Abstract: A food preparation system comprising a container having a prescribed quantity of foodstuff. The container includes an interior chamber expandable by the addition of a liquid. The food preparation system further comprises a vessel sized and configured to receive the container and a prescribed volume of liquid. A pump is in fluid communication with the liquid and the container. The pump is operative to transfer the liquid from the vessel into the container such that as the foodstuff is mixed with the liquid, the interior of the container will expand into the vessel.

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

Abstract: An effervescent beverage having an effervescent gas dissolved therein is described. The beverage remains pressurized until consumed and may have a smooth and silky texture when a sparingly soluble gas is used.

Abstract: A wheeled coffee maker device for allowing a user to more easily move the coffee maker about upon a countertop. The wheeled coffee maker device includes a conventional coffee-making unit including a base housing, a heating plate mounted upon a top of the base housing, a coffee-making housing being disposed above the base housing, a coffee pot, and a filter member being removably attached to the coffee-making housing; and also includes a wheel assembly being mounted to a bottom of the base housing; and further includes non-slippage support members being securely attached to the bottom of the base housing to prevent the coffee-making unit from uncontrolled rolling; and also includes a handle being securely attached to the base housing to facilitate rolling of the coffee-making unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a quantity of a hot beverage, comprising providing a source of a liquid having an adjustable temperature, selecting an infusion time and an infusion temperature, supplying from the source liquid substantially at the selected infusion temperature, the supplied liquid having a volume equal to or slightly larger than the quantity, mixing the supplied liquid with a flavor ingredient having the selected infusion time and infusion temperature, infusing the flavor ingredient in the supplied liquid substantially for the selected infusion time whereby the selected ingredient is at least partially dissipated in the supplied liquid thereby forming a brew, and following the infusion time, removing an undissipated portion of the flavor ingredient from the brew thereby yielding the beverage.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses decanter for operating with at least two types of coffee makers. The decanter includes a base-lid for mounting on the decanter for brewing coffee with a first type of coffee makers. The decanter further has a lid-attachment for attaching to the base-lid to constitute a combined lid assembly for mounting on and covering the decanter suitable for brewing coffee with a second type of coffee makers. In a preferred embodiment, the base-lid further includes receptive adapting slots for receiving and removably adapting the lid attachment to the base-lid whereby the lid-attachment may be flexible attached and removed from the base-lid.

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

Abstract: A food preparation system comprising a container having a prescribed quantity of foodstuff. The container includes an interior chamber expandable by the addition of a liquid. The food preparation system further comprises a vessel sized and configured to receive the container and a prescribed volume of liquid. A pump is in fluid communication with the liquid and the container. The pump is operative to transfer the liquid from the vessel into the container such that as the foodstuff is mixed with the liquid, the interior of the container will expand into the vessel.

Abstract: A self-heating urn (10) is provided with a warmer packs (18) which are rapidly heated during the brewing process and then gradually release their heat to the brewed beverage within the urn after it is removed from the brewing location to a serving location at which electrical powered for heating is not available. The warmer pack (18) are formed of ceramic materials, high density liquids, PCM's or the like which are capable of being rapidly heated during the brewing process but then gradually release their heat to the beverage in the urn. Alternatively, the warmer packs (18) are removably mounted within a compartment (68) within the self-heating urn (10) and are heated apart from the brewing process and then inserted into the self-heating urn (10) when it is moved to a serving location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the system, apparatus, and method for controllably mixing a concentrate with a dilution substance using closed-loop feedback in order to improve the resultant substance. The present invention discloses a system, apparatus and method for sensing the conductivity of a diluted substance to provide feedback information for adjusting dispensing of a concentrate used to produce the resultant or diluted substance. The present invention also includes a system for dispensing beverages using the conductivity sensor such that the system controllably adjusts the dispensing of concentrate to maintain the resultant beverage within a desired concentration range based on conductivity sensing. The present invention also includes the method for sensing the conductivity of the resultant beverage and adjusting the dispensing of concentrate in response to the conductivity of the resultant beverage.

Abstract: A stand for an electric pot has a support extending out from a peripheral edge of a base of the stand and a plate integrally formed with the support and being adapted to receive and support cups on the plate. When the water within the electric pot is boiled, the cups that go with the pot can simultaneously be heated for sanitary purposes.

