication with a hot water outlet orifice of the conduit and an outlet opening that opens above the filter holder or housing when the lid is closed. The lid has a lower face presenting a protuberance in which the inlet opening is arranged, the ascending conduit has an upper end with a closed upper part, and the orifice opens in a direction facing a lateral wall forming part of the case.

Abstract: Reinforcing device for household bean milk and bean curd makers reinforces a structure for fastening a drive motor to a main body using a bracket, thus reducing vibration and noise. The reinforcing device is constructed such that a body cap extends to a predetermined length, thus preventing a lower portion of the main body from being thermally deformed, and for reducing vibration and noise. The reinforcing device may include a first bracket provided at a predetermined position between the body cap and the main body to increase a force to fasten the drive motor to the main body, and the reinforcing device may include a locking element for assembling the body cap, the first bracket, and the drive motor with the main body into a single or unitary body.

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: A kettle (10) is provided with LEDs (30) in the base (19) of the kettle that project through holes (18) or groups of holes (36) directly on to a power supply stand (16) to provide an indication that the kettle is switched on and yield a pleasing aesthetic effect.

Abstract: An automatic tea maker device with buoyancy structure including a teacup, a percolator cup, and a cap, wherein two tube members are configured within a receptacle of the percolator cup, and lower portions of the two tube members are interconnected with a passage there between. A float is configured within one of the tube members to actuate a limit flow rod penetrated within a through hole. A plug end of the limit flow rod seals a tea outlet of a filter seat. A pull rod having a plunger head is disposed within the other tube member. Tea within the percolator cup slowly seeps into one of the tube members through an interstice between the limit flow rod and the through hole, thereby causing the float to float upwards, thus opening the tea outlet allowing the ready steeped tea to flow into the teacup, thereby achieving objective of time setting.

Abstract: An tea maker is constructed to include an infusion cup, the infusion cup having a skirt for supporting on any of a variety of cups, a stopper mounted in the bottom through hole of the infusion cup, a resilient member secured between a base of the stopper and the bottom wall of the infusion cup to hold the stopper in the closed position to seal the bottom through hole of the infusion cup against leakage, a link, and a rocker arm fastened pivotally with the infusion cup and coupled between the stopper and the link and adapted to lift the stopper from the bottom through hole upon downward movement of the link by the user.

Abstract: A timer tea maker is constructed to include an infusion cup carrying a timer, and a link mechanism provided at one side face of the infusion cup and controlled by the timer to raise a stopper from a bottom through hole of the infusion cup for enabling prepared tea to discharge out of the through hole to a tea cup below the infusion cup when the set time has expired.

Abstract: An automatic bean curd manufacturing apparatus includes a main body provided with a bean grinding chamber and a bean juice heating chamber, a driving motor installed in the main body, a rotational container removably and rotatably installed in the grinding chamber of the main body and provided at an inner bottom with a grinding blade, a rotation suppressing member for selectively suppressing a rotation of the rotational container, a clutch installed on a bottom of the rotational container to rotatably support the grinding blade, a rotational container cover for closing an opened top of the rotational container, a grinding container removably installed in the rotational container to grind the beans, a rotational container fixing member for preventing the rotational container from moving, a heating container removably installed in the heating chamber to heat the bean juice dispensed from the rotational container through a bean juice guide, and a heating container cover for closing an opened top of the heating c

Abstract: A household soybean milk maker including a main body defining a space for receiving water, a cover element openably installed on an upper end of the main body, a drive motor disposed in the cover element to generate rotating force, a drive shaft for outputting rotating force of the drive motor, a blade connected to the drive shaft, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the inside of the main body, and a sieve-like container which accommodates soybeans therein and is detachably attached to the cover element. A water vessel is coupled to a lower end of the main body. A steam generator is arranged in the water vessel to generate steam. Guide tubes are formed in the main body so that steam generated by the steam generator can be supplied through the guide tubes to soybean juice produced when the blade breaks the soybeans.

