Abstract: According to the invention the tea strainer and propeller of a stirrer are arranged in the tea-preparation chamber in a cooperating manner in such a way that the water flow minimizes the tea-brewing time. A tea-making machine fitted with such a tea-preparation chamber makes it possible for the first time to prepare any kind of tea automatically and very quickly.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a housing having an upstanding tower, a carafe support platform extending horizontally forward from the lower end of the tower, and a fixed, tubular filter basket support extending horizontally forward from the upper end of the housing above the platform. A horizontal filter basket cover, including a water spreader, is disposed above the filter basket support and carried by the housing for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A cover pivotal about a horizontal axis is provided over a water reservoir defined by the housing. A valve mechanism is provided that operates upon pivoting of the filter basket cover to selectively permit heated water to be supplied to the water spreader, thereby preventing burns or the like from heated water when the water spreader is not located above the filter basket support. The coffee maker also includes an electronic controller having a control pad on the front surface of the housing platform.

Abstract: An automatic, household drip-type coffee making machine with a main housing for receiving and holding a carafe or decanter, and having an method and apparatus for rapidly heating water to form an infused beverage such as coffee. The speed brewing system has an automatic water level sensing system with a float box, a lever and a micro-switch, which detects the level of water in the water tank and when the water reaches a pre-selected level, activates a water heater located within a water bladder, heating the water bladder to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water passing into the water bladder. The water vapor condenses along a water outlet tube while still retaining sufficient heat to brew an infused beverage. The heated water (condensed water vapor) reaches a shower nozzle plate and is dispensed through the shower nozzle plate into a filter basket which contains a filter and material for making an infused beverage such as regular or decaffeinated coffee.

Abstract: A coffee brew cone retaining device that maintains compression of a brew cone (40) onto the underside of a commercial coffee brewer which consists of a spray head holder (20) that has been modified to include a pair of downward depending legs (30) and (32) one located on each side. A torsion spring tape rail (38) is installed, preferably with threaded fasteners (50), onto each side of the spray head holder directly beneath the legs (30) and (32) and functions by supporting and maintaining the coffee brew cone tightly against the bottom (24) of the holder. The brew cone is modified by adding a raised peripheral lip (58) on the top surface of the mounting flange (56) which encircles the cones tapered interior. The lip slides easily on the bottom of the holder and wipes off moisture in the form of condensate when the cone is removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated drip-type coffee or beverage making machine with an automatic bean grinding apparatus and an automatic cleaning apparatus. The invention also incorporates improvements and features such as a projection or boss within the device which improves the operating efficiency of the bean grinding feature, an improved blade configuration which improves grinding efficiency, including a unique blade arrangement employing a plurality of blades of different lengths, and an improved lid for the coffee or beverage container which acts as an insulator, a moving and sealing cover to prevent ground material from escaping during the grinding process, a water tank insulating compartment, a double-walled grinding basket lid to aid in insulation and spreading of hot liquid, and a damping device for reducing the vibrations associated with motor operation.

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: The invention relates to an espresso machine, wherein water in the boiler (1) is superheated and kept at a temperature above 100.degree. C. for producing steam to be supplied to a dispenser nozzle (10), which superheated water is mixed with cold water at a mixing station (12), to obtain hot water having a temperature below 100.degree. C., supplied to the coffee brewing unit (13) and to the dispenser nozzle (10). According to the invention, the coffee brewing unit (13) is attached to the lower side of the boiler (1) and is connected to the mixing station (12) by means of a feed pipe (14), which is at least partly housed in the boiler (1). In the pipe (4) for feeding cold water to the boiler (1), a non return valve (16) is provided, which opens in the direction of flow into the boiler and is situated downstream from the branch point of the pipe (11) for feeding cold water to the mixing station (12).