Abstract: A portable dispensing container includes an internal holding vessel for receiving and dispensing a hot beverage. The internal holding vessel is wrapped with a high-temperature plastic jacket which extends from the bottom surface of the holding vessel to its upper lip, the jacket further including an inlet port and an outlet port. Heated air is introduced into the jacket through the inlet port and circulates about the periphery of the holding vessel until exiting through the outlet port. The circulating air maintains the surfaces of the holding vessel at a desirable and constant temperature, a temperature that is substantially equivalent to the temperature of the heated beverage contained in the holding vessel.

Abstract: A method for preparing espresso coffee or similar drinks in manual or automatic machines, by causing a forced flow of boiling water to pass through a percolation chamber containing coffee powder, in which an adjustable back pressure is created in the percolation chamber to increase the time of contact between the powder and the water.

Abstract: A steaming pitcher for preparing hot beverages with a liquid crystal thermometer attached to an exterior surface of the pitcher for detecting the temperature of any liquid contained therein. The liquid crystal thermometer eliminates the need for conventional food service thermometers that are placed in the liquid being heated.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a beverage preparation and dispensing container each include a quantity of potable water (spring water, distilled water, etc.) sealed therein, with a separate concentrated drink mix packet removably secured to the container's outer surface. Each container is relatively short and squat, to provide a good ratio between internal volume and outer surface to more efficiently retain the heat of a heated beverage therein. The container walls are also relatively thick, for the same reason. Each container has a relatively wide mouth, allowing the consumer to slowly sip a beverage from the container and present a large surface area to cooling air, rather than ingesting a large amount at one time and possibly burning the mouth, as would occur with a narrow necked bottle. The drink mix (tea, coffee, powdered or syrup flavoring, etc.) is secured to the container side or top in one of several ways, for convenient access.

Abstract: A inductively coupled beverage warmer for safely heating a beverage contained in a container. The inductively coupled beverage warmer includes a container having a bottom wall and a side wall; and also includes a temperature sensitive switch disposed in the container, a heater connected to the temperature sensitive switch, and a secondary induction coil connected to the resistor and disposed on the bottom wall of the container; and further includes a base member including a housing having a top wall, side walls, and an circular recessed portion in the top wall; and also includes a power cord extending through a hole in the housing and being connectable to a power source, an on/off switch mounted to the housing, a contact switch moveably disposed upwardly through an opening in the recessed portion, and a primary induction coil disposed under the recessed portion and connected to the contact switch for inducing electrical current in the secondary induction coil.

Abstract: A heating pot for decocting Chinese herbs, including a container on which Chinese herbs are to be contained, a heater received in the container so as not to contact the container, and a condenser installed on the opening of the container, for condensing important medicinal elements contained in vapor. The heater has a ray generation means for generating high temperature infrared rays toward the container, a main reflection means for reflecting the infrared rays to the container, and a follower member which has a lateral follower extending from the side of the heater for shielding the side of the condenser installed in the container, and an upper follower coupled to the top of the lateral follower for shielding the upper portion of the condenser.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional automatic-chip coffee maker has a glass carafe made with an inner layer and an outer layer separated by an air gap. Openable apertures allow hot air to enter the air gap when the carafe is supported on a base. The hot air is supplied from a heating coil by a fan and flows into the air gap. During preparation of coffee the hot air can be used to initially heat up the carafe, to brew coffee in the carafe and to keep the coffee warm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tea steeper that enables an automatic drip coffeemaker to brew tea as well as coffee. The tea steeper comprises a cylindrical body having perforated side walls, a perforated bottom wall, and an open top surrounded by a support rim. A pair of upwardly extending finger grips are provided to enable one to easily grasp the tea steeper. In use, the support rim rests atop the spout of a carafe for suspending the tea steeper within the carafe. The carafe may also contain a pivotal lid which closes over the spout but does not engage the support rim or finger grip portions of the tea steeper resting atop the spout.