Abstract: A combination frothing pitcher and dial thermometer includes a cantilevered portion on the handle of the frothing pitcher. The cantilevered portion includes a projection having a substantially vertical bore for receipt of a dial thermometer. The dial thermometer has a stem which is received in the bore and a shaft of predetermined length such that a tip of the dial thermometer is precisely positioned both longitudinally and radially with respect to the bottom of the pitcher at a preferred location merely by inserting the thermometer into the handle.

Abstract: A coffer maker includes a support unit having a base member formed with a neck that extends inwardly from a side portion thereof and that defines a bottom recess in the base member. A brewing unit is mounted on the support unit. A position adjustable control unit is mounted movably on the neck, extends into the bottom recess in the base member, and includes a control seat projecting outwardly from the bottom recess, and formed with a plurality of control switches electrically connected to the brewing unit.

Abstract: A device for controlling the level of a liquid in a boiler (40) of an espresso coffee machine (60), in which the boiler (40) is connected with an external cylindrical container (24) made of dielectric material, comprises a capacitive sensor (30), coupled externally of cylindrical container (24), and means (32) for detecting the changes in the capacitance of the capacitive sensor (30), thereby generating an electric signal representative of the liquid level in the boiler, and for controlling the liquid flow into the boiler.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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: A beverage brewer (20) with a brew basket sensor (48) that senses when the brew basket is fully mounted to a brew basket mount (38) to enable initiation of a brew cycle. A controller 14 responds to the brew basket sensor (48) and internal programming that times the brew cycle including the drip period to actuate an automatic remote controlled brew basket lock (50) to lock the brew basket to the mount (38) during the entire brew cycle.

Abstract: The upper lid of a coffee includes an upper lid body, which is provided inside with a rotatable receiving unit having a female-threaded portion and a central through hole. A support post fitted with a prop member is inserted upward through the central through hole of the rotatable receiving unit and fitted around with a safety valve unit. Then, the rotatable receiving unit and the upper lid are combined together, and the top end of the support post is fitted with a warning member movably positioned in the central through hole of the upper lid. Thus, the steam produced by boiling water inside the coffee maker can push up the safety valve body to force the warning member to protrude out of the through hole of the upper lid, manifestly warning a user not to directly open the upper lid to avoid scalded.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system for measuring the volume of liquid in a container having a lid in which an ultrasonic signal is emitted and received by a sensor subsystem located on the underside of the lid of the ultrasonic system. The ultrasonic system can measure the exact amount of liquid or the level of the liquid held in the container by processing the roundtrip time the ultrasonic signals took to travel from the sensor subsystem to the surface of the liquid where the ultrasonic signals are reflected back to the ultrasonic sensor subsystem. A solid state, three-phase SCR/diode bridge converts a three-phase alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC) power source for heating the liquid in a boiler subsystem prior to its transport to the container. A second, triac controlled heater is powered by a single phase of the three phase power source, and is used to warm and maintain the liquid held within the container at a constant temperature.

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: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device. The apparatus may also be comprised of a beverage pitcher onto which the display device can be placed. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The display device may be comprised of a sliding member for allowing or preventing a first or a second designation for a first or a second type of beverage to be displayed. The beverage pitcher in one embodiment is a coffee pot. The first type of beverage may be decaffeinated coffee and the second type of beverage may be caffeinated or regular coffee. In other embodiments, a coffee machine includes an indicator device which indicates whether coffee is decaffeinated or not.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing beverages, with a filter carrier (5) or filter for retaining a substance to be brought into contact with water. The filter carrier or filter is provided with a filter inlet (51) and a filter outlet (52). At least a lower portion of the filter carrier (5) or the filter is arranged in a filter casing (8) so as to be free from the filter casing (8). The filter casing (8) is provided with a beverage passage (81) which is in communication with the filter outlet (52). A weighing structure (6) carries the filter carrier (5) or the filter and is adapted for providing an indication as to the weight of the filter carrier or the filter and of the substance retained therein. For storing the prepared beverage, a beverage receptacle (9) is provided which has a with an inlet opening (91) communicating with the filter outlet (52) and located downstream thereof when in the operating condition.

