Abstract: A drip coffee maker having a horizontal spray of heated water into a brew basket. Much of the effect of gravity is removed and the spread of heated water may be increased. The horizontal spray shower head may be used to expose the top layer of coffee grinds in the brew basket to an equal amount of hot water within a few seconds of brewing start time. By immersing the coffee grinds in hot water at the same level, the coffee grinds are all subjected to the same water pressure. The water then filters down evenly over the coffee grinds in the brew basket. Thus, the coffee grinds within the brew basket are given maximum exposure to the heated water. This exposure allows more coffee to be extracted from fewer grinds, thus conserving coffee and avoiding overcooking of the grinds.

Abstract: The invention provides a coffee machine for brewing coffee powder pre-packed in a cartridge, whereby the bottom of the brewing chamber receiving the cartridge is provided with perforator members to perforate the cartridge bottom upon closing the brewing chamber. A brewing chamber housing contains an upper and a lower brewing chamber portion together delimiting the brewing chamber and axially movable relative to each other. The upper brewing chamber portion is biased by a spring to move away from the lower brewing chamber portion and provided with a protection member that bars access to the perforator members if the upper brewing chamber member is in its upper rest position. The upper brewing chamber member is moved, together with the protection member, from an upper into a lower operating position in which the perforator member provide the bottom of the cartridge with elongate slots.

Abstract: The reservoir of an automatic coffee brewer is closed except to a siphon tube, and a vent connected to two ball valves. One ball valve closes when the water level floats the ball. The other ball valve opens when the reservoir pressure approaches an unsafe level.

Abstract: Water flow heater with a first heater element (20) for supplying a fixed power, a second, controllable heater element (30), a temperature sensor (40, 50) for measuring the temperature of heated water, and a control unit (22, 32, 80) for controlling the heat supply from the second heater element (30) in dependence on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor (40, 50). A water flowrate lying within a predetermined range is safeguarded in that a pump (60) is provided for generating a water flow through a channel (13), and the control unit is designed so as to activate the heater elements (20, 30) in dependence on activation of the pump (60). As a result, the first heater element (20) of fixed power can have a comparatively high power rating without the risk of water being too strongly heated thereby.

Abstract: A coffee maker is provided in which remaining water can be taken out easily, hot water is delivered intermittently to brew nice coffee. A hot water reservoir in the coffee maker has a tube provided on a bottom thereof for delivering the hot water to a coffee brewing chamber and a cap arranged with a space from the tube by a distance which is not greater than the maximum inner diameter of the tube.

Abstract: A water filtration system which utilizes steam pressure to provide energy for the pumping process, has a boiler (1) which shall be used to develop steam (19) and shall be heated by a stove (27). The steam produced shall flow through a steam tube (7) and into a water bottle (9) which contains contaminated water (21) to be filtered and wherein floating insulation (17) exists to thermally isolate the steam from the water. The steam pressure in the water bottle shall force the water out through a water tube (25) and then through a water filter (23) at which point potable water will be available to the user.

Abstract: An in-wall coffee maker includes a coffee maker unit received in a mounting structure mounted within a wall cavity. The mounting structure includes engagement tabs to enable engagement of the mounting box to one or more wall structures and attachment flanges or tabs with apertures to receive fasteners from mating apertures in the coffee maker unit to attach the coffee maker unit in the mounting structure. The in-wall coffee maker unit can also include a metered water connection to facilitate a self-filling capability.

Abstract: According to the method for preparing frothed milk or café crème, milk concentrate or coffee concentrate is mixed with water, using a venturi chamber. The venturi chamber comprises a water inlet, a concentrate inlet and an outlet. Further, a whirl chamber, located downstream of the venturi chamber, is used, which is in fluid communication with the outlet. The water is supplied under pressure via the water inlet to the venturi chamber, so that a reduced pressure is created in the venturi chamber. The concentrate inlet is brought into fluid communication with a stock of milk or coffee concentrate, so that, as a result of the reduced pressure in the venturi chamber, via the concentrate inlet, milk or coffee concentrate is sucked into the venturi chamber. The milk or coffee concentrate and the water then flow together via the outlet to the whirl chamber, and the milk or coffee concentrate and the water are beaten in the whirl chamber to form frothed milk or café crème.