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

Abstract: A method and assembly is provided to mix solids with a liquid in the preparation of a beverage. The assembly includes a disposable cup receptacle with an open top end. On the interior of the cup receptacle a ridge is positioned a predetermined distance below the open top end. A solid beverage flavorant, such as coffee or tea is placed in the cup receptacle. A disposable filter insert is positionable within the cup receptacle and contains a filter screen that is water permeable, yet blocks the solid beverage flavorant. The filter insert is placed into the cup receptacle after the solid beverage flavorant has been added to the cup receptacle. The filter insert is configured to engage the ridge of the interior of the cup receptacle, thereby retaining the filter insert in place over the solid beverage flavorant. Water is then poured into the cup receptacle through the filter insert. The water mixes with the solid beverage flavorant and produces the desired beverage.

Abstract: A beverage mixture forming apparatus includes a batch vessel, a first valve distributing a mixture of hot water and a beverage concentrate into the batch vessel, a second valve for distributing cold water into the batch vessel, and a controller. The controller controls the first valve to intermittently distribute the mixture of the hot water and the beverage concentrate and the second valve to intermittently distribute the cold water in forming a batch of the beverage mixture.

Abstract: Vapor evaporated from plural mixing bowls are absorbed and exhausted by a box shaped vapor-exhausting chamber. The vapor-exhausting chamber is composed of an upper casing, a lower casing, and a panel provided with plural through-holes inserted between the upper and lower casings. The panel equalizes negative pressure applied to the plural mixing bowls, and functions as a filter for separating powdery material from vapor by making powdery material adhere to the panel. The powdery material-accumulated panel can be removed by disassembling the vapor-exhausting chamber, and cleaned up.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing coffee comprises a chassis engaging an electronic power and control circuit, a water heater, a coffee brewing tray adapted for receiving a coffee packet, a coffee pot supporting shelf, a control panel adapted for receiving manual selections for operating the apparatus, an electrical interlock adapted for sensing the presence of a coffee pot on the coffee pot supporting shelf. An electrical interlocking scheme is adapted for sensing when the coffee pot is present and when it is full, the temperature and level of water in the water heater, and when a restraining handle is in place.

Abstract: The invention provides a kettle having a body and a spout with an entrance end and an exit end. A coarse filter is located across the entrance end and a separate fine filter is detachably attached to the exit end. The fine filter assembly forms a seal with the surface of the spout at the exit end and is a push fit or snap fit, preferably incorporating an elastic sealing member, on the exit end.

Abstract: An apparatus for making drinks such as filtered water, coffee, espresso or tea which comprise a cold water filter system for purifying water for either direct consumption or use in extracting flavor-containing materials like coffee and a hot water filter assembly located on the brew head for removing impurities originated from both water itself and the parts of the apparatus in contact with water. The cold water filter system comprises a removable water container having at its bottom a water passageway, a filter cartridge removably mounted in the water passageway, a containing chamber for receiving the filtered water, and a valve in the water passageway for closing the passageway when the container is removed from and opening the passageway when placed onto the containing chamber.

Abstract: A quality control apparatus for a beverage held in a beverage container. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to be in thermal communication with the beverage and detect attainment of a first predetermined temperature. The apparatus also includes a timer coupled with the sensor. The timer is configured to commence timing in response to detection of the attainment of the first predetermined temperature by the sensor. The apparatus also typically includes an indicator coupled to the timer and configured to indicate to a user a status of the timer.

Abstract: A beverage warming device for collecting, temporarily storing, and thermally maintaining an elevated level of a hot beverage which includes a heated drinking container and a mating holding structure for holding the heated drinking container and connecting it to an electrical power source.

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 food preparation device can be used for making up formula milk for a baby. The device includes a water tank in which water may be boiled by operating a boil button. Once the boiled water has cooled down to a temperature below a predetermined temperature, the previously boiled water may be reheated to the predetermined temperature by operating a button. Operating the button causes water in the tank to be reheated to the predetermined temperature and to be discharged to a bottle received in a bottle receiving station. If dehydrated formula milk powder has previously been added to the bottle, once discharge is complete the bottle may be capped with a teat, shaken to mix the powder with the water, and used to feed a baby or toddler.

Abstract: A hot water bottle includes a bottle bottom, a bottle body, and a bottle cover. The bottle body is made of transparent glass which allows the level of water to be seen clearly from the outside of the bottle. A plurality of protective strips, with proper distribution, are formed on the outer surface of the bottle body to protect the user's hand by acting as a heat isolation barrier.