Abstract: A system for electronically monitoring scaling in an apparatus for heating and/or evaporating a liquid, comprising a container for at least temporarily receiving the liquid. The container comprises a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and/or a vapor outlet and a heating element for evaporating liquid from the container. An evaluation unit is connected to at least one liquid level indicator and at least one flowmeter. A value relating to a desired filling volume of the container can be inputted into the evaluation unit and/or can be stored therein. The desired filling volume can be compared to a nominal liquid level in the evaluation system when water is constantly added by the flow meter, whereby the nominal liquid level is detected by the liquid level indicator, or to a nominal filled-in quantity detected by the flowmeter when the liquid flow indicator regulates the level of the filled-in liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermal coffee/tea carafe with an internal heat sensor device capable of indicating the temperature of the contents on a monitor on the lid or other exterior location of the vessel.

Abstract: An infusing container including a main body, a cover and an automatically unblocking unit. The automatically unblocking unit includes a barrel body disposed in the main body. The bottom of the barrel body is formed with a draining hole accommodated in the outlet of the main body. A movable shaft is passed through the interior of the barrel body. The bottom end of the shaft is provided with a water sealing valve positioned in a water sealing section of the barrel body for blocking the draining hole. A circumference of the water sealing section is formed with orifices. The water sealing valve is formed with notches corresponding to the orifice and communicating with the interior of the barrel body. A floating body is fitted around the shaft. An upper section of the shaft is formed with an enlarged projecting section for stopping the floating body. After a liquid flows through the orifices and the notches into the barrel body, the floating body is ascended to lift the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for boiling a liquid includes an audible alarm for notifying an individual when the liquid is boiling. The audible alarm makes use of steam generated by the boiling liquid to drive a turbine which is connected to a means for ringing a bell to notify an individual that the liquid is boiling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filters for coffee,tea or hot brewed beverages, formed of porous paper, in which a substantially fan-shaped filter is placed inside a vessel of a conventional automatic drip beverage brewing appatatus,such as a percolating coffee maker, in which the filter is provided with a set of longitudinal folds, to multiply the rigidity of the filter walls by the ensuing spines formed by folding as supporting members, thus preventing the collapse of the walls while the beverage, such as coffee, is in the brewing process. The folds of the filter are inwardly folded flat while in storage so as to occupy smaller area and to permit its packaging in smaller cartons for easier storage and handling.

Abstract: A controlling mechanism of beverage infusion container. The container includes a partitioning board transversely disposed therein to divide the interior of the container into a first division and a second division. Each division has an opening provided with a cover. The partitioning board is formed with a central draining hole communicating the first division with the second division. The blocking/unblocking of the draining hole is controlled by a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism includes a controlling member passed through the circumferential wall of the container. One end of the controlling member extends out of the circumferential wall and is provided with a controlling section. The other end of the controlling member is linked with a valve body positioned at the draining hole of the partitioning board. The valve body is controllable by the controlling section on outer side of the container to block or unblock the draining hole.

Abstract: A beverage infusion container including a partitioning board transversely disposed in the container to divide the interior of the container into a first division and a second division each having an opening. The partitioning board is formed with a central draining hole. The blocking/unblocking of the draining hole is controlled by a controlling mechanism. A mesh rack is disposed on one side of the partitioning board in the first division. A communicating tube is formed on the partitioning board adjacent to the circumferential wall of the container for communicating the first division with the second division. The mesh rack is formed with a ventilating tube corresponding to the draining hole of the partitioning board. The ventilating tube extends toward the opening of the first division. The communicating tube and the ventilating tube serve as two air flow ways for convection of the air between the first and second divisions.