Abstract: A beverage brewer (20) with a dispenser valve (34) for passing brewing liquid from a supply (30) under control by a programmable dispenser cycle dispenser valve controller (36) to intermittently pass the liquid to a uniform flow dispenser head (38) during preselected duty portions (92) of a plurality of control periods (CP1-CP20, FIG. 5B) in order to independently control the total quantity dispensed and the duration of the dispense period (88). The uniform flow dispenser head (38) has a closed body with a perforated bottom (64) that is intermittently filled with brewing liquid during the duty portion selected for each of the control periods to provide a uniform vertical spray across an open top of a uniform ingredient holder (24) within which is held a cylindrically shaped layer of beverage ingredient (70) in order to achieve uniform contact of the brewing liquid with all the beverage ingredient.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing hot beverages, such as coffee, comprising a water reservoir, a heating element for heating water in the water reservoir, an extraction device, an electric pump and a thermostat for the detection of the temperature of the water in the reservoir. The thermostat is connected in series with the heating element and the pump is connected in parallel with the thermostat. After the water has reached the desired temperature the thermostat is closed, which causes the pump to be switched on in order to pump the hot water to the extraction device. During the pumping phase the power of the heating element is virtually cut off.

Abstract: Apparatus for brewing a beverage is disclosed. Typically, the brewed beverage is coffee, but it might be hot tea, iced tea, or soup. The beverage is brewed by delivering heated brew water to a product to be brewed by passing the heated brew water through the product to extract flavor therefrom. The brewed product is dispensed into a brewed beverage container. The apparatus includes a microprocessor, a controllable inlet valve for water entering the apparatus, and a controllable brew valve for delivery of heated brew water to the product. The inlet valve and the brew valve are under the control of the microprocessor, so that they may be opened or closed in keeping with signals sent thereto by the microprocessor. There is a control panel for the microprocessor, having a plurality of switches, each of which has a designated primary function for controlling a specific predesignated operating function of the brewing apparatus.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water is placed in a water reservoir constructed of plastic microwave-transparent, pressure-resistant material. A funnel positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment is supported on the upper edges of the water reservoir with the spout extending downwardly into the water reservoir. A lower filter is placed into the filter compartment, and coffee grounds or other espresso particulate substance is placed on upper surface of the lower filter. An upper filter is then positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment to restrain the coffee grounds or other particular substance during brewing. A filtrate reservoir is placed over the funnel, and twisted, thereby engaging threads to join the water reservoir and the filtrate reservoir. A filtrate splash cover is attached to the upper edges of the filtrate reservoir. The assembled espresso device is placed into a microwave oven.

Abstract: The assembly for use in a coffee machine comprises a container having a bowl-shaped inner space bounded by a bottom having at least one outlet opening and at least one vertical sidewall. The assembly further comprises a pill-shaped pouch manufactured from filtering paper and filled with ground coffee, accommodated in the inner space of the container. The pouch extends over the bottom to a position adjacent the vertical sidewall. In the bottom, a number of channel-shaped grooves are provided, extending in radial direction of the container to the outlet opening. The grooves extend from a position located at a distance from the sidewall in the direction of the outlet opening. This prevents bypass.

Abstract: A filter holder including a scoop (1) provided with a handle (2) and designed to hold a filter (3) that consists of a housing (4) and a perforated bottom wall (5) and is movably mounted in the space defined by the housing (4) via a height adjustment device (6). This device (6) includes a stack consisting of at least one ring (8) adjacent to the bottom wall (5) and an opposed ring (9) coaxial with the ring. The respective side surfaces (10-11) of the rings include an alternated series of staggered angled (12) and horizontal (13B-13H) surfaces, and an alternated series of staggered opposed angled (14) and opposed horizontal (15B-15H) surfaces, as well as an actuating member (16) movably mounted on the cup (1) for causing relative movement of the ring (8) and the opposite ring (9).