Abstract: A brewing device for preparing coffee or tea comprises a cylinder housing defining a cylindrical brewing chamber. The cylinder housing has two pivot pins arranged centrally between the top and bottom ends of the cylinder housing, and projecting from opposite sides of the cylinder housing orthogonally to the axis. The opposite sides have vertically extending, flat surfaces defining homologous cam tracks. A sprinkler body is movable into and out of a position for closing the top end of the cylinder housing, and a sieve body is movable into and out of a position for closing the bottom end of the cylinder housing. Cam disks are rotatably mounted on the pivot pins for controlling the sprinkler body movement, the cam disks defining further cam tracks.

Abstract: An automatic beverage brewing apparatus is described. The automatic beverage brewing apparatus includes a controllable brewing device and a controllable brewing substance dispenser communicating with the brewing device. The automatic beverage brewing apparatus includes a housing in which at least one receptacle is retained proximate the brewing device for receiving brewed beverage from the brewing device. A plurality of controllable dispense valves are provided for controlling the flow of brewed beverage from the brewing device to the receptacles. Each receptacle includes a controllable outlet valve for automatically dispensing brewed beverage from the receptacle and a controllable disposal valve for automatically emptying the receptacle of brewed beverage. Each receptacle is supported on a weight sensing device which generates a weight control signal relating to the weight of brewed beverage retained in the receptacle.

Abstract: A brewing system (30) with a beverage holding tank (124) and a spray assembly (300, 302, 304) for spraying hot water onto interior surface (314) of the tank (124) to clean the tank (124). The hot water is passed to a dispenser urn (66) by both a brew valve (176) and a by-pass valve (170) only so long as a flush switch (54') is held in an actuated position, and the hot water is then pumped from the dispenser urn (66) to the holding tank spray assembly (300, 302, 304).

Abstract: A machine (10) for dispensing beverages of substantially uniform consistency containing shaved ice is provided and includes a housing (14), a blending assembly (12, 13), a plurality of receptacles 20 disposed within an upper housing portion (15), and a plurality of valves (39) and a manifold (22) in fluid communication with the plurality of receptacles (20) for delivering a measured volume of a selected drink mix to the blending assembly (12, 13). The machine also includes an ice shaver (21) located in the housing for delivering a precise amount of shaved ice to the blending assembly (12, 13). The ice shaver includes the rotating ice shaving blade (36) that is controlled to rotate through a predetermined number of revolutions, to thereby consistently deliver a predetermined quantity of shaved ice to the blending assembly (12, 13) irrespective of a hardness of the ice (19) being shaved.

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

Abstract: A brewing pot for tea includes a container including an upper portion having a top rim defining at least one cavity, and a lower portion defining a chamber, and an abutting edge formed between the upper portion and the lower portion. A supporting base supported on the abutting edge includes an upright post. A cylindrical body is slidably mounted on the supporting base and includes a top portion formed with an annular flange and a bottom portion defining a socket. At least one block is formed on the annular flange and abuts on the top rim of the container, and a control ball is received in the socket. The cylindrical body and the supporting base can be rotated relative to the container to a position where the block is received in the cavity such that the body can be moved downward relative to the supporting base while the control ball can be moved toward the post such that the control ball can be urged by the post to rise from the socket.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a beverage brewing apparatus having a water reservoir (1) and a pump (6) powered by an electric motor (45), the pump pressurizing water from the water reservoir (1) and delivering it to a flow-through heater (11) heated by an electric heater (14). In the flow-through heater (11), water is heated in a water conduit (13) and subsequently fed to a pressure chamber (35), adapted to be filled with coffee grinds, of a brewing unit (34) from which, following an extraction operation, the brewed coffee flows into a receptacle (38, 39). According to the invention, a valve device (20) opening when a predetermined pressure is exceeded is provided in the fluid path (9, 13, 15) between the flow-through heater (11) and the brewing unit (34).

