GB1115787A - Improvements in or relating to a drip coffee maker - Google Patents

Abstract

1,115,787. Drip type coffee maker. VACUUM DIE CASTING CORPORATION. 13 Dec., 1965 [14 Dec., 1964], No. 52900/65. Heading A4D. A drip type coffee maker - Figs. 1 and 3 - comprises a source of hot water 12, a coffee server 14, and a coffee basket 16, which is supported by an annular support 18 in which overflow holes 26 to the server are provided. The basket has a spreader 20, and the reservoir 12 has a full bottom 22 except for a discharge hole 24 which may be defined by a plastic eyelet-like bushing 28. The spreader has small holes 30 desirably at the top of upward projections 32. Vent holes 44 are provided near the top of the basket, and the various parts may be held together by a spring 42. The maximum brew level is shown at 17 and overflow of excess hot water from the reservoir passes through the holes 26 directly to the server without passing through the basket. In another embodiment - Figs. 18 and 19 - the reservoir 212 is provided with a full bottom 220 except for a water discharge hole 222 which is relatively large. The reservoir is provided with a valve 224 in the form of a manually removable rod, the lower end 226 of which acts as a stopper for the hole 224. The rod may be provided with a scale; alternatively the reservoir may have a scale. The riser tube 330 may terminate as shown at the 3-cup level or may extend to the top of the reservoir (Fig. 21, not shown). The valve action may be made automatic, Fig. 28. The reservoir 412 and discharge hole 422 are fitted with a delay valve 426 which contains thermally responsive means 428 to open the valve plug 430 after a short delay. The particular valve illustrated has resilient means 432 to close the valve at room temperature while the thermally responsive means 428 opens the valve after a delay of about 30 seconds. The means 428 may be lined with or enclosed in heat insulation means 434. The thermally responsive means 428 may be a quantity of an expandable wax-like material which changes phase from solid to liquid and expands greatly when heated, pushing downwards a flexible diaphragm 458 and with it a flexible plug 459 which bears against a steel valve stem 460. The valve stem carries the valve plug 430. The volume of the basket is desirably from 1.6 to 2.5 times the volume of the maximum dry coffee charge. Further embodiments include means to inhibit the formation of a whirlpool in the reservoir, a hollow heat-insulating handle of large diameter for the spreader, which acts also as a vent, and water distribution holes in the spreader comprising slits. The apparatus may also be used for brewing other beverages, particularly tea.