Abstract: A filtering device for an espresso-type coffee maker of the type having a spout to deliver heated water under pressure, and a receptacle to receive brewed filtered coffee having a metallic filter in the path of heated coffee passing to the receptacle, and at least one layer of a paper filter in the path of the heated coffee passing to the receptacle that captures lipids and grounds from the brewed coffee.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a housing having a upstanding tower, a carafe support platform extending horizontally forward from the lower end of the tower, and a fixed, tubular filter basket support extending horizontally forward from the upper end of the housing above the platform. A horizontal filter basket cover, including a water spreader, is disposed above the filter basket support and carried by the housing for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A cover pivotal about a horizontal axis is provided over a water reservoir defined by the housing. A valve mechanism is provided that operates upon pivoting of the filter basket cover to selectively permit heated water to be supplied to the water spreader, thereby preventing burns from heated water when the water spreader is not located above the filter basket support. The coffee maker also includes an electronic controller having a control pad on the front surface of the housing platform. A pivotal cover is provided to shield the control pad from spilled coffee.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing coffee, with a holder arranged for receiving a pouch made of filter material and filled with a product to be extracted. The holder has at least one outflow opening and an access opening for placing the pouch in the holder. The apparatus has a cover for closing and releasing the access opening and a clamping device for pressing the holder and the cover towards each other when the cover closes off the access opening of the holder. The clamping device engages at least a position of the cover located on an external surface of the cover. The apparatus has a housing to which the holder is detachably connected, the clamping device has a rotation element with a first and second opposite ends. The rotation element is connected adjacent its first end to the housing for rotation about a horizontally directed first rotation axis between a first and second rotational position for closing the access opening in the second rotational position and releasing it in the first rotational position.

Abstract: A coffee-making machine of the type to deliver hot water during a brewing cycle to ground coffee supported in a removeable filter unit includes a heated reservoir for water heating and storage and a sprayhead to deliver heated water from the reservoir to the filter unit. A first valved conduit is actuable to deliver a first amount of heated water from the reservoir to the sprayhead and a second valved conduit is actuable to deliver a second amount of heated water from the reservoir to the sprayhead. Selection switches allow an operator to select an amount of coffee to be brewed. A controller is in communication with the selection switches and controls actuation of the first and second valved conduits during a brewing cycle to deliver an appropriate amount of heated water to the sprayhead for delivery to ground coffee in the filter unit thereby to brew the selected amount of coffee.

Abstract: A new dual reservoir coffee machine for making two different types of coffee in two separate pots. The inventive device includes a dual system coffee maker comprised of a housing. The housing has an upper water dispensing portion and a lower burner portion. A control panel is disposed within the housing of the dual system coffee maker. A coffee filter attachment couples with the water dispensing portion of the dual system coffee maker. A pair of semi-cylindrical pots are positionable on the lower burner portion of the dual system coffee maker. Each of the pots have a cover with an opening therethrough. The openings align with the coffee filter attachment. Each of the pots have a handle extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A coffeemaker (30) includes a lower housing (32) and an upper housing (34). A water reservoir (44) sets atop a portion of the lower housing (32). A top cover (56) extends in cantilever from the upper housing (34). A brew basket holder (58) is mounted pivotally to the upper housing (34) and contains a brew basket (76), having a brewed-beverage outlet (88), and a filter (78). When the coffeemaker (30) is in use, the holder (58) is located beneath the top cover (56). A releasable latch unit (62) is employed to retain the holder (58) in this. As a carafe (64) is placed in the coffeemaker (30), an actuator (132) is moved by the carafe to operate a switch (130), whereafter, upon operation of a control switch by a user, the coffeemaker (30) will process through a beverage brewing cycle. When the actuator (132) moves, the outlet (88) is opened to allow the flow of the beverage to the carafe (64).