Abstract: A flavored shake drink is prepared from a prepackaged neutral flavored mix stored within a serving cup. A flavored syrup is selected and dispensed through a dedicated nozzle carried by a housing. Each of a plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with a corresponding solenoid control valve which controls the flow of the selected syrup pumped from a bag-in-the-box styled reservoir. One reservoir is provided for each of the selected flavors. A manually activated programmable timer controls the length of time that the solenoid activated valve remains opened thus providing a preselected amount of syrup into the cup. Switches are provided for doubling and halving the amount of the preselected quantity of syrup when creating varying single flavored and combination flavored shakes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tea filter assembly (10) adapted to be fitted to a coffee maker (18) in place of a coffee filter in order to be able to make tea with the coffee maker (18). It is known in the art to provide such a tea filter assembly (10) with a first valve (36) for closing an outlet (44) from the tea filter assembly (10) while the tea is steeping. It is a disadvantage in such a type of tea filter assembly (10) that upon termination of the steeping time hot water continues to be discharged from the coffee maker (18), flowing over the tea leaves and extracting bitter principle in the process. To avoid this drawback, provision is made in the invention for a water conduit (14) through which hot water exiting the coffee maker flows straight into a carafe after the steeping time has ended, without coming into contact with tea leaves contained in a tea basket (16).

Abstract: In the method for preparing metered amounts of a drink in situ such as coffee, from soluble powder, a concentrate of a drink is produced by dissolving determined quantities of soluble powder with water. Then part or all of the concentrate is diluted in hot or cold water in order to produce a metered amount of a drink. The device for the implementation of the method includes an enclosure using a defined large volume of soluble powder and a relatively small defined quantity of liquid such as water, for dissolving the powder in the liquid so as to produce a concentrate in situ, and device for diluting part or all of the concentrate in a liquid in order to rapidly produce individual metered amounts of a drink.

Abstract: A bubble-forming sleeve for an espresso coffee maker includes a generally vertical sleeving portion which has a central bore formed therethrough and which is sleeved fixedly on a nozzle that is fixed on an end of a vapor tube of the coffee maker in such a manner that a liquid-tight seal is established between the nozzle and the sleeving portion, and a mixing portion which is attached around a lower end portion of the sleeving portion and which is immersed entirely into the beverage within the container. The mixing portion has a downwardly opened mixing chamber which is located under and which is communicated fluidly with the central bore of the sleeving portion so as to permit vapor flow from the nozzle into the chamber, and a generally vertical air passage unit which is communicated fluidly with the chamber at a lower end and with an exterior of the sleeve at an upper end.

Abstract: A substance for preparation of a beverage contained in a sealed flexible sachet is extracted with a device which provides a chamber formed by two members configured so that they each form a cavity which is substantially one-half of the chamber and so that when brought and fastened together, they form the chamber containing the sachet and provide for penetrating the sachet for subsequent injection of water for extraction of the substance. One member has a base which has a surface from which raised portions project and holes for flow of extract therethrough, and this member and the sachet are configured so that upon placing the sachet on the member, one sachet sheet is supported by the raised portions and a sealed peripheral sachet edge extends onto a rim of the member. Upon bringing and fastening the two members together, the members grip the sachet edge for fluid-tight sealing and shape the sachet uniformly and confine the substance within the sachet within the cavities, and the sachet is penetrated.

Abstract: A water supply dipper for a beverage brewer with the dipper mounted for pivotal movement in the hot water tank and is moved by the brewer motor upwardly and forwardly in the tank to discharge hot water into the brewer. One-way valves in the bottom of the dipper allow water to pass into the dipper.

