Abstract: A drip coffee maker comprises a housing (10), and in the housing (10) a filter holder (20) into which ground coffee (23) is to be poured. A measuring device (25) is provided for the ground coffee poured into the filter holder (20). The filter holder (20) is mounted movably in the housing, and the measuring device (25) comprises at least one deformable mechanical member (33) connected to the filter holder (20) and reacting by deformation to the quantity of ground coffee (23) poured into the filter holder. This deformable mechanical member (33) drives by its deformation a member (35) for visual indication of the desired quantity of ground coffee. The deformable member (33) is in stable position when that desired quantity of ground coffee is obtained.

Abstract: A disposable beverage maker (10) made from a single sheet of flat, insoluble cardboard or plastic in various sizes. The size depends on whether the beverage maker (10) is to be inserted into a container (110) consisting of a cup, mug or a decanter. The cardboard consists of a lower base (12) having four scored sides. on two of the size is respectively located a first side wall (22) and a second side wall (28); on the adjoining sides is respectively located a first stabilizing flap (84) and a second stabilizing flap (92). From the first side wall (22) extends a first handle (34) and from the second side wall extends a second handle (60). When each of the two handles are joined at their outward sections (42,54) and (68,80), the disposable beverage maker (10) is fully assembled and is inserted into the container (110). Thereafter, a coffee filter (112) is placed into the beverage maker (10) and a quantity of coffee grounds (114) or tea is placed into the coffee filter (112).

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus is disclosed which includes a housing having a base for supporting a carafe with a brewing basket and a body defining a water reservoir, a brewing assembly including a heating chamber communicating with the water reservoir and a heating element in thermal contact with said heating chamber, and a dispensing assembly including a valve member supported adjacent an outlet port of the heating chamber, a thermally responsive actuating member disposed within the heating chamber and connected to the valve member for moving the valve member from a closed position to an open position when water contained within the heating chamber is heated to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A beverage brewing device is provided which includes a conventional brewing assembly, and a cooling assembly for brewing a hot beverage and then dispensing the beverage as a hot beverage or diverting it to the cooling system to dispense it as a cold beverage. A switching assembly is provided to permit the user to selectively choose between a hot beverage and cold beverage. The device also provides a novel cooling cartridge which permits the introduction of hot liquid and results in the dispensing of cold liquid from the cold cartridge.

Abstract: A tea making device includes a hollow main body, a tea brewing unit, a pitcher and a hollow base unit. The main body has an upper portion formed with a water receiving chamber, and a lower portion formed with an accommodation chamber that is isolated from the water receiving chamber. The accommodation chamber is provided with a guiding tube that has a water inlet communicated with the water receiving chamber and a water outlet, and a heating device for heating water that passes through the guiding tube. The tea brewing unit is disposed on one side of the main body, has a brewing chamber communicated with the water outlet, and is formed with a tea outlet. The pitcher is to be disposed below the tea outlet and is capable of receiving the brewed tea that is released from the tea outlet.

Abstract: A coffeemaker comprises, in a housing (1), a cold water reservoir (2) supplying a water heater (3) which in turn supplies a water spout (5) whose outlet (6) is arranged above a filter carrier (7) which is movably mounted in the housing (1) and whose bottom has an outlet opening (8) located above a server (9) collecting the infusion, the server resting on a base (10). The cold water reservoir (2) of the coffeemaker overlies the base (10) and the filter carrier (7) of the coffeemaker is arranged behind the cold water reservoir (2).

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

Abstract: The present invention involves a grinder/brewer coffee beverage dispensing apparatus having a pair of basket support arms with front end portions adapted to grasp beverage baskets and a configuration essentially complimentary to the circular shapes of beverage baskets. The arms are pivotally mounted for simultaneous horizontal and vertical movement with respect to the frame of the beverage dispensing apparatus, permitting the arms to graps baskets having varying flange widths and diameters.

Abstract: A coffeemaker has a housing with a water reservoir, a top cover defining a fill port leading to the reservoir, and a heating chamber below the water reservoir. The housing includes a platform on which a thermal carafe can be placed in readiness for brewing. An automatic drip heater assembly pumps heated water to a brew basket which is removably mounted in brew basket holder pivotally mounted on the housing. The coffeemaker is used with a thermal carafe having a housing which houses an insulated container, preferably a double-walled vacuum bottle. A removable top lid is threadedly connected to the top of the carafe housing and has a gasket which, when the carafe top lid is threaded completely onto the housing, is in heat sealing relation to an opening to the insulated container.