Abstract: A beverage making appliance has a water reservoir, brewing basket and water heating and pumping device within a tower structure with the brewing basket in a top region of the tower. The brewing basket has a sloped floor and a drain hole positioned near an edge of the sloped floor, and positioned over a recess in the tower so that liquid drains from the brewing basket to the exterior of the tower. The recess in the tower is configured to receive a pitcher whereby a pitcher positioned within the recess receives liquid, in the form of a brewed beverage, from the brewing basket. A valve assembly in connection with the drain hole of the brewing basket is controllable from the exterior of the tower to regulate the flow rate of liquid from the brewing basket into the pitcher, thus altering the characteristics of the brewed beverage produced by the appliance.

Abstract: An improved household coffee maker is disclosed, having a built-in water filter for removing water-borne contaminants. The water filter is disposed between the water reservoir and the heating coil, which heats the water and keeps the coffee carafe warm. An indicator disposed upon the cover of the coffee maker signals when the water filter has become saturated with contaminants and requires replacement or cleaning.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus is provided including a housing with a water inlet channel, a heater to heat water delivered through the channel and a water dispenser within the housing for providing a spray of hot water to a brewing pot. The brewing pot is releasably attachable to the housing and includes a filter receptacle positioned to receive the spray of water and outlet aperture for allowing brewed tea to exit. A filter basket for containing the tea leaves is lodged within the filter receptacle. The basket has a base with a wire mesh screen and an integrally formed non-porous siphon shroud projecting upwardly from a central area of the floor base, the shroud being closed at the top while open at the bottom. A siphoning tube is lodged within the aperture of the filter receptacle and open at both ends. When nested, the siphon shroud surrounds the siphoning tube to create a siphon arrangement for continuously removing tea extract fluid from the filter basket.

Abstract: An automatic hot-beverage maker for brewing coffee, tea or similar brewed beverages is provided with a base stand. A cylindrical column having a bottom is attached to the base stand. A thin-walled casing shield is provided over a height of the cylindrical column for protection. A first clamping ring is mounted in a bottom area of the cylindrical column for support of a pitcher to receive brewed beverage. An arm is mounted to a top of the cylindrical column forming a second clamping ring for support of a charge container. A reservoir container placed in an upper part of the cylindrical column has at its bottom an adjoining pan for water. Mounted within the pan is an exchangeable filter has a casing jacket forming an upper elastic lip on an inner side surface of the pan and a cover of the casing jacket is furnished in an encircling seat. A driver dog extends perpendicular from a top of the encircling seat in an upward direction into the reservoir container.

Abstract: A brew basket to hold ground coffee through which water is to pass includes a basket member to support a bed of ground coffee. The basket member has at least one opening therein to permit the egress of water having passed through the bed of coffee. A pan is positioned above the bed of ground coffee to collect water entering the brew basket. The pan has a plurality of spaced holes therein to distribute collected water generally uniformly and gently over the bed of coffee. A coffee-making machine having a sprayhead including a pan to collect water and distribute collected water generally uniformly and evenly over a bed of ground coffee is also provided.

Abstract: A coffee maker has container (3, 5), which can be closed pressure-tight, for holding powdered coffee (12). Container (3) is equipped on the inside with screen (10) on the bottom and side wall. Flat, preferably round filter pouch (11) is inserted into container (3) such that the bottom and side wall of container (3) are completely covered. Filter pouch (11) is held by screen (10) at a distance to the inside wall of the container so that the coffee can flow out easily on all sides. The hot water is injected with nozzle head (6) at a 45.degree. angle to the center axis of the container.

Abstract: A coffee maker comprises a water reservoir, a water heating and supply device for supplying hot water to a filter device, the brewed coffee flowing from the filter device to a receptacle. The coffee maker includes a level detection circuit for detecting the water level in the reservoir, and this water level is used to control the brewing process so as to vary the flow of hot water to the filter device in dependence upon the water level in the reservoir. The water level may be used to control the power of a heating element in a continuous heater or may be used to control the operation of a pump in a pumped system.