Abstract: A single chamber brewing device for brewing beverage has a single brewing chamber for receiving water and a brewing material such as tea, a thermally controlled heating element, and a thermally responsive valve for releasing brewed beverage from the brewing chamber into a container positionable underneath the brewing chamber. The heating element may be a heating and pumping element which pumps heated water into the brewing chamber to produce a dynamic flow within the brewing chamber to improve the brewing process.

Abstract: A device for automatically brewing and holding tea has a water reservoir and a combined water reservoir inlet and heated water distributor attached to and extending forward from the water reservoir, a base for holding a hot tea receptacle under the combined water reservoir inlet and heated water distributor. A hot tea receptacle especially adapted for use with the device has a flat bottom surface for optimal heat transfer from the base to the receptacle.

Abstract: A flavored shake drink is prepared from a prepackaged neutral flavored mix stored within a serving cup. A flavored syrup is selected and dispensed through a dedicated nozzle carried by a housing. Each of a plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with a corresponding solenoid control valve which controls the flow of the selected syrup pumped from a bag-in-the-box styled reservoir. One reservoir is provided for each of the selected flavors. A manually activated programmable timer controls the length of time that the solenoid activated valve remains opened thus providing a preselected amount of syrup into the cup. Switches are provided for doubling and halving the amount of the preselected quantity of syrup when creating varying single flavored and combination flavored shakes.

Abstract: A substance for preparation of a beverage contained in a sealed flexible sachet is extracted with a device which has two members which are configured to each form a cavity which is substantially one-half of a chamber so that upon being tightened together for holding the sachet for extraction of the substance, the sachet is provided with a desired shape and is perforated to enable injection of water for extraction of the substance. Upon perforation, water is injected which deforms a surface against raised portions of one of the members and then tears the sachet to allow flow of beverage from the sachet through holes of the member containing the raised portions.

Abstract: A beverage water heating supply system. A tank stores water while heaters heat the water. The heated water is distributed through a manifold assembly, which has a multiplicity of components, to a coffee brewer water and a hot water spigot which are controlled by independent solenoid valves. The water is filtered before entering the tank and is filtered a second time before leaving the tank to enter the manifold assembly. The tank employs a combination temperature sensing and water level detection circuit probe to prevent over heating and heating when the tank is not full. The manifold assembly includes a pressure release valve, a blowout port backup pressure release valve, an automatic vent valve, a brewer water pickup, a lower hot water pick up, and a pressure compensating flow control for the brewer water. The manifold is quickly connected to and disconnected from the tank with a bayonet type connection without removing any of the connections to the manifold.

Abstract: An infusing unit is employed in a bubble-forming apparatus which includes a venturi-tube type inlet pipe unit, a discharge pipe unit, and a branch pipe. The infusing unit includes an infusing casing with a large-diameter upper section within which a main pipe section of the inlet pipe unit is press-fitted so as to establish a fluid-tight seal therebetween, and a small-diameter lower section located coaxially within the discharge pipe unit. A truncated conical lower end portion of the inlet pipe unit is located within the large-diameter upper section of the infusing casing and ranges from 1.0 mm to 1.7 mm in inner diameter. The infusing casing further has an integral tubular section which extends radially and outwardly from the lower section of the infusing casing and which is press-fitted into the branch pipe. The integral tubular section ranges from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm in inner diameter.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine assures precise portion control of the respective drink mixes being dispensed, and the precise amount is adjustable within certain limits. The drink mixes are in respective beverage receptacles (or drink tubes) arranged in a side-by-side relationship with respect to each other, and a plurality of selection buttons are disposed directly below the receptacles in substantial vertical alignment therewith. A counter and a interrupt button, respectively, are also provided on the control panel. The level of the drink mixes, as well as the ice in the reservoir, are readily visible at all times. Upon initiation of the blending cycle, the blender motor is started, and after a first time delay, the drink mix is discharged into the blender for a first time period. Upon a second time delay following initiation of the discharge of the mix, the ice shaver motor continues for a second time period; and the blender motor continues after discharge of the mix and delivery of the shaved ice.

