Combination Coffee Maker and Hot Jug

Abstract

An on demand instant hot, dual dispensing, coffee maker features a bottom filled water reservoir tank. The coffee maker draws water from the reservoir tank and pumps it through a series of solenoid valves directing it to an on-demand instant water heater. The water is heated and pressurized to approximately 3 bar (approximately 43.5 psi). The pressurized hot water passes through the coffee capsule and then immediately dispenses into a user's cup.

Claims

1. An on demand instant hot dual dispensing coffee maker and hot jug comprising: a bottom filled water reservoir tank; a pump interconnected with the reservoir tank and a series of valves to a water heater; and a coffee capsule support.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Embodiments of the described apparatus are illustrated only as examples in the drawing figures accompanying this written description. Alpha-numerical call-outs are used to identify elements of the invention, wherein the same call-out refers to the same element as it may appear in the several drawing figures.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of the instant coffee/hot water maker;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view thereof;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a still further perspective view thereof;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a yet still further rear perspective view thereof showing wiring details;

[0010] FIGS. 5 and 6 are further rear perspective views thereof showing details of components and wiring;

[0011] FIG. 7 is a further rear perspective view thereof showing additional components;

[0012] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view thereof showing a cabinet enclosure;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a section taken along cutting plane line A-A at FIG. 10;

[0014] FIG. 10 is a side view thereof showing outside dimensions;

[0015] FIG. 11 is a front view thereof; and

[0016] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The herein described and illustrated invention in FIGS. 1-12 is an on demand instant hot dual dispensing coffee maker and hot jug (water heater) apparatus with a bottom filled water reservoir tank used to brew coffee or boil hot water for tea or soup. The unit draws the water from the bottom filled reservoir tank using a pump which pumps the water through a series of solenoid valves and directs the water to the on-demand instant hot water heater. The water is then heated to a pressure of approximately 3 bar (43.5 psi) which then fills into a brew basket over a coffee pillow pack to produce coffee, or with no pillow pack to simply produce hot water. The hot liquid is then dispensed into a carafe for instance.

[0018] An in-line heater system negates the need for a traditional boiler system, thereby reducing technical risk such as over-pressure conditions and the necessity for close management. Furthermore, the in-line heater system largely eliminates the lengthy pre-heat time associated with typical industry-standard boilers by enabling sufficiently hot brew within 1-2 seconds of activation while maintaining that ability throughout consecutive back-to-back dispenses. The in-line heater employs a primary aluminum heat-sink, two separate heater modules with brazed and coiled water tubing, a primary bracket which captures and constrains the heaters and heat sink, and a self-resetting thermostat switch, which is typically set to 275 F. Additionally, an integrated thermistor probe is used for real-time controller feedback, and an integrated one-shot thermal fuse is used in the event that the self-resetting thermostat fails to operate properly, or any other condition causes insufficiently control of the heater. A weight sensing reservoir tank; primary reservoir, employs thin-film force sensitive resistance pads and a controller based) inclinometer to calculate real time weight of the fluid in the reservoir tank which is used as a fill indication and empty water lock out.