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 single unit coffee brewer for simultaneous brewing of two different types of coffee which utilizes carafes that in appearance resemble a single carafe but in actuality are constructed of two separate carafes. Each carafe receives brewed coffee from a separate filter basket with each filter basket to receive water from its own separate water tank. The water of each water tank is to be moved through a water supply conduit that is unique to that water tank to which it is affixed. The conduits and water of both water tanks and the warming plate assembly are to be heated by a heater assembly mounted within the base of the coffee brewer. There is a separate heater unit of the heater assembly for each separate warming plate with there being multiple separate warming plates within the warming plate assembly.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a main body, a bottle connected to the main body which has a base seat, a hollow frame disposed on the base seat, a curved groove formed in the hollow frame, a steering device disposed in the hollow frame, and an upper cover device disposed on the main body. The upper cover device has a yoke, a first cap disposed on a first end of the yoke, a second cap disposed on a second end of the yoke, and a swivel button disposed on the yoke. The base seat has a first round plate and a second round plate. The steering device has a steam outlet disk disposed beneath the first cap, and a water outlet disk disposed beneath the second cap. A coffee container receives a filter device. The filter device receives a dish. The coffee container is disposed beneath the steam outlet disk. A cup is disposed beneath the second cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a substance contained in a sachet for preparation of a beverage has a first member having raised and hollow portions for forming a flow zone and a second member for cooperating with the first member to form a chamber to contain the sachet for extraction of the substance and to grip the edge of the sachet to ensure fluid-tightness upon being tightened, each member being configured for forming substantially half of the chamber for containing and ensuring a specific sachet shape. In one embodiment, the second member has provision for perforating an upper surface of a sachet for introducing water into the sachet. In another embodiment, the first member has an injector member which projects beyond the raised portions for perforating and introducing water into the sachet.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tankless water heater combined with a beverage brewing/dispenser, whereby the user may selectively dispense either hot water or a heated beverage of the user's choice.

Abstract: The coffee preparation unit comprises a simplified injection group consisting of an assemblage of plastic elements attached to the lower plate (12) of its front portion (11). This group consists of a crosspiece (70) covered by an injection element (60) on an upper distribution chamber (63), which is traversed by a plurality of longitudinal channels communicating with a spray (51) which is attached to the front portion of the injection piece (60). The container holder (55) is attached directly to the lower plate (12) of the front portion (11). The coffee preparation unit also comprises an individual heater (46) for each coffee preparation post, with a flexible tube serving as a hydraulic inlet (47). The invention is of interest to manufacturers of professional "espresso" coffee machines.

Abstract: A temperature maintaining device of a coffee maker includes a hot water chamber cover formed between the hot water chamber and the top cover, for closing atmosphere existing therebetween, to prevent temperature of the hot water passing through the hot water chamber to be decreased. The hot water chamber cover has a projection portion which is formed on the one side thereof, for covering the hot water flowing portion on the hot water chamber, and a through hole portion which is formed on the center portion thereof, into which the control knob is rotatably inserted.

Abstract: A beverage maker employs an electrically operated boiler having a hot water output and a cold water input. Electric power is supplied through a normally open micro switch to the boiler. The boiler is actuated to produce heat only when the switch is closed and is deactuated and produces no heat when the switch is open. A water reservoir is disposed above the boiler and above the switch. The reservoir has a water input port at the top of the reservoir and a water output port at the bottom of the reservoir. A water feed hose connects the output port of the reservoir through a one way valve to the cold water input of the boiler whereby water can flow by gravity out of the reservoir into the boiler but cannot flow out of the boiler into the reservoir. A counter balancing mechanism is secured to the reservoir to maintain the reservoir in raised position above the switch when the reservoir is empty whereby the switch is open and the boiler is deactuated.