Abstract: A bag-holder and an extraction machine for enabling extraction of a substance for preparation of a beverage contained in a pliant bag having at least one linear edge weld. The bag-holder has a housing configured to provide a cavity for containing the bag and an area which provides a grid of raised and indented elements and flow holes, the grid area providing for tearing the bag and for flow of extract from the housing during extraction. The bag-holder also has provision for securing the edge weld of the bag to keep the bag in the holder. The bag-holder also contains a bore in the area of the outflow grid for accepting a hollowed needle therethrough for penetrating into a bag for introducing extraction fluid into the bag and wherein the needle, during extraction, extends from an extraction machine which also has a part for, upon placement of the bag-holder together with the extraction machine, enabling sealing the part and the holder.

Abstract: A control circuit and method for brewing and storing sweetened tea in large volume using an automatic tea brewing apparatus utilizes a separate timer to control the introduction of a liquid flavoring agent into the canister. The timer is initiated at the same time as the brewing apparatus and introduces the viscous syrup at the same time as the hot tea is introduced to the canister. The apparatus introduces the flavoring agent and dilutant water through a common line such that the line is purged of flavoring agent as each canister of tea is prepared.

Abstract: A water purification device used in connection with the brewing of coffee in an automatic drip coffee maker has an annular sleeve contained within the moveable basket of the coffee maker. The water purification device has an activated charcoal resin operable to filter and purify hot water flowing from the coffee maker through the annular sleeve. The lower end of the sleeve has a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings to allow lateral movement of the water and steam away from the annular sleeve.

Abstract: A separate, removable milk container is provided which can be attached to and detached from a cappucino coffee maker. Alternatively, it can be attached to a modified espresso maker, converting it to making cappucino. The container has make and break connections for a milk delivery tube, so that, when the unit is not in use, the milk container can be removed from the unit and stored in a refrigerator to prevent spoiling of the milk. The cappucino maker includes a steam line to heat the coffee and milk. This line runs through a venturi, drawing milk into it, and then forces the steamed and frothed milk to a steamed milk outlet proximate to the coffee dispensing spout. The separate milk container includes means for attaching it to the unit and a milk tube which runs to the venturi. Thus, in use, the venturi draws milk from the container into the steam line and to the frothed milk outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing beverages such as coffee, tea, soup or the like through extraction, in which the product to be extracted is accommodated in a chamber and is confined by a piston, whereafter liquid is supplied to the chamber via a liquid supply duct provided in the piston, the product to be extracted being extracted and the extract being discharged from the chamber. During the supply of liquid the flow rate is measured and, depending on these measurements, the supply of liquid is regulated in such a manner that for a specified desired total amount of extract the time of contact between the liquid and the product to be extracted has a predetermined desired duration.The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method, this apparatus comprising chambers of equal dimensions.

Abstract: Automatic coffee machine has ground coffee deposited into an infusion chamber, in which it is compressed between an infuser piston and a filter piston. A packing stabilizes the seal between the infusion chamber and the infuser piston. The infuser piston is divided into two parts, with one part sliding into the other part against an opposing spring resistance.

Abstract: A device for the extraction of a beverage material contained in a cartridge has a surface member of which at least a portion has a flat surface and a size at least sufficient to overlay and cover at least a peripheral surface of a cartridge, which contains a beverage to be extracted and which is positioned adjacent the member, to effect imperviousness between the flat surface of the surface member and the cartridge during extraction of the beverage material contained in the cartridge. The device also has an injector which extends through the surface member for piercing into the cartridge. The injector extends longitudinally perpendicular to the flat surface of the surface member and has outlets disposed for directing water ejected from the injector for extraction of the beverage material at an angle of from 90.degree. to 65.degree. with reference to a longitudinally extending portion of the injector at the outlets.