Abstract: A coffeemaker includes a housing and a water reservoir supported within the housing in a reservoir storage portion. A carafe is supported on a base portion of the housing. A spreader is mounted within the housing. The coffeemaker includes a hot water generator having an inlet connected to the water reservoir and an outlet connected to the spreader. The water reservoir includes a front wall having a handle extending outwardly therefrom for grasping by the user of the coffeemaker. The front wall is concave-shape to increase the space formed between the wall and confronting surface of the handle. The water reservoir is releasably latched into the storage portion of the housing.

Abstract: A hot beverage brewing and dispensing machine having a brewing cylinder for receiving a hot liquid and a beverage product for brewing, a base member beneath the brewing cylinder with a brewed liquid outlet through which beverage brewed in the brewing chamber can flow, a seal between the base member and a bottom end of the brewing cylinder with a filter material therebetween for sealing the cylinder during brewing when the brewing cylinder is brought into engagement with the filter material, a filter feed mechanism, a tube for supplying liquid and a chute for supplying beverage product to an upper portion of the brewing cylinder, and a conical dispersing surface disposed at the upper portion of the brewing cylinder upon which the liquid and beverage product impinge from their supply means and which disperses the liquid and beverage product as they fall to a bottom portion of the brewing cylinder washing the cylinder walls.

Abstract: A semiautomatic beverage maker (10) with a valve actuator or handle (12) for manually moving a valve (14) from a stop, closed position to a brew, open position through means of a mechanical linkage (20, 32, 36). The dispenser valve is held in the open position for a preselected brew time period by means of an electromagnet (53) which is energized through a timer switch (48) until the end of the time period, and then a coil spring (50) returns the dispenser valve (14) to the open position. In an emergency, the dispenser valve actuator (12) can be used to manually return the dispenser valve (14) to the open position before de-energization of the electromagnet (53) at the end of the brew time period. The dispenser valve actuator (12) also blocks removal of the ingredient holder, or brew basket (38) from its proper brew position when the dispenser valve (12) is open during the brew cycle.

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: The present invention relates to assemblies and devices for the brewing of a beverage (e.g. coffee); the invention may, for example, be used in coin operated vending machines and the like. The invention in particular provides a brew chamber assembly for an apparatus for preparing a beverage from an aqueous medium and a particulate beverage material, the apparatus operating with a brewing cycle including the air agitation of a mixture of the aqueous medium and the particulate beverage material in a brew chamber.

Abstract: A prepared package for use with a water heating device makes a liquid containing product. The package has an upper water containing chamber and a lower product ingredients containing chamber. The upper and lower chambers are completely separated from one another by a permanent liquid impervious membrane. The package includes a water outlet from the upper chamber and a water inlet to the lower chamber. The water inlet and the water outlet of the package have openable seals and are sized and orientated to fit with a water inlet and water outlet respectively of the water heating device to provide fluid communication between the package and the water heating device such that upon opening the seals, water flows from the upper chamber of the package through the water heating device and into the lower chamber of the package enabling heated water to mix with the product ingredients in making the product.

Abstract: A beverage extraction machine in which powdered material such as coffee is mixed with hot water in an extraction chamber which is mounted over a beverage receiver with a filter mounted between them. High pressure air is supplied into the beverage receiver and passes up through the filter to agitate the hot water and powdered material in the extraction chamber. Then air is sucked from the beverage receiver and drums the brewed coffee from the extraction chamber through the filter into the beverage receiver where it is discharged to a cup. A pressure sensor can be used to control the application of the high and low pressure air.

Abstract: A brew basket is disclosed for use with conventional coffee makers of the type found in offices, hotels and restaurants. The brew basket is configured to receive ground coffee in the form of a compressed wafer and provides increased extraction of coffee solids from compressed coffee wafers and a significant reduction in extraction time. The basket has a relatively shallow profile and is dimensioned so that when the brew basket is mounted on the coffee maker, substantially the entire upper surface of the compressed wafer disposed in the brew basket is wetted by the hot water discharged from the spray head of the coffee maker. In addition the basket is dimensioned to maintain a water level in the brew basket sufficient to at least partially submerge the compressed wafer during extraction, to further increase extraction efficiency.

