Black Decker Inc.

Paul D Johnson

Gregory E Moores

Robert E Kubicko

Louis C Martone

A heat insulated coffee carafe for placement at the brewed coffee outlet of a coffee maker is provided with a securely fitting lid through which the coffee passes directly into the carafe without removal of the lid. When the carafe and its lid are placed in the coffee maker, mutual pressure between the lid and the coffee maker causes seals in the lid to open and permits the coffee to enter the carafe without removing the lid and with a minimal loss of heat and coffee aroma. Removal of the carafe and lid from the coffee maker automatically closes the seals to retain the heat and aroma in the carafe for long periods of use. In another embodiment a positive drip-stop seal in the coffee maker is closed automatically when the carafe is removed, whereby dripping from the coffee maker is prevented. In a further embodiment, a drip-stop seal in the coffee maker and a seal in the lid are both opened when the carafe is installed in the coffee maker. The flow capacity of the drip-stop seal is less than that of the seal in the lid, whereby flow control of the coffee is provided. Special provisions permit an unblocked exhaust flow of air while liquid is being admitted to the carafe.

Brew through lid for coffee maker

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a dispensing valve which is opened by the carafe when inserted into position but which closes when the carafe is withdrawn.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.

Carafe-operated coffee brewing system

For a coffee brewing machine, an indicating system which operates to notify the user when it is time to clean the water supply conduit of accumulated mineral deposits. When a self contained removable reservoir is inserted into its operative position connecting to the water supply conduit, it closes the contacts of a temperature sensitive switch. During normal operation, the switch opens when water is depleted from the reservoir and the brewing cycle is completed. However, if the switch opens while water remains in the supply conduit upstream of the heater mechanism, this is a sure indication that there is a substantial accumulation of mineral deposits in the supply conduit. Thus, a sensing mechanism is employed to detect the presence of water in the supply conduit after the temperature sensitive switch opens, and a lamp is energized to indicate the condition. In one embodiment, the sensing operation is performed by an electromechanical device, and in another embodiment by logic circuitry.

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Hamden, CT, United States of America

Paul D Johnson