Abstract: The appliance for the preparation of hot beverages, soups and similar nutritional/luxury foods, with a drinking cup (1) and with a container (2) to be arranged therein being provided with a heating device (11) and intended for the liquid (10) to be heated, which, after being heated, is emptied into the drinking cup (1) after a valve (26) of the container (2) has been opened, is distinguished in that the valve (26) is provided with actuating devices (28), by way of which the valve is closed when the container (2) is inserted into the drinking cup (1) and is opened when the container is removed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hot/cold indicating coffee pot device for displaying whether the liquid contained in the coffee pot is either hot or cold. The hot/cold indicating coffee pot device includes a coffee pot including a side wall structure and a handle member being attached to the side wall structure; and also includes a temperature sensor switch being disposed in the coffee pot; and further includes a light-emitting assembly being securely attached to the side wall structure of the coffee pot and being connected to the temperature sensor switch.

Abstract: An electric coffee maker or brewer having a time display and including a pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor for creating a varying analog value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to the analog sensor. Multiple analog sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the analog sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the analog sensor. Circuitry within a housing is connected to the analog sensor for reading the varying analog value from the analog sensor and causing representative varying of the time value shown by the time display.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing beverages, with a filter carrier (5) or filter for retaining a substance to be brought into contact with water. The filter carrier or filter is provided with a filter inlet (51) and a filter outlet (52). At least a lower portion of the filter carrier (5) or the filter is arranged in a filter casing (8) so as to be free from said filter casing (8). The filter casing (8) is provided with a beverage passage (81) which is in communication with the filter outlet (52). A weighing structure (6) carries the filter carrier (5) or the filter and is adapted for providing an indication as to the weight of the filter carrier or the filter and of the substance retained therein. For storing the prepared beverage, a beverage receptacle (9) is provided which has a with an inlet opening (91) communicating with the filter outlet (52) and located downstream thereof when in the operating condition.

Abstract: An arrangement for indicating the calcification status of flow heaters, particularly in espresso machines, with the flow heater having a cold-water inlet line and a hot-water outflow line, and which is intended to precisely indicate the calcification status, yet have an uncomplicated design. For this purpose, a differential-pressure fluid gauge (9) is provided, with the gauge having two pressure chambers (11, 12) separated by a diaphragm, with one of the pressure chambers (11) being in a fluid-conducting connection with the cold-water inlet line (4) and the other pressure chamber (12) being in a fluid-conducting connection with the hot-water outflow (5). The diaphragm acted upon by the pressure difference between the two chambers (11, 12) is coupled to indicator elements.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system for measuring the volume of liquid in a container having a lid in which an ultrasonic signal is emitted and received by a sensor subsystem located on the underside of the lid of the ultrasonic system. The ultrasonic system can measure the exact amount of liquid or the level of the liquid held in the container by processing the roundtrip time the ultrasonic signals took to travel from the sensor subsystem to the surface of the liquid where the ultrasonic signals are reflected back to the ultrasonic sensor subsystem. A solid state, three-phase SCR/diode bridge converts a three-phase alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC) power source for heating the liquid in a boiler subsystem prior to its transport to the container. A second, triac controlled heater is powered by a single phase of the three phase power source, and is used to warm and maintain the liquid held within the container at a constant temperature.

Abstract: A home-style decoctor endowed with steamy boiling function includes a main body equipped with a heater; a heating vessel; a support plate for allowing a to-be-boiled object to be placed above the surface of the water stored in the heating vessel; a water supply for supplying water for boiling into the heating vessel so that the to-be-object is immersed; a steam collector for gathering stream produced when the to-be-boiled object is decocted with water; a condenser for condensing the steam collected into the steam collector; and a stream/condensed water guide for leading the steam present in the heating vessel to the steam collector and the condensed water placed in the steam collector to the heating vessel. With such construction, undried or white ginseng can become red ginseng extract by producing such useful components as several kinds of phenolic compounds and maltol, anti-oxidants, and ginsenosides Rg and Rh through steam-boiling, drying and re-boiling.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of securing a stainless steel housing (12) for a kettle (10), a polypropylene or polycarbonate water gauge (14), and a polypropylele or polycarbonate backing element (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E), including the steps of (a) welding the water gauge (14) with the backing element (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E); (b) contacting and fixedly securing the housing (12) with the water gauge (14); and (c) positioning a silicon rubber sealing ring (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F) between and in contact with the housing (12) and the backing element (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E) to thereby form a water-tight seal therebetween.