Abstract: A coffeemaker includes a housing and a water reservoir contained within the housing. A carafe is supported on a base portion of the housing. A spreader is mounted within the housing. A hot water generator has an inlet connected to the water reservoir and an outlet connected to the spreader. The hot water generator has a generally shallow V-shape. An enclosure is supported within the housing and surrounds the hot water generator. The contact area between the surfaces of the generator and the enclosure is relatively minimal. The major portion of the surfaces of the enclosure and the hot water generator are spaced from each other to form an insulating air barrier to retain the heat generated by the hot water generator within the enclosure.

Abstract: A control system for a beverage brewing apparatus which includes a programmable control module and a separate input device. The control system is used with a beverage brewing apparatus of the type having an infusion assembly for retaining and filtering a brewing substance, a heated water source and a water distribution system for transporting water from the heated water source to the infusion assembly. The programmable control module controls numerous adjustable functions associated with the brewer and stores at least one function limit for each of the functions which it controls. The separate input device is selectively attachable to the control module for manipulating the function limits of the programmable function retained and controlled by the control module. Function controls are associated with the input device for selecting a function to manipulate and for incrementing and decrementing the limit or limits of the selected function.

Abstract: A disposal device for disposing of spent beverage brewing substances for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. The beverage brewing apparatus is the type which produces a brewed beverage from a beverage brewing substance disposed in a brewing chamber and infused with a liquid. A drain conduit extends from the brewing chamber and communicates with the substance disposal device for removing a slurry of moist beverage brewing substance and liquid waste from the brewing chamber of the apparatus into the disposal device. The disposal device includes a housing and a filter assembly which are controllably displaceable relative to each other. When the housing and filter assembly are assembled, they define a chamber. The filter assembly has a filter material which drains a liquid component out of the slurry when the slurry is dispensed into the chamber. A drain port communicates with the chamber for removing the liquid component from the chamber.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for extracting the effective ingredients from dried plant materials such as coffee, black tea, green tea, herbs, and the like as a concentrated liquid, and a device for implementing that method, are disclosed whereby an effective ingredient is extracted as an extracted liquid with high clarity and high concentration from dried plant material in a short time without loss of aroma and flavor without extracting the unpleasant bitter or astringent taste resulting from the extraction of tannin, while also sterilizing the extracted liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing blended beverages, particular frozen drinks, in which an ice dispenser, liquid mix dispenser and blender unit are combined in a single unit. A programmable timing mechanism regulates the period of time the ice dispenser, liquid mix dispenser and the blender unit operate, so that an operator needs to only push momentary push buttons to effect operation of the apparatus. The apparatus will automatically deliver an appropriate amount of ice and liquid to the blender unit and will turn on the blender at the appropriate time and for the appropriate amount of time to prepare a frozen drink of desired size.

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

Abstract: A cup holder is provided which is suited for attachment to a spout of a conventional beverage preparation machine so as to support a cup in a fluid-receiving orientation adjacent to such spout. The cup holder includes a base which is configured for securement to the spout, and a U-shaped cup-gripping member which includes a pair of space side walls separated by generally horizontal floor. One of the side walls extends from the base to the floor and the second side wall extends upwardly from the floor and terminates arcuately to provide a seat for a cup's lip. The arc of the second side wall is similar in shape to the side edge of a conventional lipped cup, accommodating angular placement of the cup on the second side wall during filling of the cup.

Abstract: A multiple orientation drive device for use with a beverage brewing apparatus. The beverage brewing apparatus is a type having a brew chamber which includes a top and bottom assembly and an elongated brewing component extending into the brew chamber. The elongated brewing component is associated with the drive device such that it is linearly and rotatably shiftable in the brew chamber. The linear and rotatable shifting are independently achieved by the actions of an independent linear drive assembly and an independent rotary drive assembly. The linear drive assembly is associated with the brewing component for linearly driving the brewing component in the brew chamber and the rotary drive assembly is associated with the brewing component for rotating the component independently of the linear drive assembly. The present invention also includes synchronizing the linear drive assembly and rotary drive assembly to simultaneously linearly shift and rotatably shift the brewing component in the brew chamber.