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 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: Brewing apparatus comprising a brew-collecting container (1), defined by a sidewall (2) and a bottom wall (3), that can be placed under the outlet (4) of a filter (5) of a housing (6) of a brewing apparatus (7), in such a way that it rests on a base (8) of said brewing apparatus (7). The container (1) includes a handle (9) fastened to said sidewall (2) by fastening means, a spout (10) through which the brew is poured out of the container (1) and a lid (11) which has an opening (12) through which the brew flows into the container. In accordance with the invention, the opening (12) is located in alignment with the spout (10), and the outlet (4) of the filter (5) is arranged so as to overlay said spout (10) in a brewing position. The invention is particularly useful for electric coffee-makers.

Abstract: A beverage brewing appliance for producing a brewed beverage having a serving temperature within a predetermined serving temperature range. The 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 delivering 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 which delivers 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: An automatic drip beverage brewing apparatus in the form an urn includes a liquid reservoir, a brewed beverage reservoir, a brewing basket for holding coffee or tea over an opening to the beverage reservoir, a spigot in the brewed beverage reservoir for draining brewed beverage from the brewed beverage reservoir, and a cover which covers both the liquid reservoir and the brewed beverage reservoir. The brewed beverage reservoir includes a liner which provides an insulative air gap between the liner and the housing which defines the brewed beverage reservoir. A warming element is attached to the brewed beverage reservoir liner. A swing arm shower head is positionable over an opening to the brewing basket. A conduit provides a liquid passageway from the liquid reservoir to a liquid heating element to the shower head. The liquid and beverage reservoirs may be integrally formed by a common housing mountable upon a base which houses the heating element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a beverage brewing apparatus (1) comprising a filter assembly (18) which is removable from the brewer housing (2) along a plane of movement (24) and includes an opening (25) open in upward direction and formed by an upper rim (22). In inserted condition, the opening (25) of the filter assembly (18) rests under a cover (28) from which the brewing water flows into the filter assembly (18). The predominant portion of the upper rim (22) of the filter assembly (18) lies in a first plane (23). The area (26) of the cover (28) cooperating with the predominant portion of the upper rim (22) lies in a second plane (30). With the filter assembly (18) in inserted condition, the first (23) and the second (30) plane extend essentially parallel to each other and are vertically disposed in close proximity to each other. According to the invention, both the first (23) and the second (30) plane are inclined relative to the plane of movement (24) by an angle of inclination (a).

Abstract: An electric beverage maker comprising: a water reservoir; a water delivery tube for conducting hot water from the reservoir; a water distribution chamber located above a location of a filter holder and disposed for receiving water from the water delivery tube, the chamber being provided with a water outlet opening; a water recycling conduit providing a water flow path between the water distribution chamber and the reservoir; and a valve for blocking or unblocking the water outlet opening for permitting, when the water outlet opening is blocked, recycling of water via the recycling conduit, the improvement wherein the recycling conduit is constituted by a guide member forming a channel enclosing the water delivery tube.

Abstract: A coffee-making machine includes a reservoir connected to an external water supply via a valve which is divided into hot and cold water tanks. The cold water tank feeds a boiler which operates to heat the water in the cold water tank only when a brew cycle has been initiated. Heated water from the boiler is fed to an expansion chamber before being discharged onto the ground coffee via a spray head at the end of the expansion chamber. Upper and lower water level sensors are in the cold water tank and detect water level conditions therein. A controller communicates with the upper and lower level sensors and the boiler and allows a brew cycle to be initiated only when the water level in the cold water tank is detected by the upper level sensor. When the water level in the cold water tank falls below the lower level sensor, the controller disables the boiler and opens the valve to replenish the water level in the cold water tank.