Abstract: A temperature control device and method for controlling water temperature for a fill water displacement beverage brewing apparatus. The beverage brewing apparatus includes a heated water reservoir for retaining a predetermined volume of water in a heated state and a thermostatically controlled heating device for heating the water in the heated water reservoir within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature control device includes a brew cycle activation device which automatically overrides the thermostatically controllable heating device for activating the heating device upon initiation of the brew cycle. The method heats fill water introduced into the reservoir regardless of the temperature of the water retained in the heated reservoir to reduce the time required to heat fill water to a desired water temperature.

Abstract: A combination beverage brewer with cold water supply is embodied within a housing, to furnish a beverage brewing segment, at one or more locations within a housing, and a water chilling or cooling supply disposed in association therewith, to supply cold water as required. The beverage brewer incorporates a hot water tank, a heating element therein, which hot water is delivered to a spray head for deposit onto a basket of grounds for brewing of a beverage. In addition, hot water may be tapped from the tank and delivered to a faucet for direct dispensing. The cold water segment of the apparatus includes a cold water tank, a cooling rod therein, cooling module for operating as a heat pump for extracting warmth from the water to heat it, and delivery of the extracted heat to a heat sink, for dissipation.

Abstract: A transportable pressurized coffee maker adapted to be used in and mounted to an automobile includes a coffee cup to receive brew which can be secured in tandem with the brewing chamber to prevent spills while driving. Safety features include temperature regulation, pressure release, interlocking safety cap, non-pressurized brewing chamber and a cool-to-touch outer shell. This coffee making apparatus also provides a high heat transfer immersion heating element compatible with the nominal 12 volt d.c. electrical system of most automobiles. This coffee making apparatus provides a sealable unit which can be operated while the automobile is in motion.

Abstract: A prepared package for a hot beverage serving comprises an upper sealed liquid containing chamber, a lower beverage ingredient containing chamber with the upper and lower chambers being separated by a permanent liquid impervious membrane. The package further includes a sealed outlet from the upper chamber, a separate inlet to the lower chamber and a bottom spout from the lower chamber. In using the package the liquid from the upper chamber bypasses the membrane out through the outlet to a liquid heating device which then returns the heated liquid through the inlet to the lower chamber where the liquid mixes with the beverage ingredients and drains downwardly through the bottom spout.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A coffee maker is arranged for mounting within a transport vehicle, to include a housing with a water reservoir operative through an on/off switch to direct the water from within the reservoir to a drinking cup upon directing the water through coffee and a filtering apparatus. Coffee creamer and sugar dispensing containers are provided operative through valving. The coffee cup includes structure to include a drinking conduit in secure mounting to a top surface of the drinking cup, and the organization further including supporting tether construction to accommodate vibration directed to the apparatus when positioned within an associated vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus useful to prepare a hot beverage from a flavor substance. The flavor substance is prepacked in single serve portions as filter units which include a filter carrier, a filter, a flavor substance and an upper closure. The apparatus has a storage tank for a liquid, a volumetric measurement tank, venting pipes that join the top corners of the volumetric measurement tank with the top section of the storage tank, a heater for the liquid and a shower head. A shut-off valve controls the flow of liquid between the storage tank and the volumetric measurement tank. The heater controls the flow of liquid from the volumetric measurement tank to the shower head. The apparatus allows the liquid to pass from the shower head through the upper closure of the filter unit so that liquid may pass through the flavor substance in the filter to form the beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a coffee maker includes a brew pot formed with a conical upper chamber and a cylindrical lower chamber, wherein the cylindrical lower chamber includes a valve member cooperative with the lower chamber to selectively disrupt and discontinue flow therethrough. The valve member cooperates with a concave deflectable plate mounted therein to receive a shaft to overlie and deflect the plate to disengage flow to a lower conduit formed within the lower chamber.

Abstract: A disposable coffee-brewing apparatus comprising a collapsible and expandable housing for supporting a filter element containing ground coffee. In its collapsed configuration the housing forms a flat parcel which can be provided with detachable sealing tabs or can be packaged in a separately sealed envelope. In its expanded configuration, the housing forms a generally tubular structure for placement around a drinking cup or other receptacle such that the coffee-brewing apparatus surrounds or substantially surrounds the receptacle and is situated on the same surface which supports the drinking receptacle. The expanded housing supports a filter element directly over the drinking receptacle such that hot water can be poured into the filter element, passing through coffee grounds therein and into the receptacle below to create a cup of fresh brewed coffee. After dispensing the coffee beverage, the housing can be collapsed once again and the coffee-brewing apparatus discarded.