Abstract: An automatic beverage brewing apparatus which includes a brew chamber having an inlet and an outlet and a water distribution system associated with the brew chamber for introducing brew water and flush water therein. A filter assembly is disposed in the brew chamber. An opening is formed through the filter assembly for communicating with the outlet of the brew chamber. A flush water dispenser is associated with the water distribution system and is positioned centrally in the brew chamber for rinsing inside surfaces of the brew chamber. A piston assembly disposed in the brew chamber including a spool and a device for controllably moving the spool in axial and rotary directions. The spool includes a head, a base, and a necked portion extending between the head and the base. The spool is disposed in the brew chamber with the head controllably movable in the inlet and the base controllably movable in the outlet for controllably opening and plugging the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A two-way draining valve for coffee making machines includes an L-shaped housing containing a chamber, an inlet opening for delivering water to the chamber from a pump, an outlet opening arranged in an upper leg of the housing for delivering water from the chamber to a boiler inlet, and a draining bore arranged in a lower leg of the housing and communicating with the chamber. A spherical rubber valve ball is arranged within the chamber and is movable with respect to the draining bore in response to changes in pressure in the chamber. The ball opens and closes the draining bore in accordance with the chamber pressure to enable excess steam and water from the boiler and the pump, and excess air from the pump to exit the chamber via the draining bore. Thus, pressure within the boiler is controlled to prevent dripping of the coffee making machine.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly in combination with a beverage brewing apparatus for controllably dispensing and directing a cleaning material into a brewing chamber of the beverage brewing apparatus. The brewing chamber has a receiving mouth through which the cleaning material is dispensed. The dispensing assembly includes a hinge part, a funnel body, and components to finding a hinge joint. The funnel body is generally conically shaped, having a pouring port at one end and a dispensing port at the opposite end. The pouring port is enlarged relative to the dispensing port forming the conical shape of the funnel body and facilitating ease and accuracy in dispensing a cleaning material into the brewing chamber. The funnel body is attached to the hinge part and is hingedly associated with the hinge joint for movably positioning the funnel body into and out of communication with the receiving mouth of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A coffee or tea maker includes a base shell including a vertically-oriented connecting sleeve; a flow heater accommodated in the base shell and having a vertically-oriented inlet nipple received in the connecting sleeve; a mains cable connection situated in the base shell; a machine switch situated in the base shell; an electric circuit board connected to the mains cable connection and to the machine switch and having plug-in pins; and a bottom closing off the base shell and locked thereto by a detent joint. All the plug-in and detent connections define a vertical joining direction for relative movement toward one another into a locked state during an assembling operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a coffee maker in which disposal of the used coffee grounds and cleaning after brewing can be performed easily, and which is capable of being reused immediately. It is a fully automatic coffee maker in which a roaster which roasts raw coffee beans, a cooler means which cools the coffee beans roasted by the roaster, a grinder means which grinds the beans and supplies the ground coffee, and a water heater and supplier which heats and supplies the water from a water tank, are all contained inside an outer case 1.

Abstract: A coffee dispensing and brewing apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises components for dispensing a predetermined amount of coffee to a brew basket, the components including a hopper for holding a supply of coffee beans and an auger device communicating with the hopper for portioning coffee beans in a predetermined amount to a coffee grinder. The apparatus further includes a brew basket holding assembly for releasably holding the brew basket in a region adjacent a passageway to the grinder and a hot water making and delivery system for distributing a predetermined volume of hot water from a hot water holding tank to the region during a brewing cycle. The grinder motor has a right angle power transmission that couples the moter to the grinder with the motor being located below the grinder and adjacent a vertical side of the holding tank.