Dispensing machine for tea

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for nonpressurized infusion brewing of a beverage, and especially tea brewed freshly from tea leaves, primarily adapted for use in vending machines. The apparatus includes a novel brew assembly comprising a frame, a carriage reciprocable along the frame between a brew position and discharge position. The carriage is driven between the brew position and discharge position by a motor driven crank pin mounted on a crank arm in which the crank pin is slidable in a transverse slot formed in the carriage. The carriage carries a brew cavity having an open top and bottom with externally extending guide pins mounted on opposed side walls. The brew cavity is mounted within the carriage and is normally biased towards a lower position. The brew cavity includes a stop member which abruptly abuts the carriage after the guide pins of the brew cavity are raised by inclined cam members to a maximum point where the guide members ride off the end of the cam members to cause the discharge of spent tea leaves or other solid infusible material by virtue of inertia and gravity. The brew cavity guide members then pass under the inclined cam members back to the brew position where the cycle begins again.