Abstract: Control device (1) for an electrical household appliance for the preparation of infusion beverages, having a housing (2) enclosing a reservoir (3) for cold water, a heating plate (4) supported an infusion collector (5), a water heater (6) connected thermally to the plate (4) and having a conduit (6') connected to the cold water reservoir (3) and a rising conduit (6") connected to a water pipe (7) of an infusion filter (8) disposed above the infusion collector (5). An electrical heating resistance (9) for the water heater (6) is connected to an electrical supply circuit (10) switchingly controlled by the device. The device supplies the electrical resistance (9) in a first phase intermittently by current pulses of predetermined duration, separated by pause times also of predetermined duration, and in a second phase supplies the electrical resistance (9) with a direct current.

Abstract: An appliance for infusing a substance, for example coffee, comprises means (23, 16) for dividing an initial quantity of water into a pre-wetting quantity and at least one additional quantity, which quantities are poured on in at least two steps which are spaced in time. Means (20a, 20b, 22) for continuously measuring the level of the water to be poured on enable several dividing programs to be selected.

Abstract: An electrical coffee pot positionable in a vehicle and operable from a cigarette lighter receptacle comprising a base plate constituting a lower component positionable in a vehicle in a horizontal disposition with an electrical switch movable between an on and off orientation and an electrical resistance wire operable in response to the orientation of the switch, the base also including a tube for the passage of water for use in brewing coffee with the electrical resistance wire spirally wound therearound to heat water passing therethrough, the electrical resistance wire coupled to an electrical cord having at one end a device positionable in the cigarette lighter receptacle of the vehicle to power the resistance wire; an upper component horizontally disposed and adapted to receive heated water from the tube in the base plate with a drawer adapted to receive the coffee to be brewed from the passage of water therethrough; a vertically disposed back component coupling the lower component and the upper component

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which includes a tank for containing heated water. Partitions are positioned in the heated water tank to define holding sections and a brewing section. Water is introduced into the holding sections of the tank and heated therein to a temperature of 180.degree.. Water retained in the heated water tank may pass from the holding sections around the partitions to the brewing section. A beverage holding reservoir is disposed in each of the holding sections of the tank so that heat from the water in the holding sections maintains a beverage disposed in the holding reservoirs at a desired temperature. A brewing assembly is associated with the holding reservoir and a dispensing head on a swing arm communicates with the brewing section and is positionable in relation to each of the brewing assemblies. A sensor and heater in the brewing section maintain the water retained therein at a temperature of 200.degree..

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: An electrically heated continuous flow heater control system includes an electric switching element that has an open and a closed switching position and is electrically connected in series to a thermostat. Switching element (26) is always closed in the brewing process while it can be opened and closed again in the keep-warm process by a control circuit. The control circuit includes a temperature sensor which is in good heat contact with the infusion beverage. When in the initial phase of the keep-warm process the sensor temperature is in excess of a definable switching temperature, the control circuit keeps the switching element in its open position for as long as the sensor temperature remains higher than the switching temperature in the course of the consequently occurring cooling of the infusion beverage.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which employs a water control assembly, a moisture recovery assembly, an improved thermostatic and low water sensor configuration and an easily removable sprayhead. The control assembly controllably regulates the flow of water from the fill basin into the reservoir using a valve which is interconnected with a lid covering a fill opening in the hood portion. Water from the basin will not flow into the reservoir, and thus will not produce a brewed beverage, until the lid is closed by the user. The moisture recovery assembly employs a baffle opening and a collection portion on a vent to return condensation which may accumulate on the vent to the fill basin. A sleeve is positioned in the fill water opening in the hood portion to collect condensation and to reduce the surface area of the water which may be affected by air movements through the brewing apparatus.

Abstract: An ADC coffee maker has a brewed coffee container and a cold water compartment surrounding part of the brewed coffee container located in a single housing. The coffee maker housing includes an upper housing member made from a thermoplastic material and a lower housing made from a thermoplastic material and forming the lower part of the brewed coffee container, such lower part being closed by a stainless steel warmer plate. A cold water fill port is located adjacent the upper end of the brewed coffee container. A uniquely constructed brew basket is provided and a uniquely constructed lid that covers the brewed coffee container and the fill port is also provided.