Abstract: Hot water in a supply tank (38) of a coffee maker, (20) is dispensed through a shut-off valve including a tube (84) at a uniform rate for a preselected time period until the open inlet (84C) of the tube (84) is raised above the surface level (110) of the water to not only stop the flow but to also drain and steam clean the tube (84) of any residual water to prevent the formation of mineral and lime deposits which undesirably alter the flow rate. A brewing strength by-pass valve assembly (80) for passing diluted hot water to an urn (24A or 24B) is drawn from a supply temporarily collected at the bottom of a drain chamber (76) received into the top (76A) of the drain chamber (76) as a stream through air to pressure isolate the strength control by-pass valve (80) as well as a mixing nozzle (116A), so that adjustment of the strength control will not create a variation in back pressure to alter the uniform flow rate.

Abstract: A disposable filter cartridge comprising a housing substantially including bottom and an upright side wall, the underside or bottom having one or more holes, said filter cartridges being provided at its top and at least a part of its bottom with filter material or a filter film. At least the filter material for the top is connected to the side wall or a flange-shaped extension thereof by means of a sealed joint. The filter material destined for the underside or bottom of the housing is cup-shaped and is received in the housing of the filter cartridge so as to be immovable.

Abstract: A cassette for flavoring a liquid and for use with a liquid receptacle having an internal locking flange. The cassette comprises a ring defining an interior and forming a bottom annular groove to receive the locking flange of the liquid receptacle and thereby to hold the cassette in place therein. The cassette further includes a plurality of ribs connected to and extending across the ring and separating the interior thereof into a multitude of sections, and particles disposed in said sections for flavoring a liquid. A bottom filter and a top filter are secured to the ring and extend across the bottom and top, respectively, of the interior of the ring to hold the flavoring particles therein. Preferably, the cassette is packaged in a sealed vacuum pack; and as it is so packaged, the mass of particles in each section of the cassette is reshaped slightly and formed into a firm conglomerate, which facilitates the subsequent flow of a liquid through the cassette.

Abstract: A beverage (tea and coffee) making appliance of the type having a reservoir wherein a supply of hot water for brewing is maintained and from which a volume of the hot water is displaced by an equal volume of a batch of cold water discharged by gravity from a cold water basin through a fill tube into the bottom of the reservoir. The displaced hot water is discharged into a brewing funnel lined with a filter on which the beverage forming material (ground coffee or tea leaves) is placed. The cold water basin is equipped with a removable standpipe-like fitting on the upper end of the fill tube through which cold water enters as long as the level of water in the cold water basin is above the upper end or entrance opening in the fill tube. The fill basin has a second drain opening to which is connected one end of a tube the other end of which discharges into a portion of the brewing funnel which is partitioned off from the filter lined portion.

Abstract: A hot water dispenser is provided for dispensing a selected volume of water at a predetermined water temperature. The dispenser has a body defining a predetermined sized cavity having an inlet for receiving cold water and an outlet for dispensing hot water. A heating mechanism is disposed within the body for heating the water contained within the cavity. A manually operable timer switch is operated to energize the heating mechanism and to select a time period for maintaining the heating mechanism energized. This selected time period determines the selected volume of heated water dispensed. A thermally responsive mechanism enables dispensing water from the outlet responsive to the predetermined water temperature of the heated water.

Abstract: A disposable filter cartridge comprising a housing substantially including a bottom and an upright side wall, the underside or bottom having one or more holes, said filter cartridges being provided at its top and at least a part of its bottom with filter material or a filter film. At least the filter material for the top is connected to the side wall or a flange-shaped extension thereof by means of a sealed joint. The filter material destined for the underside or bottom of the housing is cup-shaped and is received in the housing of the filter cartridge so as to be immovable.

Abstract: A beverage maker for coffee or the like operated electrically and in which the water container is resilient so that it is expandable within the confines of the beverage maker so that a greater beverage capacity is achieved selectively. The beverage is made by pumping up the water from a lower compartment to an upper compartment having the flavored substance therein wherein the water drips through the flavored substance and through apertures in the upper container to an annular receptacle surrounding the expandable water container.

Abstract: Equipment for supplying a quantity of hot water, for example for preparing hot drinks, provided with a heating unit for bringing the quantity of water to a predetermined temperature, the inlet of which is connected via an intake pipe and via an intake valve to a cold water pipe and the outlet of which is connected to a discharge pipe, means for supplying a further quantity of water which is not brought to the predetermined temperature by the heating unit, which further quantity is dependent on the desired temperature of the total quantity of water to be supplied, temperature-selection means for selecting the desired temperature, which temperature-selection means supply a temperature-selection signal to a control unit, said control unit furthermore receiving a quantity-selection signal from quantity-selection means and supplying control signals to the intake valve and to the heating unit.

