Carafe-operated coffee brewing system
US4872402A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1988 |
| Grant date | Oct 10, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47J31/545
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A coffee brewing unit is disclosed which enables a brew cycle to be initiated automatically upon insertion of a coffee receiving vessel into its coffee receiving position, but which prevents a brew cycle from proceeding if a number of required operating conditions are not implemented. If all operating conditions again become implemented after a brew cycle, once underway, is interrupted, the brew cycle continues on to completion. Visual signals indicate that a brew cycle is in progress and also when sufficient mineral deposits are present that cleaning of the unit is recommended. An insulated carafe is used as the vessel to receive brewed coffee thereby eliminating the need for a warmer plate. The unit may be mounted under a cabinet to thereby maximize usable countertop space and a coffee basket for the unit utilizes a dispensing valve which is opened by the carafe when inserted into position but which closes when the carafe is withdrawn. A thermostat which is used in association with the water generator for the unit has a manual reset switch which is actuated by a self contained water reservoir when moved into its operating position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.