Abstract: A fixedly positioned hot plate, particularly for use with a coffee maker, has an upper surface for receiving a container of liquid to be maintained at a constant temperature. An electric heating device arranged underneath the hot plate includes a plate member movable between a first position in biased engagement with the underside of the hot plate and a second position spaced therefrom to vary the heat exchange rate therebetween. Secured to the underside of the plate member is a metallic sheathed heating having a water heating pipe soldered to the periphery thereof. A temperature sensitive element, e.g. U-shaped bimetal, thermally coupled to the heating device has a first portion connected to a downwardly dependent stud secured to the underside of the hot plate and extending freely through a bore in the plate member an a second portion secured to the plate member.

Abstract: An electric coffee percolator is provided with a fresh water container located above a water heating chamber sized to receive and retain about 30-60% of the volumetric amount of fresh water required for a complete coffee infusion. The heating chamber is separated by a common wall from the water container and receives fresh water therefrom through a non-return value located in the common wall. A ventilating pipe in the water container is slidably amounted in the common wall to project a selected distance into the heating chamber so that the water level in the heating chamber can be adjusted. A check valve in the ventilating tube prevents expulsion of water from the heating chamber into the water container. The bottom wall of the heating chamber is provided with an electric heating element surrounding a well from which a riser pipe through which the hot water is expelled extends upwardly to a water outlet chamber having a cross-sectional area which increase in size from its inlet end to its outlet end.

Abstract: A siphon of preheated water to a filter basket is initiated by an inpour of cold water to a buoyant tank floating in a holding tank on the preheated water. The cold water addition causes the buoyant tank to sink thus raising the level of the preheated water to start a siphon. The cold water is thereafter metered to the holding tank and preheated preparatory to initiating another brew cycle.

Abstract: A continuous flow heater assembly for an electrically heated apparatus for producing an infusion beverage comprises a generally dish-like mounting plate carrying a tubular heater of generally annular configuration and, inside that annular configuration, a water pipe which is also of a generally annular configuration. The underside of the tubular heater and the water pipe are in heat-conducting contact with the mounting plate while the underside of a support plate for supporting a container containing a beverage bears against the tubular heater but not against the water pipe. A raised edge portion of the dish shape of the mounting plate extends at a small spacing from the adjacent side wall of the tubular heater, to a position close to the underside of the support plate. Alternatively, a guard ring may be fitted onto the space between the mounting plate and the support plate outwardly of the tubular heater to partially close the space between the plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for brewing, in particular, a multiplicity of consumption units a hot drink, such as coffee. The apparatus comprises a combination of a filter pan and a disposable filter cartridge with cellulose web filters. According to the invention, the filter cartridge and the filter pan have parts cooperating to provide a circumferential seal, dimensioned so that when introduced the filter cartridge rests loosely in the filter pan without being clamped therein, and a seal is provided by means of capillary forces that occur during brewing in the gap between the cooperating parts. The filter cartridge may have an axially symmetrical body, and the parts of the filter pan and the filter cartridge co-operating to provide a seal may have a substantially equal axially symmetrical conicity.

Abstract: A cold water pour-in beverage brewer having a generally C-shaped body with upper and lower leg portions extending forwardly from an upright interconnecting leg portion. The body houses an inverted L-shaped receptacle formed by an elongated shallow cold water basin from adjacent one end of which a relatively deep hot water tank depends. The basin sets in the top of the upper leg portion and has an out-turned flange on its top edge which rests on an in-turned flange on the top opening in the body. A cover fits the basin and rests thereon in raised relationship to provide a vent path therebetween. The cover has a pour-in opening adjacent the front of the brewer. The hot water tank is housed mainly within the upright leg portion. A removable funnel is supported underneath upper leg portion. Beverage from the funnel falls into a beaker on a heater on the lower leg portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for making a drip-type coffee beverage wherein the apparatus has a separate flow path for receiving and reheating a previously filtered coffee brew.

Abstract: A disposable, individual coffee container and filter unit including a flat frame having an apertured center section, filter layers covering the top and bottom of the frame and being secured thereto, and individual quantities of coffee received in compartments formed in the frame between the spider-like center sections thereof. Additionally, a coffee brewing receptacle having an apertured base and a retainer flange in the base thereof for engaging the coffee carrying flat frame is provided.

Abstract: A coffee infusion container is provided consisting of a porous cone shaped inner section that is inverted to accept hot water and the outer shape of the enclosure is shaped in the form of a partial cone with the upper most section removed and a rod shaped handle is provided and affixed to said container so that the container retains its shape after being subjected to hot water with the container being dunked into a hot cup of hot water so the a cup of coffee may be brewed.

Abstract: An electric coffeemaker is disclosed of the drip type with an upright C-shaped housing, the lower leg having a heated carafe support and the upper leg having a water spreader over a supported coffee basket. The vertical leg encloses a reservoir with an apertured bottom wall and a cover is provided over the upper leg with an opening to the reservoir, and with a pump and heating chamber in the lower leg with a connected tube delivering hot water to the spreader. In this known combination, an improvement is provided in the spreader of an open cup-shaped member having a raised cut-away side towards the reservoir and connected to the tube. Apertures in the cup dispense hot water to the coffee basket and overflow structure is provided in the cup.

Abstract: A microwave coffee making apparatus (10), adapted for use in a microwave oven to heat water (66), has a water reservoir (12) with at least one aperture (49) near the bottom thereof, a coffee grounds basket (13) positioned to receive water from at least one water reservoir aperture (49), a pitcher (11) positioned to receive brewed coffee (17) from the coffee grounds basket (13), and a manually operated valve means (14) located adjacent the at least one water reservoir aperture (49) to control draining of the water reservoir (12) into the coffee grounds basket (13). To brew coffee (17) with this coffee making apparatus (10), the water reservoir (12) is filled with the desired amount of water (66), a measured amount of coffee grounds (37) is placed in the coffee grounds basket (13), the flow of water (66) from the water reservoir (12) is initiated by opening the valve (14), and microwave energy is applied to the coffee making apparatus (10) to heat the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing warm or hot beverages (tea or coffee) in which cold or luke-warm water is passed to a container and caused to flow through the apparatus in order to be heated. The water passes through a warm spreader, causing the water to be preheated before the latter is passed through the actual heating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion apparatus, particularly such an apparatus for brewing coffee or the like where a receptacle such as a coffee basket is mounted on a water heating apparatus and a carafe is positioned underneath the infusion chamber. The infusion chamber is made with relatively movable walls so that the cross-sectional area transverse to the direction of flow of liquid may be varied to vary the depth of infusion bed for a given quantity of coffee or the like in the chamber. Two movable walls are disclosed together with an actuating mechanism with the movable walls and the actuating mechanism being of simple construction and readily assembled so that the use of screws, rivets, and so forth is not required. The relatively movable walls are actuated by a rotatable plate connected to the walls which are positioned internally of the infusion chamber with rotation of the plate moving the walls toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A cantilevered instantaneous heating brewer for brewing beverages, such as coffee, wherein the heat transfer structure includes a heavy heat transfer mass. Cold water is supplied to the heat transfer mass to have heat transfer association therewith and thereby be heated to the desired brewing temperature. The mass is disposed in overlying relationship to a rear upright portion of the brewer housing so as to provide a stable arrangement of the brewer as against undesirable forward tipping. To further minimize the tendency for tipping of the cantilevered arrangement, the brewing cartridge normally carried on the front portion of the cantilevered head is made to be relatively lightweight. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer structure includes a plurality of stacked relatively heavy massive elements with the stack being disposed at the rear of the head overlying the rear upright portion of the housing.

Abstract: A beverage brewer structure wherein a warmer station is selectively utilizable separately or in mounted association with the beverage brewing apparatus. The brewing apparatus may include a removable cover which may be secured to the brewing apparatus by a suitable securing structure. When the warmer station is mounted to the brewing apparatus, the securing structure is utilized to jointly secure the warming station to the cover and the cover to the beverage brewing apparatus. When so installed, the securing structure is hidden within the warming station by a removable portion of the warming station.

Abstract: An automatic coffee brewing device comprising a structure having a cavity therein providing a reservoir for receiving water, a water heating and pumping means positioned under the reservoir, and a connecting means for delivering water from the reservoir to the heating and pumping means. A cover member is received over and enclosing a top opening of the structure, and may include or have a separate water dispensing means with said bottom and top walls enclosing a chamber therein, said dispensing means also having a first opening over the reservoir of the structure for removably receiving therethrough the top end of the riser tube of the pump, a second opening for providing a water dispensing spout, and a third opening over the reservoir of the structure for venting and returning heated fluid to the reservoir.